Irish Stunner Is Crowned Spectacle Wearer Of The Year

And it seems, Irish ladies have the edge when it comes to rocking their specs in style as Donegal student Maria Gildea has just been crowned Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012.

The start-studded event which took place at London’s Battersea Power Station in aid of anti-bullying charity Kidscape was hosted by the poster-boy for geek chic Gok Wan and former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan.

Having won the Irish heats in Dublin’s RDS in August, 20-year-old Maria wowed the judging panel which included renowned fashion blogger Liberty London girl and Marcus Collins from last year’s X Factor and shared the stage with celebrity winners including McFly singer Tom Fletcher and the eccentric eyewear advocate Su Pollard.

The Donegal student struts her stuff on the catwalk

Speaking after her win, Maria said “I’m still in shock and can’t believe I’ve won. The competition was very high and all the other contestants were so lovely. While I was on stage my heart was in my ears. It was such an adrenalin rush. It was on the catwalk that I knew modelling is what I want to be doing in my future career.”

Her prize which includes a year’s modelling contract with top London agency MOT, a two-week all inclusive holiday to Barbados, £250 worth of spending money, a £150 Specsavers voucher and a make-over with celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton is more than the aspiring model could ever have hoped for.

“It’s the best feeling in the world right now. Winning this competition will change my life. MOT, the modelling agency, have asked me to stay in London to start straight away so I’ll be leaving my tiny village in County Donegal behind for the moment! I can’t wait to see the opportunities this modelling contract will open up for me.”