Whanganui 13yo catches eye of major international model agency

Emma Bedford (13) is making her way up the ladder to a world-class modelling career.

Another Whanganui schoolgirl is stepping towards what could be an international career.

Thirteen-year-old Emma Bedford has signed with top Auckland agency, N Model Management, and New Zealand model scout Amanda Betts said already she has generated overseas interest.

"We have had contact from one of the most powerful model agencies in the world, which is incredible because it isn't common and means Emma could have the opportunity to work all over the world," Ms Betts said

She said they couldn't name the international agency just yet but it was situated all over the world including New York, Paris, London and Australia.

"She won't be able to get overseas work until she is 16 but the fact they are looking to invest in her now when she is young is a pretty big deal."

For Emma, becoming a model has been a long time dream and doing catwalks and catalogue work overseas is the ultimate dream.

Her mum Tracey Bedford said at the moment, because Emma was still quite young, it was all about getting some good development under her belt and learning the ropes of the industry.

"Since the age of 2, whenever Emma was given the limelight she would be in her element. She's had five years of competitive dancing on stage which she loves so this is really exciting for her."

Emma's step up the ladder follows another Whanganui up-and-comer, Jaime Mayberry, who signed with the same agency just two weeks ago.

Up and coming model, Jaime Mayberry signs with top Auckland agency. Photo/ supplied

The Wanganui Collegiate schoolgirls have been working with Carla Jayne Smith who launched Whanganui's first ever modelling agency, Embrace Model Management, in October.

Ms Smith said her and Amanda will continue to work with the girls in Whanganui gearing them up for jobs up in Auckland.

"Now that they are on the books with N Model Management, their chances of getting jobs will expand and they will have access to some amazing photographers."

Ms Betts said because they are still young jobs will be age appropriate and the focus will be to get them learning about the business of modelling.

"They might do some TV commercials, fashion shoots and catwalking but they will really start to fly when they leave school."

"So keep an eye out."