FHM's "High Street Honey" Contest launched careers for many young models
The annual competition helped amateur models get started in the industry
In 1996, the British men's magazine "FHM" launched an exciting new contest called "High Street Honey," which offered aspiring models the chance to have their photographs published in the magazine and win cash prizes. Over the years, this competition has become a popular feature that has helped launch many successful careers in the fashion world.
First introduced in 1996, "High Street Honey" was originally conceived as a way for FHM to find fresh faces for its pages who were not necessarily professionals but had the potential to make it big in the modeling industry. The competition quickly gained traction, becoming one of the most talked-about events among budding models in Britain each year.
From the start, the contest garnered significant attention from fans and participants alike, receiving thousands of entries every time it ran. Many young women saw it as a unique opportunity to break into the modeling scene without having prior experience or connections. The competition also attracted a lot of attention from agencies looking for new talent, making it even more desirable for amateurs looking to get discovered by scouts.
Aside from providing exposure to aspiring models, "High Street Honey" also gave winners a monetary prize, often totaling around £10,0000. This made the contest even more enticing for those hoping to pursue a career in modeling full-time and earn some extra money on the side.
The first winner of "High Street Honey" was Sarah Ann McKinlay, who went on to appear in numerous publications such as "Vogue," "Elle," and "Cosmopolitan." Since then, several other former contestants have gone on to achieve similar success, including Abi Titmus and Lucy Pinder.
In addition to helping launch careers, "High Street Honey" also provided an important platform for body positivity and inclusivity. Throughout its run, the competition featured models of various shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and ages, challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting diverse representation in fashion.
Overall, FHM's "High Street Honey" contest has been a transformative force in the British modeling industry, offering a valuable stepping stone for many aspiring models and changing the way people think about what it means to be beautiful. Its legacy continues today through events like Britain's Next Top Model and the emergence of independent modeling competitions that aim to empower aspiring models and give them the recognition they deserve.