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Mar 21 2010 01:18 PM ET

Ava Sambora Makes Her Modeling Debut — with Mom Heather Locklear in the Front Row

Gilbert Flores/Celebrity

There is another Hollywood kid on the block or, in this case, the catwalk. Ava Sambora, the 12-year-old daughter of actress Heather Locklear and Bon Jovi rocker Richie Sambora made her modeling debut in the White Trash Beautiful show, which kicked off L.A. Fashion Week. But it wasn’t a fluke that Ava walked in this show — the line is the creation of her father and designer Nikki Lund. Mom Heather Locklear beamed from the front row, while snapping photos on her iPhone as her look-alike daughter strutted down the runway. “I’m very, very proud of her. I’m very excited, and I’m here to support her, Locklear told PEOPLE. “And the minute she’s done I’m going to grab her and wipe off her makeup and get her into her pjs.” Lund, who sat next to Locklear during the show, understood her pal’s protective nature, “Heather is a good mother so she’s being a mother, you know. She’s being really, really good.” Not that Locklear had anything to worry about. Putting her superstar performance genes to good use, the teen was natural and confident as she glided down the runaway to “Livin on a Prayer” in four edgy, yet feminine, looks and “early” Bon Jovi-inspired accessories. Asked if Sambora seemed nervous before the show, Lund said, “No, she’s a diva! She’s ready to rock it, she’s amazing!” Proud papa Sambora couldn’t make the show due to a last minute scheduling conflict, but Lund was sending him photos the whole time, explaining, “He’s so excited about this, it’s his baby!” --Michelle Ward

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omg, her face is so beautiful, go ava – you rock!!!!

- tamara on March 21st, 2010

That’s a 12 year old?

- Suzanne on March 21st, 2010

If anyone thinks Ava Sambora is dressed to look older than 12 yrs old, apparently has never seen “Little Miss Perfect” and “Toddlers and Tiaras”. Those little girls and even toddlers are made to look yeeeeeeeears older than what they really are. I don’t agree with those shows, but they are not my kids — so, with that being said- if the parents don’t have a problem with it -why should we???

- Gloria on March 21st, 2010

She certainly doesn’t look 12. More like 22. No wonder Heather said she’s going to wipe the make-up off and put her in pj’s as soon as she’s done.

- Brenda on March 21st, 2010

Plenty of models start as early as 12; you’d just never know because they appear older.

- Roxy on March 21st, 2010

wow, didn’t get her mom’s looks.

- Zach on March 21st, 2010

I think Ava just loves the spotlight. She’s so confident and pretty. I’m over 20 and couldn’t handle all of that and she’s 12 and did very well.

- missy on March 21st, 2010

Models start young. What pre-teen/teenager hasn’t dreamed of being a model at one point or another?! It’s a fasion show, get over it … her daughter modeling does not make Heather Locklear a bad mom by any means.

- Brittanney on March 21st, 2010

Why is everyone always so negative. I attended this very beautiful fashion show and Ava was fantastic, she acted her age and was just really excited to participate. She wasn’t out there to win some beauty, talent show. She was up there excited to show off her dad’s and Niki’s new clothing line that they have been working so very hard on for a very long time, and she has been a part of that all along. Heather was a fantastic mother. Heather was beautiful and personable, and a very proud mother. She was watching her daughter have a fantastic moment. Don’t be so quick to criticize when you have noooo idea what you are really talking about.

- Stacy on March 21st, 2010

I was in a fashion show at that age over 40 years ago. It’s an exciting thing to feel special and practice poise and confidence with your parent’s presence and support. I think Ava is beautiful and looks a lot like her Mother. Lovely!
Stop with the hooker comments. Sheeesh…..

- marie on March 21st, 2010