A Sidmouth model will have the eyes of the world on her this winter as she hits the runway at the world’s most watched fashion show.
Sadie Newman has been selected to model in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show– which is reportedly watched by 800 million people.
The 24-year-old found out last week and said it was a ‘dream come true’.
The former Sidmouth College student started her career aged 15, sending photos she had taken in the bathroom to agencies.
Growing up, she said she had felt uncomfortable in her body due to her height and wanted to turn it into a positive and took a big step to pursue her career by moving to New York aged 16.
Sadie told the Herald this week: “I felt so relieved and it’s the most surreal feeling.
“I’ve been modelling for almost 10 years now and it feels so good to check off such a huge achievement as a model.
“I moved to New York so young because I wanted to seize the opportunity as soon as it came up.
“I don’t remember ever feeling scared about moving so young, I think I was just so excited and optimistic and the city is constantly so busy that I was always occupied and still am.
“There’s no modelling school so you really just learn as you go which in the beginning is terrifying because you don’t know how to pose, move in front of the camera, walk for runway shows or even sell yourself when meeting people at castings.”
Sadie began working with Victoria’s Secret in February but said it was about keeping faith in herself when going for jobs had been unsuccessful. She hopes to continue working with the lingerie brand and other fashion companies.
Sadie said: “We all get our chance to shine and our moment; for some people it’s quicker than others but we all can achieve our dreams.
“I really think being kind to people is important and at the end of the day that stands out over anything else. Never stop working towards your goal.
“Runway is all about confidence. You have all these eyes on you but you get yourself into a zone where you focus only on what is ahead of you at the end of the catwalk.”
Sadie said Sidmouth was a great place to grow up and she enjoyed being outside with her family; she said attending the college allowed her to be active.
She added: “Being outside is so important and Sidmouth is so peaceful and I notice that now when I go home.
“I manage to come home a few times a year and when I do it’s a nice reset from the crazy, loud city.”
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be shown in the US later this year.
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