Alexander Beck was working on 6 pounds an hour as he studied for his school exams.
He was spotted in a bookshop by fashion scout Cesar Perin and within a month Alexander was walking the catwalk for Prada at Milan fashion week. He then proceeded to Paris fashion week, where Dior sent a car to collect him at the airport, The Sun reported Thursday.
"I was about to walk out of the bookshop when Cesar shouted, 'Stop, I love your face'.
"I never in my wildest dreams thought I could be where I am now, travelling the world," said Alexander who is now being hailed as one of Britain's most promising new faces in the fashion circuit.
His story is similar to that of top model Agyness Deyn who was spotted in a chip shop in Ramsbottom, Lancs.
"All the labels wanted Alex but Prada booked him exclusively. He's a perfect model, very exotic-looking," Cesar was quoted as saying.
Published 17 March 2011, 10:49 IST