Wednesday night, December 18, marked the culmination of weeks of anticipation surrounding the search for The Face of Aftershock London. Hundreds of Metroplex women entered for the chance to represent the new-to-Dallas British fashion brand, and during a glamorous evening at Aria Stone Gallery, one lovely local was honored with the prized title.  

  We at DFW Style Daily have enjoyed a whirlwind past season working with Aftershock London. Awarded by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain for excellence in delivering British fashion internationally, Aftershock boasts over 100 stores and concessions worldwide. The label debuted its U.S. flagship store in Dallas’ Plaza at Preston Center last spring, and as the year moved forward, brand buzz continued to build among stylish local shoppers. From gala gowns to cutting-edge daywear, Aftershock London’s on-trend - and affordably priced - women's clothing and accessories never fail to turn heads.  

  With the holiday season approaching, this dynamic brand kicked off a Dallas-based spokesmodel search in November. One lucky woman would be selected by a combination of public voting and a panel of expert judges to represent the brand via full-scale photo shoot and public appearances. As photos poured in, hopefuls also answered the question, “What would you do if you were Queen for the day?” Judges including supermodel and event producer Jan Strimple, DFW Style Daily Editor Lisa Petty, CultureMap Dallas Social Editor Diana Oates, reality star and designer Whitney Port, and Aftershock London U.S. Director Imran Sheikh, were faced with a very difficult task in selecting the final winner. All entrants represented beauty, grace, and poise, but only one could be named The Face of Aftershock London.  

  As guests mingled at Aria Stone Gallery in the Dallas Design District on the night of the big reveal, hundreds took the opportunity to snap photo booth picks and catch up over cocktails at the final pre-Christmas social event of the season. Many also picked up a holiday gift (to give or keep) at a special Aftershock pop-up store on site. Throughout the evening, models posed before Aria’s grand stone installations in looks from Aftershock’s latest collection.  

  At 8 p.m., the time for the big reveal had arrived. Each of the six gorgeous finalists (pictured above) waved to the crowd, including Jennifer de Socarraz-Fleming, Michelle Hanson, Roxana Meza, Alison McDaniel, Samantha McCoy, and Carolina Caldwell. All beautiful, accomplished, and poised, the final decision was difficult – to say the least. After a brief pause (in which all guests surely held their breath), the Grand Prize winner was revealed.  

  Samantha McCoy is the new Face of Aftershock London. The Wisconsin native now resides in the northern Dallas suburb of Frisco, and is attending school to earn her real estate license. Samantha will be jetting off soon on a trip for two to London, courtesy of Aftershock. She’ll also receive a prize package from Blushington, Aftershock clothing and accessories valued at $1,000, and she will be featured in a full-scale fashion shoot for the brand. Congratulations, Samantha!  We look forward to tracking your glamorous goings-on in the coming year.  

  Aftershock London’s U.S. flagship store is located in The Plaza at Preston Center at 8383 Preston Plaza Drive, Suite 160, Dallas, Texas 75225. Sponsors for The Face of Aftershock London include: Aftershock London, DFW Style Daily, CultureMap Dallas, Blushington, Aria Stone Gallery, and Dress for Success Dallas. With special thanks to Willie Johnson, III.     Top line photo, courtesy of Sterling Steves Photography. Additional photos, credit Heather Lettieri for DFW Style Daily.