Cathleen Yoo
Life Reporter

Grad Sonia Farquharson has won the People’s Choice Award from Canada’s Plus Size Model Search at LG Fashion Week.  

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Farquharson, who came to Humber in 1985. “I couldn’t believe I was hearing my name.”

“She was definitely shocked, happy and surprised,” said Jenny Smith, 28, a top-ten finalist.  “We’re all very proud of her.”

The People’s Choice Award was determined by the public through online poll, where almost 300,000 votes were cast.  

Farquharson entered the Model Search in November and saw it as her last shot at modeling – a dream she had given up on.   

“To me it doesn’t matter,” said Farquharson about not winning the grand prize, which Brittney Fisher of Vernon, B.C. won.  “Being in the top ten was a major thing for me. I cried when they called me and told me the news.  I didn’t think I would be picked because I was older.”

Age was not a detrimental factor for Farquharson in this contest, who is 15 years older than any other finalist.

“What she represents is a different category within the whole plus size realm as well,” said Celia Love, a publicist for the contest.  “I would think that people would have sort of really wanted her to win because of her age but also because she is absolutely gorgeous.”  

Farquharson also received a lot of support from the modeling community.

“A lot of the people I did talk to said, ‘you are my age group and to see a women my age be up their amongst young women is a real thrill to see,’” said Farquharson.  

The prize for the People’s Choice Award is a $1,000 wardrobe from Additional Elle, Penningtons or MXM.
Farquharson is also keeping the doors open to a career in modeling.

“Being in the contest gave me the exposure to be out there,” said Farquharson.  “I’ll start with it part time and then see what happens with it.”