Fashion Forward Fridays: Mario Tricoci Announces 5th Annual Model Search

Mario Tricoci with last year's winners Mercedes Johnson (l) and Juni Park (r)

Continuing his quest to give aspiring models the tools and platform they need to start their careers, Mario Tricoci has announced the launch of the fifth annual “Mario, Make Me a Model” campaign. 

 The program, which begins with open model calls in July, will culminate with the five finalists competing on the runway at Fashion Focus Chicago in October after months of professional training. “Mario, Make Me a Model is for someone who’s really serious about becoming a model.  Over the years more than half of our finalists have gone on to becoming working models because of their training they received through this program,” Tricoci said.  “We’re excited to get started and expect this year to be the most competitive ever.”

The program starts with four open model calls taking place July 10 and 11 at select Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa locations. Women and men 16 and older are invited to attend the “Mario, Make Me a Model” open calls on July 10 at 10 a.m. in Chicago (900 N. Michigan Ave.); July 10 at 5 p.m. in Schaumburg (675 Mall Drive); July 11 at 10 a.m. in Oak Brook (Oakbrook Center); and July 11 at 5 p.m. in Orland Park (15451 South 94th Avenue).

 No prior modeling experience is required. Individuals with current representation are ineligible. Visit www.mariomakemeamodel.com for more information on campaign rules and regulations and to follow the aspiring models and all of the “Mario, Make Me a Model” events.

The "Make Me A Model" Team

Tricoci and a panel of experts from Factor Women, Michigan Avenue magazine, Fitness Formula Clubs, and Matt Ferguson Photography will select just five fresh faces to undergo a two-month model transformation.  The winner will be selected after walking the runway with professional models at a fashion show during Fashion Focus Chicago.

All Mario Make Me a Model finalists will receive a makeover from Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, runway instruction by Factor Women, and personal training with Fitness Formula Clubs. They will appear in a 15 second commercial on CBS2 Chicago; take part in a photo shoot with photographer Matt Ferguson for a two-page spread in Michigan Avenue magazine; and walk in a major runway show with professional models. 

            

In addition to the finalist prize package, the winner of “Mario, Make Me a Model” will receive consideration for a contract with Factor Women and a five-night Apple Vacations trip for two to Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun, Mexico, which includes meals and drinks at the resort, round-trip airfare, and round-trip limousine transportation to/from Chicago O’Hare Airport. The winner will also receive $500 in COSE cosmetics from Mario Tricoci; a year’s supply of vitaminwater; and a one-year membership to Fitness Formula Clubs. 

Since Mario, Make Me a Model’s inception in 2008, more than 2,000 contestants have come to the open model calls; 21 young women and men have gone through the program as finalists; and more than half of the finalists have secured contracts for careers as working models. 

For more information about Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas, visit  www.tricoci.com.







Photo credits: Matt Ferguson Photography Ltd.