Perth model faces bright future
Sorrento-raised Olivia Donaldson is living proof there is something in the water in WA.
The 20-year-old model was last night crowned the inaugural winner of Foxtel's reality TV model search The Face Australia, in a nailbiting grand finale which saw her compete for the title alongside fellow WA stunner Sarah Tilleke and Sydney model Yaya Deng.
Donaldson, who signed to local agency Vivien's at the age of 14, said she was stunned to have beaten Tilleke, who was a favourite to win the series.
"I was very shocked when they did call my name out," Donaldson, right, told AAA. "When Sarah and I were in the top three, I was happy because I thought at least WA is in for a chance. But honestly I'm so happy it was a Perth girl that won."
As winner of The Face Australia, which featured supermodel mentors Naomi Campbell, Cheyenne Tozzi, and Australind-raised Nicole Trunfio, Donaldson will become the face of the Fresh Effects by Olay skincare range.
Donaldson recently moved to Sydney, where she hopes to build on her modelling portfolio. And she has a bright future ahead, having already landed campaigns for major brands including Le Specs, Max Factor and Lexus.
"Hopefully I can start picking up things for the career I've always dreamt of having," she said.
Like Trufnio, she also has her sights set on an international modelling career.
"I've got a US agency now, which is amazing, so hopefully within the next couple of years I can go overseas," she said.
Donaldson looks set to follow in footsteps of Perth modelling export Tahnee Atkinson, who won Foxtel's other reality modelling series Australia's Next Top Model back in 2009 and is now based in New York.
