Celebrity News
16-Year-Old Fashion Model living a true life ‘rags to riches’ story
In a real life ‘rags to riches’ story, 16 year old Daniela Cott, a poverty stricken young woman from the streets of Argentina, has become the newest sign-on with legendary Elite Models.
Daniela was living a rough life as a cartonero, someone who wanders the streets of Buenos Aires, sifting through trash cans for recyclables to turn in for a few cents a piece, something her entire family has been doing since her parent’s lost their jobs three years ago.
It was during one of these forages that she was spotted by Marina Gonzalez, the world-renowned necklace designer, as Daniela dug through the bins in a popular local fashion district. Over night, her life was changed forever.
Gonzalez convinced the girl to take a few photographs, which were sent to a popular talent agent, and from there a whirlwind fairytale began, with Daniela going on to win the coveted Elite Model Look competition, which has launched such careers as Cindy Crawford’s.
‘I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time,” Daniela said. ‘The modeling work hasn’t been easy. I used to say that modeling on a catwalk or posing for photographs couldn’t be very difficult. Now I realize it is difficult, but not as hard as collecting rubbish.’
In 2005, when just 13 Daniela began working the streets looking for trash in a neighborhood of the rich. she endured insults from motorists, cut from broken glass and clouds of mosquitoes. Today aged 15, she is one of the best known Fashion Models from Argentina.
This year the agency that recently brought us Daniela Cott as an outstanding new Model has now selected the winner of the 2008 Elite Look Contest in Argentina.
From an initial 1200 entrants, 24 finalists competed for the title and contract with Elite, 14yo Sofia Krawczyk eventually emerging as the winner.