Sparks of confidence glint in her eyes as she speaks of the journey that many young women only dream about. This is the tale of Gabrielle Ashley Boudville, a Limkokwing University student who at age 20 has several beauty pageant titles under her belt - the latest being named first runner-up of the recent Ford Supermodel of the World Search Malaysia in early April.

An Extraordinary Journey

Anyone who meets Gabrielle, also known as Gaby among her friends, will surely notice her vibrant personality and strong confidence. This final-year Diploma in Fashion Design student is making her mark on the local modelling scene in a big way.

But it is hard to guess that Gaby has learned so much about the world of fashion and modelling in just two years.

“I started modelling when I was 18. That year I entered the Malaysian Young Models Competition (MODA), and made it to the Top 12 which surprised me!” she says with a grin.

The experience made her realise that her French-Portuguese-Chinese DNA - together with her 174cm height - made her stand out from the crowd, a fact that has been confirmed several times as she has gone on to make her mark in the modelling and beauty pageant world.

2009 was a big year for Gaby as she made a double impact as finalist in two of the biggest local beauty pageants - the Miss Malaysia Universe and Miss World Malaysia pageants.

And that was not all, for in July that year, she participated in the Asia Super Model Contest in China.

Her winning streak continued in 2010 when she won the Best National Costume Award in the Miss Tourism International 2010 pageant on New Year’s Eve in Kuala Lumpur.

In December that year, Gaby sashayed down the catwalk at Creativity in Motion fashion show by the University which showcases the work of final year fashion students. The show as held at the Pavilion shopping mall.

It was there that she was spotted - and offered - an experience of a lifetime - to compete at the 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World Search Malaysia.

An offer of a lifetime

Ford Supermodel of the World is an international model search franchise created in 1980 by Eileen Ford, the owner of acclaimed New York-based modelling agency, Ford Models. This competition has brought its winners not only lucrative contracts with the agency but a shot at instant global fame.

The competition was organised by Stylo International as part of its Fashion GP presented by Mercedes Benz. This year, the organizer collaborated with the Sepang International Circuit in the run-up to the Malaysian F1 Petronas Grand Prix. The initial search attracted 1,000 hopefuls.

This year the competition required the participants to stay in the Model Mansion in KL for three weeks where the 12 finalists learned the finer points of catwalk modelling and posing by Malaysian law graduate turned supermodel Angie Ng.

“She taught us every little detail of runway,” says Gaby. “She taught us about different poses and gave us a lot of motivation.”
The finalists underwent rigorous judging over several sessions which included a closed-door evaluation by the Supermodel Advisory Board, and judging by top New York talent scouts.

Heartbreaking news

During the first week of the competition, Gaby was shaken by heartbreaking news - her beloved grandfather had passed away.

“I was crying during the training, it was really hard,” Gaby says. “But that didn’t stop me from what I had to do. I told myself I have come so far I can’t stop now!”

Gaby channelled her sorrow into her work, absorbing everything she could from the trainers and organizers for the event, because as she explains, she had been switching between modelling contests and beauty pageants and needed to find her own niche.

“It’s totally different you know, walking on the runway and posing for a beauty pageant,” she confesses.

Gaby’s commitment to polishing her style paid off.

Though the title eventually went to Dayang Nur Atikah, a Sabahan who will represent Malaysia at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Ford Models Search in New York, Gaby wowed the judges and was first runner-up.

The future beholds

The true lesson Gabrielle has taken with her after the competition is very precious to her. Before entering Ford Supermodel she was not sure what exactly she wanted in her life but the training helped her to rethink her plans.

“I’ve been reflecting a lot for the past few weeks, and I have finally got the answer,” she expressed.

Gabrielle is passionate about working as an international runway model. She’s also looking ahead to the future and says she wants to start her own fashion line.

She has signed a modelling contract worth of RM30,000 from international fashion brand F&F and looks forward to carve her name in the modelling industry.