The District at Tustin Legacy, Brand Model and Talent Agency Names Melisa Cawthorne and Kyle Wilson Winners of the 2009 Model Search

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The District at Tustin Legacy, Orange County’s newest shopping and entertainment destination, and Brand Model and Talent Agency have named Melisa Cawthorne and Kyle Wilson the winners of Brand Model’s 2009 Model Search, presented by The District of Tustin Legacy. The winners were chosen from 25 finalists who gathered from all around Southern California to participate in the Brand Model 2009 Model Search finalist event on Saturday, August 8, at The District at Tustin Legacy.

“We are very excited to be able to facilitate a channel for these young individuals to launch their modeling endeavors and plan on making this an annual event.”

“We are so excited to play a part in the beginning of Melisa and Kyle’s modeling future,” said Patty Brand, owner of Brand Model and Talent Agency. “Determining winners for this competition was extremely difficult as we had an incredibly talented lineup of finalists.”

Cawthorne of Orange and Wilson of Huntington Beach were each awarded a one-year contract with Brand Model and Talent Agency, a full pictorial spread in 944 Magazine’s Fall Fashion Issue, Orange County’s publication written for the young and affluent, a $500 Visa Gift Card from The District at Tustin Legacy, a photo session exceeding $500 in value with Joe Regan, renowned travel and fashion photographer, and a one-year membership to L.A. Fitness.

The first runners-up were Megan Dunn Tremblay of Burbank and Jared Stillman of Orange. Stillman is awarded with a one-year contract with Brand Model and Talent Agency and will receive a Tilly’s gift card, while Tremblay is also awarded with a one-year modeling contract and receive a gift card from Madison Bleu. The second runners-up include Kellianne Gillette of Capistrano Beach and Blake VanAmersfoorth of Huntington Beach. VanAmersfoorth will be featured in a Johnny B advertisement and Gillette will appear in an advertisement for Color Edge.

In a week-long experience, the winners and runners-up participated in an open call event at The District at Tustin Legacy, a runway exercise at Brand Model and Talent Agency and a live fashion show at The District at Tustin Legacy with emcee Gregory Zarian, a sought-after face in the modeling industry. The winners participated in the fashion show with clothes and accessories from The District at Tustin Legacy stores Tilly’s, Madison Bleu and Angelic Boutique. Make-up and hair was provided by ULTA’s Cosmetics.

The panel of judges included familiar Orange County personalities such as: Greer Wylder of Greer’s OC, Mona Shah of Moxxe PR, Katie Pegler of 944 Magazine, Patty Brand and Linda Robirds of Brand Model and Talent Agency, and travel and fashion photographer Joe Regan.

Brand Model’s 2009 Model Search was sponsored by Brand Model and Talent Agency, Blue C Advertising, 944 Magazine, LA Fitness, Live OC Magazine, Johnny B, Color Edge and travel and fashion photographer, Joe Regan.

“The District at Tustin Legacy is very pleased with the level of interest and participation garnered by this event,” said Kimberly Daskas, director of marketing and strategic sponsorship for The District at Tustin Legacy. “We are very excited to be able to facilitate a channel for these young individuals to launch their modeling endeavors and plan on making this an annual event.”

About The District at Tustin Legacy

The District at Tustin Legacy is Orange County’s newest shopping and entertainment destination. A one million square-foot lifestyle center boasting your favorite retailers such as: Whole Foods Market, Costco, Target, Lowe’s and TJ Maxx/Home Goods. The District also has many specialty retail shops, including, Pinkberry, and Yabe Optik; as well as, service and health & beauty focused businesses like Wells Fargo Bank, Legacy Cleaners, Facelogic, and Mode Salon Aveda. Pei Wei Asian Diner, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Bistro West, Marmalade Cafe and The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar are just a few of the many dining options that can be found here.

However, what really sets The District apart from other shopping experiences is The District Promenade, which is positioned at the center of the venue featuring a variety of entertainment, retail, and dining options such as: Madison Bleu, Angelic Boutique, JT Schmidt’s Restaurant & Brewery, RA Sushi, Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant and AMC Tustin 14. To learn more, visit www.thedisticttl.com.

About Brand Model and Talent Agency

The Brand Model and Talent Agency is a full-service SAG franchised agency servicing clients nationwide. Founded in 1986 by Patty Brand, the agency started in a small office with a vision and a few models. Today, Brand Model and Talent is known from New York to L.A. as one of the largest and most competitive agencies in the industry. Specializing in many areas, Brand Model and Talent has grown to include several departments: Print, Commercial, Tradeshow, Kids, Runway, New Faces, Plus Sizes, and Classics. Still Utilizing that same vision, Patty Brand continues to work daily with her team of bookers leading the industry into the future. For more information, visit www.brandmodelandtalent.com.