From a talent pool of 52 amazing contestants, Ashley and Ilona had our hands full with selecting just one lady to represent our vintage clothing brand as our Ilona 2017. With applications from a wide spectrum of women, we were so pleased with the number and calibre of competition entries for our inaugural event.
Officially announced during the first ever Ashley and Ilona catwalk show held on the 1st November at Martin Place, Ashley says the competition was a great success.
"I couldn’t be happier with how the search for Ilona 2017 wrapped up. Through this competition, I’ve found an Ilona who has an interest in vintage dress designs and who can offer some real personality for our brand".
So, who is Ilona 2017?
Melissa Debono is the lucky lady selected to represent the Ashley and Ilona brand.
Melissa moved from Perth to Sydney two years ago for work commitments, and she said that moving was the best decision she has ever made.
"Relocating enabled me to grow as a person. It helped me to explore a little more about myself, my passions, who I am, and where I want to be.
Since being in Sydney, I have a new-found passion for soccer and I have been able to revisit a much-loved pastime of acting. I am so grateful of being able to call Sydney my new home”, she said.
Melissa revealed that she jumped at the chance of becoming Ilona 2017 due to her love of wearing dresses and quality fashion.
"I saw the competition and immediately thought I would give it a go as I just adore the dresses that Ashley and Ilona design. I couldn’t be any more honoured to have been selected to represent the brand, and I am really looking forward to working alongside Ashley and her brand ambassador Ben DeViller for the upcoming projects".
Ashley and Ilona would like to thank each and every lady who took the time to submit an entry for our brand rep search. We are delighted at the amount of interest that we received and our brand rep search will be making a comeback next year. In the meantime, we are so happy to be working with Melissa and look forward to seeing all the positives she will bring to our brand.
To keep up with Melissa’s adventures as Ilona 2017, follow us on Instagram @AshleyAndIlona or Facebook @AshleyAndIlona.