South Africa is famous for, amongst other things, its beautiful women. Many South African beauties have been successful models, however, there has never been a global Supermodel that has come from South Africa. John Casablancas' Joy Star Model/South Africa is about to change this...

John Casablancas, founder of the world famous Elite agency network and its CEO for more than 30 years, is the agent who discovered and managed most of the world's supermodels. These include Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Gisele Bündchen, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Monica Bellucci, Iman, Andy MacDowell, Demi Moore, Uma Thurman and Cameron Diaz.

Do you have the X-factor?

Casablancas has had a long relationship with South Africa which started in the '70s with his participation to the launch of Anneline Kriel (Miss World 1974), and Margaret Gardiner (Miss Universe 1978), and more recently, with his participation in the Face of Africa and representation of Nigerian Supermodel Oluchi.

After many years away, Casablancas is coming back to South Africa with one idea in mind — to discover the girl with that very special X-factor who can be turned into a Top Model!

Casablancas created Joy Starsystem with his long-time friend and associate Jeremie Roux. Incorporated in early 2009, Joy Starsystem has bases in Paris, Milano, Geneva, Kiev, Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Warsaw, and newly opened operations in Riga, Toronto, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Its goal is to discover new and exceptional modeling talent around the world, help launch international careers and develop the next generation of Supermodels.

As part of this effort, Joy Starsystem has launched a prestigious international model contest: Joy Star Model.

Casablancas along with Jeremie Roux and international agency representatives from around the world will be here on 14 November to attend and judge the Joy Star Model 2009 contest.

The selected winner will be signed into a contract with Joy Starsystem and will start her modeling career with an all-expenses paid trip to Milano, a complete test portfolio and a try-out with a top modeling agency.

Please visit www.joystarmodel.co.za for more information on castings, regional finals and the final event or email beamodel@joystarmodel.co.za to enter the competition.