Controversy Dogs Croydon Modelling Prize

Dean Nicholas
By Dean Nicholas Last edited 189 months ago
Controversy Dogs Croydon Modelling Prize
Catwalk

The Face of Croydon: it's not, despite what you may hope, the perma-tanned scowl of Palace chairman Simon Jordan, nor the sneering snarl of ex-Big Bruv contestant Alex de-Gale. No, it in fact belongs to one Kym Whittle, who became the Face of the borough after winning a modelling competition last weekend.

Yet the result, announced at a festival on Saturday by organisers Fashion Enter, has been thrown into doubt after questions were raised about Ms. Whittle's heritage. For it seems that she might not actually be a full-time Croydon resident. The 18-year old usually lives with Ma and Pa in Lewisham, but has resided in Thornton Heath for just the past few months while studying at college. Rivals are claiming Kym should be stripped of her crown as she is not a true Croydonite.

To make matters worse, a conflict of interest has emerged as Sherine, Kym's sister and manager, has been outed as one of the organisers of Croydon Fashion Festival (yes, really), which hosted the competition. Sherine, for her part, blames a well-organised smear campaign out to curtail the career of her catwalk-strutting sis. An investigation is underway, and Ms. Whittle's prize - a year's modelling contract, trip to New York Fashion Week and professional makeover - could be revoked.

Folks, only in Croydon - it's the kind of drama you won't find on Britain's Next Top Model.

Catwalk image courtesy of Reza Vaziri's Flickrstream under the Creative Commons license

Last Updated 25 June 2008