By Callum Ludwig
Upper Yarra local Violet Hall’s modelling career is continuing to thrive, as she is now a Victoria State finalist for the 2023 Miss World Australia competition.
As part of her nomination, Ms Hall with the help of her grandmother Jacqui is hosting a charity fashion parade to raise funds for the Variety Australia Children’s Charity.
Violet said it was a spontaneous decision to pursue a modelling career.
“Initially I was offered to do Miss World, and that got me into doing the Top Model competition earlier this year as well. The first round of Miss World was in August and it was definitely an eye-opening experience,” she said.
“It was good to push myself outside of my comfort zone and try new things. I’m definitely somebody who never wants to say no to an opportunity. After the Top Model competition, I definitely had a bit of a hunger for more.”
Violet finished in the top 8 of 34 models in the National Final for the 2022 Top Model Australia Model Search on Sunday 10 July.
Violet said Miss World presents quite a different style of competition to Top Model.
“It’s definitely more geared towards charity and fundraising and being the best version of yourself in every aspect possible, encompassing its motto ‘Beauty with a purpose’,” she said.
“When I saw what Variety Australia did to help children, especially with disabilities and illness, you can’t help but have a smile on your face when you see them getting to live a more happy life. They give these kids a fair go and let them access what they really need.”
One particular story that Violet found touching was that of a boy who was donated a wheelchair by the Variety Australia Children’s Charity which enabled him to return to school and doing some of the things he loved.
Violet said she thinks she will bring some fresh perspectives to the competition.
“I can bring a fresh perspective on a lot of issues from the view of a university student, and while I wouldn’t say I’m the brightest person in the world, I definitely take my studies very seriously,” she said.
“I’m hoping to study medicine, but a lot of people associate beauty with not having any brains but I definitely want to break that stigma behind these pageants and competitions.”
The fashion parade will be held at the Warburton Golf Club on Tuesday 16 December at 6.30 pm, with all locals set to show off some stunning styles from Warburton boutique Red Mud Hut. Entry is $55 per person, with all funds going to the fundraiser, a large array of finger food provided by Three Sugars cafe in Warburton and door prizes for attendees.
Jacqui Hall said the whole family are proud of Violet.
“We’re thrilled and amazed, this is something she had not expected. Through the pageants that she’s been invited to do, she’s made an impression, but I think it’s more about her brains, her concentration is on her science degree at Melbourne University,” she said.
“I think her intelligence stands out above everything else, and her willingness to be herself and have a presence about her when she competes in these competitions. She meets a lot of lovely girls through them as well, and the whole reason she did this was to try and get a bit of her confidence back, which she has.”
