Become America's Next Top Green Model

Are you a fan of America's Next Top Model and Project Runway, but wish there was a green version? Take heart! Project Green Search is a new modeling competition looking for the new face of green fashion. It's the glamour and style of fashion modeling, only this time everything will be eco-friendly, from the tips of your toes to the ends of your hair.

In the words of the contest organizers, "Take a stand, get noticed, align your modeling endeavors with your personal beliefs, be an advocate for the environment, animal welfare, fair trade, and human rights. Be the poster girl for what is ok to sell…and what is not."

This exciting competition is being sponsored by progressive green fashion retailer The Green Loop, and is supported by a host of media and corporate sponsors (including The Daily Green). It is also happening in conjunction with Portland Fashion Week (October 7-11 2009), which is an all-green celebration of sustainable style.

How does Project Green Search work? The registration process is now open, so send in your short essays, photos and video clips. Registration closes on September 16. Online voting begins the next day, which will allow the public to narrow the entrants down to 10 finalists (who will be notified on September 25th). Finalists will travel to Portland, Oregon, where they will be interviewed, participate in a fashion photo shoot test, and walk in a real runway show at Portland Fashion Week. A panel of industry judges will pick the winner, along with audience participation. All finalists get exposure and critique by professionals.

The judges include Planet Green's Darren Moore (aka Eco-MacGyver), hot green designer Deborah Lindquist, TDG contributor and Eco-Chick founder Starre Vartan, top model and natural cosmetics maker Josie Maran, Michael Kaliski of Omniquest Media and green model and spokesperson (as well as Heart of Green Award Winner) Summer Rayne Oakes.

The winner of Project Green Search will score a contract with Option Model Management. The winner will also get a pro photography session, complete with make-up and wardrobe, and will take home a 20-piece green fashion wardrobe. The winner will also get a natural beauty shopping spree, will be featured in numerous publications, and will get introduced to various green companies through LOHAS. The winner will also serve as the face of Project Green Search for a year.

To enter, you must be at least 17 years of age (must get parent or guardian consent if under 18). No previous modeling experience is necessary, though you must be available to attend Portland Fashion Week.

The creators of Project Green Search hope the competition will inspire the next generation of exciting models to go green. Fashion and beauty can be transformative factors for a better world, as well as fun.

Thanks to Aysia Wright of The Greenloop and Remy C. for putting this together.

Get inspired by these fab pictures of green modeling from New York Fashion Week> >