I met Rebecca during one of the final evenings of the Miss Italia Lombardia regional tour. I was looking for a young girl who was not necessarily a professional model but who pursued the dream of becoming one. That night, Rebecca stood out by winning first place in the pre-finals regional stage. Proudly, she stepped onto the podium wearing the crown. She had just turned 18, the eligible age to participate. However, her journey ended a few weeks later: she did not pass the final casting before the Finale. If there’s one thing that struck me about her, it’s definitely her perseverance. Her face reveals a constant struggle between ambition, desire, and fatigue. As a former model, I could recognise that determination. That night, I wondered: Will she fit into the system? Will she be accepted?

160 pages, 19 x 26 cm, hardcover with dustjacket, Art Paper Editions (Ghent).