12 finalists selected for Main Street Model Search

Women from across the country have entered maurices Main Street Model Search. They're vying to be among 12 finalists chosen to model in fall, holiday and spring campaigns for the national women's clothing retailer. The photo shoots will take place in the models' hometowns, featuring landmarks and other attractions that make their communities special.

The next step in the search is paring the more than 500 entries down to the top 50 through online voting. "Contestants are rallying their friends, families and hometowns to vote and help them get through to the next phase," said Brad Hartmann, maurices vice president of marketing, "but you don't have to know a contestant to vote. We invite people to vote for any model they feel represents maurices' brand, passion for fashion, and love of hometowns."

Now through April 24, people can view the contestants and vote for their favorite online. Contestants are searchable by name, hometown, state, college, occupation and more. People can vote once per day. To thank fans, voters will receive a coupon for 20% off one regular-priced maurices item every time they vote. From all voters, maurices will randomly select 13 people to win maurices gift cards valued from $100 to $1,000.

Once voters narrow the contestants to 50, maurices will select 20 models for a casting call in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 5 and 6. A judging panel from maurices, along with celebrity judge and stylist Christopher Straub from Lifetime's Project Runway, will select the winners. The 12 winning models will be announced on May 9.

Original Source: 12 finalists selected for Main Street Model Search @ Fibre2fashion