More than 300 people entered Alternative Model of the Year with the winner being decided by judges in Newcastle on Saturday.
Vintage-fan Zoe Waters, 19, from Bishop Auckland, is a student at Newcastle University.
Ms Waters said she was shocked to be declared the winner. "I've always dressed a bit crazy," she said.
"I don't know why I wanted to be different, I guess I just always choose to wear what I like and look how I want to look rather than worrying about what's in fashion."
She said she now plans to pursue a career in modelling.
"I'm only 5ft 3in tall and I never wanted to look normal so I never thought I could actually be a model, I hadn't realised how big the alternative modelling world is."
Organiser Kieran Martin said: "There is a lot of prejudice and hatred for people from sub-cultures so we wanted to create something that would celebrate the different lives we have, we are proud of what we are achieving."
The final was held at Northumbria University in Newcastle.

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The rail operator had warned ongoing negotiations meant that drivers were not volunteering for Sunday shifts.
ScotRail said it aimed to run two-thirds of its services and buses would replace trains on some routes.
The operator has published an amended timetable listing cancelled services and those with reduced frequency.
On Wednesday, ScotRail said it had offered drivers a 2.5% pay rise and a one-off bonus, and would increase driver numbers.
But Aslef accused the Abellio-owned operator of trying to push new terms and conditions through.
Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary Grahame Smith said: "It is simply astonishing that significant service reductions are being announced only three months after Abellio assumed control of the ScotRail franchise.
"Their approach to workforce planning and industrial relations appears nothing short of shambolic and contrary to the impression they were anxious to portray during the bid process.
"The Scottish government must now answer serious questions over how service cuts and amateur industrial relations are permissible under the terms of a very detailed franchise agreement."
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: "Industrial relations are a matter for the employer and the union.
"It is in the best interests of passengers that ScotRail and Aslef come together to resolve this issue as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary disruption.
"Keeping passengers informed and ensuring they can plan ahead with confidence in advance is a key priority and people should check the updated timetables on the ScotRail website before they start their journey."
ScotRail have said that although they will be running fewer trains on Sundays, most of the trains that do run will have more carriages.
It claimed this would provide almost the same capacity as was offered by the normal services on every route.
The rail operator has advised customers to plan ahead for the weekend.
A philosophy student who wears vintage clothing has won a national contest for alternative models.
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Each day we feature a photograph sent in from across England.
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ScotRail has cancelled a third of its usual services this Sunday, after pay talks with train drivers' union Aslef stalled.