Caribbean FACES OF FASHION
Ornellia Edwards and Shavan Fraser are the new Fashion Faces of the Caribbean winners after premier Caribbean modelling agency Saint International scouted for the next crop of Caribbean supermodels.
Held on March 13, 2010, the Courtleigh Auditorium hosted the event that just experienced a successful 10th staging. The Fashion Faces of the Caribbean has had a rich history of producing some of the most renowned supermodels to walk the runway. The likes of Nakiesha Robinson, Sigail Currie, Sheena Moulton, Sosheba Griffiths, Richard Fuller, and Tafari Hinds are just a few of the familiar names from this competition.
With a pool of 50 females and 25 males, ranging from 14 to 21 years, coming from Jamaica, Martinique and Guadeloupe, the Fashion Face of the Caribbean competition did not disappoint. The search was on for the two special people who, as Saint boss Dwight Peters puts it, “provided the package of personality, social etiquette and appearance to wow designers and continuously book shows througout their carrer”. As usual, this was a historical event as five judges from the international industry was on hand to decide the fates of the contestants. IMG, New Models, Next, Models.com and Willamina were all represented on the panel.
Scouted on her way from school by the Saint boss himself, Innswood High student, 14-year-old Ornellia Edwards said she always wanted to become a model. Like her cousin Tracey Moore, who is currently a Saint model, the teen is elated to be a member of the Saint family. “It has been really great. I mean even people I don’t know are walking up to me and asking for pictures and saying congratulations.” As for her dreams, the svelte, long-legged beauty said if not modelling she would have become a veterinarian. Her other inspiration is Sheena Moulton and in a couple of years she intends to be even more successful than Moulton. As for where she wants to most be remembered, her answer was a quick “New York” and she wants most to work with the brands “Prada and Gucci”. Though new to the industry, this bright prospect had a few words of encouragement for her peers who wish to walk the runway, “go out there and do your best, be confident and persevere at all times”.
Like Edwards, Shavan Fraser was also scouted on his way home from school. The Kingston College student says the interest in modelling has always been there but he never thought about winning a competition like Fashion Face of the Caribbean. Similarly, he too has garnered a fanbase of well-wishers and says the support from his family, friends and peers have been great. “It’s an overwhelming feeling. People want pictures and autographs and everywhere you go the people know you.” His role models include Craig Wittingham and Tafari Hinds who are also apart of the Saint family. As for Fraser, he has hopes of becoming a pilot or architect in future years. His favourite brands include, Kenneth Cole, Gucci and Versace and he too hopes to leave his mark in New York.
Both Ornellia and Shavan have said the Saint family has been most welcoming and has been giving them some good advice. The next big job on their calendar is Style Week and Fashion Block set for May 27 to 30. Ornellia is set to blaze the runway for Dexter Pottinger, H.O.D by Gregory Williams, Pablo Pallair and a slew of surprise international designers. Likewise, Shavan is set to feature Dexter Pottinger, Tony Crash, Pablo Pallair and some international designs. TEENage wishes both these talented TEENs all the best in their career.