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Torrid, the Destination for Fashion in Sizes 12+, Selects Six Young Women in Nationwide Model Search

Chosen from more than 3,500 entries, the six 2008 Model Search winners are:

    -- Germaine Nichols, of Long Beach, CA
    -- Jamie Stoval, of Penn Laird, VA
    -- Lindsay DiMartino, of Costa Mesa, CA
    -- Danielle Barbaro, of Valley Stream, NY
    -- April Rosa, of Tempe, AZ
    -- Nicole Briscoe, of Fountain Valley, CA

While in L.A., the finalists will take part in Torrid's newest online venture, a reality webisode show suitably titled House of Diva. Each young woman will share her experience as a Model Search finalist from the minute she lands in L.A. Viewers will get a firsthand look at the girls' interaction with plus-size mentors as they learn fashion industry survival skills for their runway debut.

Highlights of the winners' trip toLos Angeles will include a tour of Hollywood, box seating at the Janet Jackson concert, complete makeovers by Paul Mitchell and Scandalous Cosmetics, catwalk training and time to shine on the runway. The trip will be an unforgettable experience! The grand finale will be when the girls strut their stuff at Torrid's Fashion Event of the Year on Tuesday, September 16, from 8-11 p.m.

"I love the fact that curvy girls have such a fabulous store to shop in. Torrid's approach to fashion is young, on trend and really hip. The Torrid Model Search is an extraordinary way to build self-esteem, body acceptance and confidence in young women," says Susan Moses, celebrity fashion stylist.

The Torrid Model Search has a proven track record of putting girls on the path to success. Past Torrid models include Jordin Sparks (2007 American Idol winner), Kaycee Stroh (Disney's High School Musical 1, 2 and 3), Mia Tyler (Author of Creating Myself and renowned fashion model), Hayley Hasselhoff (recording artist, fashion model), LaKisha Jones (2007 American Idol finalist, recording artist), Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray star) and Joanne Borgella (2008 American Idol finalist, recording artist).

For more information about the model search, please contact Delia Douglas at (626) 839-4681 x2159 or via e-mail at ddouglas@torrid.com. Interviews and photos of the finalists are available upon request.

About Torrid

Torrid, the destination for fashion in sizes 12-26. Torrid, the second division of national retailer Hot Topic, Inc., provides size 12+ fashion-forward apparel and accessories that target young women principally between the ages of 15 and 29. As of September 2008, Torrid operates 157 stores and an Internet store: http://www.torrid.com.

SOURCE Torrid