Agency looks for next Naomi Campbell in Paris banlieues

For the first time, a top modelling agency that launched the careers of Cindy Crawford and Gisele Bündchen has gone to the Paris banlieues to find the next big thing on the catwalk.

Elite, the world's leading model management company, was this week in a shopping centre in Thiais, a suburb to the south-east of Paris. Hundreds of girls took part in the "casting" for a chance to win a lucrative modelling contract.

The suburbs of Paris are seen as hotbeds of violence and poverty, and were at the centre of riots that swept France in 2005. Many of the hopefuls are optimistic that Elite's inclusion of the poorer areas in its quest to find the next top model could lift their reputation in France.

"It's a great idea. It opens doors for people in the poorer areas," said Donia, 18. "Beauty is hidden everywhere, even in the banlieues", added Bérénice, 23.

The type of beauty that the agency is looking for is a "different" or "unusual" beauty, from "ethnic and half-caste" girls.

Alain Attia, president of the Elite International competition, told Le Figaro: "Going to the suburbs gives us the chance to be surprised. We want to find girls with a different look, not those who would be candidates for Miss France.

"We're gearing ourselves for girls with a half-caste physique, and those of a similar build and look as Naomi Campbell." All the candidates must be between 14 and 20 years old, and over 5ft 7in tall. Léa, a 17-year-old of German and Martiniquian origin, said:"It's wonderful that they're here looking for girls of ethnicity, it will help to break the stereotype of the leggy blonde that you see in all the magazines."

Other girls of ethnic origin were more guarded about the competition. Achouche, 20, said, "I'm not going to take part. I'm Algerian and a Muslim, and I don't want to show myself out of respect for my family and my culture."

As contenders sashayed down a runway and struck a pose, some were selected for the next stage of the contest, while many were left disappointed.

Kelly, a statuesque black medical student, who was pipped to the post by two tall blondes, said: "I thought for once they're giving diversity a chance. But now I think that the criteria hasn't changed at all."

However, at the end of the contest, half of those selected to go forward were of north African or African origin. M. Attia said: "In going to the suburbs, we're giving these girls the chance to be recognised in a field where they could go far. That's really something."