Aspiring models make catwalk debut

The 15 young women have been training for the fashion runway for three months under the tuition of professional model Eufrasia Vieira.

Ms Vieira, 22, first took to the catwalk, aged seven, in her native East Timor.

She also had her own television fashion show before moving to Oxford six years ago.

Each of the aspiring models, aged between 14 and 25, will wear Ms Vieira's designs at the Golden Fashioned Show at The Regal in Cowley Road.

They have been meeting at the Blackbird Leys Community Centre once a week to learn how to strut, turn and definitely not smile.

Kerrisa Lawrence, 25, from Thistle Drive, Greater Leys, said: "It has been fun but it is hard work. You have to walk in a certain way and keep your head up.

"The hardest part is keeping a straight face while you are walking. The thing that is making us most nervous is how many people are coming."

Many of the aspiring models have danced in front of audiences as part of the Showtime dance group, but none of the women taking part had any modelling experience before they began training in February.

Chalasia Brown, 17, from Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys, said: "I am really excited about the show. It is going to be good.

"We have learnt a variety of different routines. The walking was quite tricky first of all but we got the hang of it.

"It has been quite a challenge - I would not normally walk in high heels - but it has been really fun and I have made some new friends."

Ms Vieira said she expected at least 500 people to watch the fashion show, which will include her designs for wedding dresses and summer wear.

She said: "To me it does not matter if you are fat or skinny or young or old. You have to be confident and trust yourself. The girls are quite nervous but excited as well. They will be fine.

"When they first came in they did not have any experience. I had to teach them how to walk and everything. They are much better now - they are about 80 or 90 per cent there."