Roz joins her Top Model pal in SA

Caitlin McBride

ROZANNA Purcell is rising through the ranks of the international modelling industry with the help of new pal, America's Next Top Model finalist, Eugena Washington.

The reigning Miss Universe Ireland (20) has moved to Cape Town as she continues to make her mark on the global fashion world.

And the Herald can reveal that the pair have become fast friends in recent weeks in South Africa, and are even working together for a high-profile lingerie shoot with men's magazine GQ.

Washington (26) was a runner-up in the eighth cycle of America's Next Top Model.

But it's not all play and no work for the pair, who have both stripped down to barely there lingerie for a sexy shoot, which will be published later this year.

Since competing in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant last year, Roz was snapped up by Trump Model Management, and she revealed that she will be living in a number of different countries in order to see where her look is in most demand.

The former UCD student will be jetting off to New York at the end of South Africa's swimwear season, where she plans on resuming her high fashion casting calls.

But while she carves out a career for herself in the cut-throat modelling industry, she has made no secret of the fact that her ultimate professional ambition is to make it to the Victoria's Secret runway.

"For girls involved in modelling, and even girls not involved in modelling, Victoria's Secret appears to be this ideal thing," she revealed.

Gorgeous

"Every boy knows what Victoria's Secret is. Every girl does, too. If you get that, your modelling career would be amazing. The girls are so gorgeous and they have this strong image about them. It's something very desirable."

Roz insists that working with the brand is one of the most elite contracts in the business, and you have to be in tip-top condition to sashay on the runway alongside Adriana Lima, Miranda Kerr and Karolina Kurkova.

cmcbride@herald.ie