Robertshaw's other prizes included, a wardrobe make over, make-up and a two-year contract with Boss Models, who will network her to top international agencies. Robertshaw will also receive a year’s subscription to ELLE and will be featured in the January 2011 issue of the magazine, along with the seven other finalists, and will be on the cover of the April 2011 issue of ELLE.

Robertshaw describes herself as a little like a chameleon, adaptable to any situation and circumstance, an essential trait in a model and it has worked in her favour.
“When I was chosen as one of the finalists I felt like I had already won and even if I had not been the winner of ELLE Fresh Face Search, I would have still felt like a winner, because of the experience I have acquired from this exercise, going to photo shoots, interacting with the other finalists and experiencing everything made this amazing,” she said modestly.

Robertshaw will be in Grade 12 next year and looks forward to studying English at University. She says, “I have so much to look forward to for next year and I feel I have learnt so much more about myself and what I’m capable of doing through this competition.”

Editor of ELLE Magazine, Jackie Burger says that, “To choose the one fresh face from the finalists has been a challenge as all the eight finalists had very unique and amazing qualities,”

“This is the first time in South Africa ELLE’s done the fresh face search and the process has been very rewarding, speaking to these young women and understanding their psyche has made us realise the role we have to play in the industry in growing young talent,” says Burger.

“Robertshaw showed a very natural confidence, strong and healthy sense of self, natural beauty and comfort in her skin, and that’s what we were looking for, our brand represents a sexy, stylish, spirited, and independent woman. Alexander fits this description and has the right values to be a role model for other young people,” comments Burger.

Shaheda Sayed, Head of Brand Communications for Clothing and Beauty at Woolworths says: “It is pleasing to see the positive impact ELLE is having on the lives of women of all ages across the country and we are thoroughly pleased to be part of this collaboration.”

She adds, “The ELLE talent search campaign speaks to our future leaders, businesswomen, ambassadors – the women who will take South Africa into the future – and we are proud to be associated with a fashion title that understands women and embraces the realities of our society today. We’re also pleased to see how ELLE is playing an important role in migrating from the stereotypical ‘model look’ and is reaffirming that beauty is more than just a pretty face and a skinny body. By choosing uniquely South African models, they’re giving a voice to the beautiful women of our country. The values, authenticity and integrity of the brand and its promise, is what the South African fashion industry needs to flourish,” comments Sayed. “ELLE understands and speaks to real people.”

“We would like to remain involved in events of this nature because we believe it is vital to support these passionate, talented young South Africans. We have seen, and have been moved by, the value and the difference that this competition brought to them and the positive results it has had,” comments Sayed.

For more on ELLE New Talent Search Competitions for 2011 visit www.elle.co.za.