The New York-based star, who is managed by IMG, the US giant that runs Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, yesterday visited the Circular Quay site ahead of her debut in the front row today.

Her last-minute inclusion comes after Fashion Week organisers were forced to ditch plans to bring out 14-year-old Polish model Monika Jagaciak.

Public outcry over the Polish teenager being pushed as the face of Fashion Week led organisers to back down and set a 16-year minimum age. They are now betting on one of Hollywood's hottest to kickstart the fashion festival in a better light.

"I'm coming to the Kirrily Johnson show, which should be fun, I love her clothes. Australian fashion is very young and funky and cool," Barton told The Daily Telegraph said yesterday.

Fashion Week yesterday showed off 11 Paris-based models, primarily from Eastern Europe, who will parade on the catwalk alongside Australian girls. All are aged from 17 to 22.

After the success of local models including Gemma Ward, Miranda Kerr and Catherine McNeil, who started out at Fashion Week, scouts are hoping to find the next top model.

"This week we've got some of the most important model scouts in IMG looking for the next models to sign globally. They are here for one reason and that is to find the next Gemma Ward or the next Miranda Kerr," Fashion Week boss Simon Lock said.

One model hopeful who expected to make her debut, 15-year-old Emilia Skuza of Adelaide, has had her plans cancelled because she is too young for the 16-year age minimum.

She won a model contract with Finesse Model Agency and a chance to appear in the New Generation show after taking out the Myer Centre Adelaide Model Search yesterday.

Barton will be one of a string of celebrities who will be seen at some of the 62 shows. Lara Bingle is set to join Paris Hilton pals, Kim and Khloe Kardashian.