A SINGLE mum, from Stockton, is to take to the catwalk for a major outdoor fashion event, after being named the Face of Darlington.
Children’s centre manager, Kaye Pickering, 39, saw off a string of hopefuls in the competition, organised by BID company Distinct Darlington, to give a member of the public the chance to be treated like a supermodel for a day.
And now, the mum-of-two will join a galaxy of professional models for a series of six catwalk shows at Darlington’s Grange Road, on Saturday 23 April.
The day-long event is the first of its kind in the town and the shows will feature the latest spring/summer collections from Darlington’s high street and independent retailers, with Kaye taking part in each one.
“I’m incredibly nervous and very excited all at the same time,” she said. “I only entered the competition because my 40th birthday is approaching and I thought I needed to try and push myself a bit and broaden my horizons. I never thought I would win.”
Now, Kaye, who is 5ft 10ins, is practising walking in high heels in preparation for the 14m- long catwalk shows, which will take place half hourly throughout the day.
“I don’t usually wear heels and I’m not normally very confident,” she said, “so this really is a massive deal for me, but I’m so excited to be taking part.”
Along with the chance to wear fashions from big name labels such as Armani and Moschino and some of the UK’s top high street stores, Kaye will be treated to professional make-up and hair styling for the occasion.
“I’ve never had anything like this in my life,” she said. “Because I’m a single parent my clothes generally come from the high street but I also like vintage clothes, too, particularly the classic styles of the 1940s.”
Following public voting on social media, Kaye faced a panel of judges, including Distinct Darlington manager, Alex Hirst, who said: “We knew Kaye was the winner as soon as we met her.
“She not only impressed with her amazing model walk but she has a lovely warm personality and I think that will shine through when she’s on the catwalk.”
And Kaye is determined her children, Jack, 20 and 13-year-old Rosie, will be among the crowds cheering her on as she makes her modelling debut.
“I’m not sure if they’re proud or embarrassed of me,” she said, “but there’s no way they’re missing this – not for the world.”
For more information about the fashion shows, visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.