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

03/21/2010 at 01:18 PM ET

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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Showing 78 comments

Kate on March 21st, 2010

since when is 12 a teen??? I have to say, the clothes in this picture are a little mature for a 12 year old LITTLE GIRL! She is gorgeous though….a natural beauty!

lisa on March 22nd, 2010

plain face
wrong choice of dress for 12 year old

Jen DC on March 22nd, 2010

Her mother is there in the front row. If she were uncomfortable with *anything*, I’m sure she would have reacted prior to the date of the event. So no, I don’t see a problem with her mother sitting there in the front row allowing her 12 yr old to look like a 20 yr old FOR AN HOUR in a limited arena. If she were allowed to walk around like that, I’d have a problem with it.

Her daughter is not “on the pole.” She’s not even close to the pole. Both Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear know what superstardom is all about and are highly unlikely to allow their only child to get close to the point at which she’d be in danger. Why do you think Heather Locklear is there, just to smile and take pictures? No, it’s to control her daughter’s exposure.

ryan on March 22nd, 2010

being a 12 year old model is relevant to the person doing it. its not for everyone thats for sure // i started modeling in london at 12 yrs old and people were up in arms. but they werent helping my family with bills and such so i did it to provide and was very successful and i turned out well and had a 13 year career in front of the camera.
good for her.

Stacey unclench already on March 22nd, 2010

Stacey when it comes to parenting it sounds like YOU have noooooo idea what you are talking about.

“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″

butch on March 22nd, 2010

ya. no one encouraged her to do it. it was all her idea, right? right.

Flasj on March 22nd, 2010

Obviously looks like her dad, poor girl.

Melanie on March 22nd, 2010

12?!… she does look 25!!! Not even a teenager.

janetCNS on March 22nd, 2010

I am also a parent of teens. I am far from a perfect parent, I don’t think I should ever give anyone advice, let alone someone I don’t know!! However, I do know for a fact that many of you people are being very mean spirted. The child modeling those clothes has is a person with feelings. She looks great and she’s very cute! If you just saw the picture without knowing her name and age would you keep up with the comments? I doubt it…Enough with the negative comments against her, she’s just a kid!!

Mel on March 22nd, 2010

She def. does not look 12!! She looks great, and very pretty… I just hope that someone along the way doesn’t convince her she’s too fat and she starts down the vicious cycle of anorexic models..

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