We’re on the hunt for the next Daria! Check out our top 10 model search finalists in the pages below and
click here to vote for who you think should win. The winner’s prize includes attending Elmer Olsen’s Bootcamp 2 Bigtime modelling workshop and the chance to appear in a Fall 2014 issue of ELLE Canada.

Model finalist: Dominique Desmarais

Hometown: “Ottawa, Ont.”

Fave model of all time: “Cara Delevingne.”

Top three role models: “Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lawrence, and my mother.”

VOTE NOW: Is Dominique your favourite finalist?

My definition of beauty: “In today’s society, beauty is often defined by facial symmetry, the shine of someone’s hair, or the smoothness of their skin. Beauty, however, is about more than doll-like features – it’s revealed in acts of generosity, kindness and compassion. Beauty comes with accepting yourself and people around you. It comes in many shapes, colours, sizes and forms and can be found in each and every one of us.”

Why I want to win this competition: “Modelling inspires me. When I’m in front of the camera or strutting down the runway, I feel so confident in myself. I believe that modelling is an art form – it tells a story without words. I’m in love with my ability to transform into a different character and experiment with different emotions. To be featured in a magazine and signed to one of the world’s top agencies has always been a dream of mine, and this competition is my opportunity to reach it. I want to further develop my career and discover new aspects of myself in the process.”

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On the next page, meet Alex Lowe, a Kingston tomboy who loves Coco Chanel and Nelson Mandela…

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Model-Finalist-Alex-Lowe.jpgModel finalist: Alex Lowe

Hometown: “Kingston, Ont.”

Fave model of all time: “Coco Rocha.”

Top three role models: “Coco Chanel, Nelson Mandela and my mom.”

CAST YOUR VOTE: Do you think Alex should win?

My definition of beauty: “I believe that beauty is composed of two things: confidence and personality. As cheesy as it sounds, beauty really does comefrom within. A person can be externally beautiful, but – unless they have a beautiful personality to match – they’re never remembered or liked. This is why I believe that internal beauty is much more important, and this is how beauty should be measured. Confidence in yourself and your appearance also greatly contributes to a person’s beauty. When someone is confident, other people simply feel good around them.”

Why I want to win this competition: “Quite simply, modelling has been my dream since I was 13. I have had many attempts, and most deals fell through. I feel that this competition would be a great way to jumpstart a career as a model. It would also be a pleasure to work with Elmer Olsen, who is arguably one of the best agents in the world, and definitely the best in Canada.”

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On the next page, meet Ganessa Sidhu from Surrey, B.C. who looks up to Barbara Palvin…

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Model-Finalist-Ganessa-Sidhu.jpgModel finalist: Ganessa Sidhu

Hometown: "Surrey, B.C."

Fave model of all time: "Barbara Palvin."

Top three role models:
"My mother, my father and my sister."

VOTE NOW: Is Ganessa the one to watch?

My definition of beauty: “In my opinion, the only true definition of beauty is confidence. If you are comfortable with yourself you have confidence, hence you are beautiful.”

Why do you want to win this competition: “The media and society have a huge impact on our daily lives, especially on body image. I want to show girls and women around the world that it’s okay to be happy with who you are and to do whatever you like. I also want to show that women from different cultures and races can be models.”

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On the next page, get to know Taylor Adams from Medicine Hat, Alb. who believes that beauty comes from the inside…

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Model-Finalist-Taylor-Adams.jpgModel finalist: Taylor Adams

Hometown: "Medicine Hat, Alb."

Fave model of all time: “Cara Delevingne.”

Top three role models: “Jennifer Lawrence, Hilary Duff and Taylor Swift."

VOTE NOW: Do you think Taylor should win?

My definition of beauty: “Beauty is something that comes from inside. On the outside you can be flawless, but it isn’t true beauty unless it travels deep within as well. Beauty is about embracing who you truly are. There is nothing more beautiful than someone who is comfortable in their own skin.”

Why I want to win this competition: “I want to be a role model that girls look at to feel beautiful themselves. I want to show the world that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. The world is full of opportunities – all you need is a little motivation to pursue your dreams!”

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On the next page, get to know Raché Gibbs, who defines beauty as "the face you wake up with in the morning."

Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

Model-finalist-Rache-Gibbs.jpgModel finalist: Raché Gibbs

Hometown: "Brampton, Ont."

Fave model of all time: “Tyra Banks.”

Top three role models: “Bob Marley, Tyra Banks, and my father.”

VOTE NOW: Is Raché your number one pick?

My definition of beauty: “Being completely free and natural. Growing up in my generation, you see so many portrayals of beauty in the media and not all are real. I believe beauty starts with you—no add-ons, no contouring, but simply the face you wake up with in the morning.”

Why I want to win this competition: “Modelling is my passion, and I feel like now is my time to shine. I’m here not only to model, but to inspire. Modelling to me is art, it’s confidence, it’s life! I love working with different people and being a part of their dream. I’ve worked so hard and I really want to take my work further. I’m ready for everything!”

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On the next page, get to know Rebecca Sowers from Hamilton, who believes in the importance of inner beauty…

Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

Model-finalist-Rebecca-Sowers.jpgModel Finalist: Rebecca Sowers

Hometown: “Hamilton, Ont.”

Fave model of all time: “Tyra Banks.”

Top three role models: “My older sister, Angelina Jolie and Ian Somerhalder.”

CAST YOUR VOTE: Do you think Rebecca should win?

My definition of beauty: “I believe that one must be a kind, caring, compassionate, affectionate, empathetic and understanding person that would drop everything to help someone. Anyone can look pretty these days with Photoshop. It takes a lot more than just a pretty face to be beautiful.”

Why I want to win this competition: “As a single mother, times are very difficult. This would help me pursue a modelling career and make life a bit easier for me and my son.”

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On the next page, meet Neelah Haidary, a Hamilton native who loves Miranda Kerr and dreams of becoming a role model…

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Model-finalist-Marina-Guadagnoli.jpgModel finalist: Marina Guadagnoli

Hometown: "Toronto, Ont."

Fave model of all time:
"Tyra Banks."

Top three role models:
"Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr., and Abraham Lincoln."

VOTE NOW: Should Marina take home the crown?

My definition of beauty: “Beauty is what’s within your heart; it’s about how you make someone’s day. That’s beauty.”

Why I want to wint this competition: “I want to be an inspirational model. I want to be someone who is a role model to others as well!”

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On the next page, meet Hamilton’s Jovana Zelenovic, who considers Christy Turlington a true model citizen…

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Model-Finalist-Jovana.jpg
Model Finalist: Jovana Zelenovic

Hometown: “Hamilton, Ont.”

Fave model of all time: “Christy Turlington.”

Top three role models: “My parents, Malala Yousafzai, and Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla Motors.”

VOTE NOW: Do you think Jovana should win?

My definition of beauty: “Being the best version of yourself inside and out.”

Why I want to win this competition: “I’d like to win this competition because it would mean working with ELLE Canada. Working with a magazine that brings such a wide range of topics to a diverse demographic would be an incredible opportunity and a dream come true.”

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On the next page, meet Cydney Forbes from Regina, whose role models include Audrey Hepburn and Diane Keaton…


Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Model-finalist-Cydney-Forbes.jpgModel finalist: Cydney Forbes

Hometown: "Regina, Sask."

Fave model of all time:"Cintia Dicker."

Top three role models: “My mother, Audrey Hepburn and Diane Keaton.”

VOTE NOW: Is Cydndey your favourite finalist?

My definition of beauty: “Beauty is not limited to the usual norms that are associated with it, but can be enhanced by certain physical attributes or the quality of one’s character.”

Why I want to win this competition: “I’ve always dreamed of becoming a model. I believe that the modelling and fashion worlds bring all the art forms together. Because of my love for and involvement in the arts, I wish to pursue a career in this industry.”

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CLICK HERE to vote for your favourite finalist.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.