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Maria Thattil and Dom Thattil Co-Headline Australia's Prestigious Model Search

Maria Thattil and Dom Thattil are co-headlining Australia's prestigious DB x Bella Unsigned Model Search 2023. This year's campaign, titled "I Design Me," aims to break barriers and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual.

July 31, 2023
Owen George

In a groundbreaking collaboration, media personality Maria Thattil and her brother Dom Thattil are set to co-headline Australia’s prestigious Designer Brands (DB) Cosmetics x Bella Management 2023 Unsigned Model Search. Now in its fifth year, the model search has undergone an exciting makeover to emphasise inclusivity, diversity, and individuality.

This year’s campaign, aptly titled “I Design Me,” aims to break barriers and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. The Search is open to all Australians over the age of 18, regardless of size, identification, ethnicity, or ability. Maria Thattil, the Search’s passionate ambassador, exclaims her pride in supporting a venture that brings positive change to the modelling landscape in Australia.

For the first time, the model search has partnered with DB Cosmetics, a brand beloved by a wide range of consumers across the nation. Their shared values of inclusivity and embracing diversity have ignited this inspiring collaboration. The upcoming campaign aims to feature real, everyday Australians from all walks of life, beautifully showcasing the diversity within their customer base.

In its history, the DB x Bella Unsigned Model Search has discovered a myriad of exceptional talents, including the ambassador Onella Muralidharan, whose representation and advocacy for her skin condition Vitiligo have been inspiring. Moreover, the Search has been a platform for non-binary talent like Neon Fan.

This year’s focus is on amplifying the stories of “real” Australians who possess a strong sense of self and a compelling narrative. Bella CEO, Chelsea Bonner, emphasises that brand campaigns become more relatable and powerful when they feature models and talent who mirror the diverse tapestry of Australian communities.

To reflect the nation’s rich diversity, the Search is moving away from its traditional venue at Melbourne Fashion Week. Instead, it will hold open castings in both Melbourne and Sydney. Up to 15 finalists will get the chance to present themselves to an esteemed industry judging panel, comprising Chelsea Bonner, Tony Rechtman, Maria Thattil, Daily Telegraph’s Entertainment Editor Jonathon Moran, and Marie Claire Editor Nicky Briger.

The thrilling climax of the model search will be on September 27th when six lucky winners will be revealed as the faces of DB Cosmetics’ groundbreaking new campaign. This momentous occasion marks the brand’s first re-branding since its inception 17 years ago.

The Unsigned Model Search aims to transcend conventional boundaries, reaffirming its commitment to embracing diversity, championing inclusivity and providing a platform for voices that have long been underrepresented.

The DB x Bella Unsigned Model Search 2023 is not just about fashion and beauty; it is about celebrating the essence of being Australian and embracing the richness of our society’s tapestry. This inspiring campaign encourages us all to take pride in our uniqueness and discover a world of endless possibilities.