For a lot of people, flipping through Vogue or GQ can spark a desire to become one of the faces beaming (or sulking, depending on the ad) from the pages. Modeling, for many young people, is a dream, and for a select few, a profession. Anyone who has ever thought about making modeling a career may be interested in an upcoming model/talent premiere from Avant Models and Talent Agency.

The premiere, which is in its fifth year of existence, features its experienced models, talent, graduates, students-in-training and prospective students to local, regional, national and international clients and advertising agencies. It’s happening this June 24 and 25 at 1 p.m. at the Des Moines Convention Center. The Saturday competition is closed to the public, but everyone is welcome on Sunday.

“Every year we have a model and talent premiere, and every year it gets bigger and bigger,” Mary Corell, CEO of Avant, explained. Last year’s event sold out, with over 1,100 people in attendance, including agents and clients from cities and countries around the country and planet.

Last year’s premiere, according to Corell, was a success. The agency placed models in Tokyo and Miami and snagged jobs for many other models.

The agency always gives away a trip to the International Model and Talent Association convention in New York City to the top winner. Past winners, like Joel West from Indianola, have gone on to major modeling careers for clients like Calvin Klein.

Avant is eager to dispel the myth that the only worthwhile agencies exist on the coast. Rather, the Midwest has a lot of experience and opportunities to offer.

“If you’re under the impression that nothing ever happens around here for models or talent, you should come to the premiere,” Corell said. “We place our models and talent all over the world.”

All proceeds of this year’s premiere go to benefit the Des Moines Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. Tickets cost $20 at the door and $15 in advance. They are available at Avant Studios. For more information, please call 255-0297.

—Contributions from J. Ranae Ragee