WEARING a dazzling Moulin Rouge-inspired outfit made at home on her sewing machine, a Hull teenager hopes it will secure her the title of Top Model UK.
Bruhca Astrea Howe, 19, of west Hull, has reached the final of the competition and will step onto the catwalk in London this evening.
Having already been booked for a shoot in Malta this year, a career in modelling looks likely for the former performing arts student.
She beat 4,000 other contestants for the chance to be in the final 160 models and has been entered into the editorial category of the contest.
Bruhca said: "We've been taught how to walk properly on the catwalk, standing tall and balancing books on our heads to correct our posture.
"You can't smile but have to look relaxed and it is quite difficult.
"My parents are proud I've made it this far and have sponsored me.
"I look up to people like Kate Moss and Cara Delevigne, who are always in demand in the industry."
The aspiring model taught herself how to sew and has created two outfits for the final at The Hilton Metropole.
"One of my gowns is a midnight blue silk number, with sparkles and lace frills and my other is similar to a piece in Moulin Rouge," she said.
"It's like Nicole Kidman's outfit in the Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend part of the film, with feathers and petals.
"Everyone has been very impressed and although one contestant had her outfit made by her mum, I'm the only girl to have done it myself.
"My dream is to model but I absolutely love the fashion side of the business."
Bruhca said she was encouraged to enter the competition by a friend while working in a restaurant in Newland Avenue, Hull.
"A friend called Max who worked with me is a Russian model and told me to go for it," she said.
"I also do a bit of acting and have had singing lessons at The Warren in Queens Gardens.
"I'm so chuffed to have made it this far and I hope I can go all the way."
The finalists have already had shoots with professional photographers and will also be dressed by designers as part of the grand finale.
Bruhca's mum Diane Stephenson, 45, said she was "incredibly proud" of her talented daughter.
"Modelling is very competitive and you have to have your wits about you," she said.
"But I think my daughter has what it takes to make it and the family is behind her 100 per cent.
"She hasn't had much paid work yet but we are hoping this competition will help to get her booked for shoots.
"Bruhca has done so well to get this far and she will have her friends and family watching her at the final and cheering her on to win."
