‘Midsters’ 58-year-old Sue and 53-year-old Jenny set to shake up the ‘youth-obsessed’ fashion industry
The winners of JD Williams’ ‘Midster’ model search – a nationwide competition to find two unsigned models in their mid-life years – have been revealed as Sue Hammond from Buckinghamshire and Jenny Stout from London.
JD Williams launched the search earlier this year, part of its ongoing commitment to use age appropriate models in its brand and advertising campaigns. The competition came off the back of research which revealed more than a third of British women feel ignored by the fashion and advertising industry.
The three-month long search in association with Models 1 was open to women aged 45 and above, of all sizes and shapes, and saw more than 600 women apply.
A final shortlist of 11 women whose ages spanned from 45 to 61 were invited to a casting day in London where they came face-to-face with the judging panel which included Britain’s Next Top Model judge and celebrity photographer, Nicky Johnston; Uwe Herzstein from Models One; supermodel Jan De Villeneuve and Creative Director at JD Williams, Beth Lowry.
Sue and Jenny will now appear in the brand’s Spring/Summer 2019 advertising and PR campaigns, plus receive an introduction to Models 1, Europe’s largest model agency.
Winner Sue comments: “I entered the competition to push myself out of my comfort zone. I’m 58 and have recently had breast reduction surgery having wanted it for years. I was feeling so good about how my body had changed, the different clothes I could now wear and having the confidence to wear colours instead of standard black, that when I saw the competition, it just felt like the right time to apply that confidence. So, with a great deal of encouragement from my teenage daughter I went for it!”
Fellow winner Jenny, an ex-Olympic athlete, said: “I heard about the model search from a friend on Instagram who thought I would be perfect for the brand. I did a little bit of research to see if I would fit the brand and ethos and immediately resonated with it; to feel comfortable in your own skin no matter your age or size. Women in middle age still have something to give that is valuable and can still be attractive, confident and fashionable.
On the actual day of the final casting I was surrounded by these incredible women who all had amazing stories to tell about their personal growth and who were determined to shine as a Midster, no matter where their journeys have taken them. To win amongst such a crowd was very humbling.”
Sue and Jenny’s first appearance as the new ‘faces’ of JD Williams will see them walking the catwalk at JDW Midster Live AW18 – a fashion show which will put Midsters on the agenda at this year’s London Fashion Week. They will both walk the catwalk alongside a cast of models and celebrities all aged 45 and above. JDW Midster Live AW18 will take place on 13 September.
