Crystal Patterson not short on confidence - CMS winner heads into regional finals

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

She was shorter than most of her rivals, but Caribbean Model Search (CMS) winner Crystal Patterson is determined to make it big in the modelling industry.

Patterson, who is 5'9'', said she did not feel as if she was at a disadvantage, although being at least two inches shorter than most of the other contestants in the CMS competition.

"Even though I am 5'9'', that is short for the modelling industry. But I am only 16 years old, so I am still growing and I always try to carry myself in a very poised manner," Patterson told The Sunday Gleaner.

Great features

During the filming of the CMS finals, Pulse CEO Kingsley Cooper also made reference to Patterson's features. He said he has been getting good comments from agencies in New York about her.

Patterson is also aware of her strong points.

"My special features are my eyes, my body and I have a nice smile," she said, laughing.

Patterson was placed in the top three alongside Racquel Smith and Jodi Ann Richards at the final CMS filming. The winner was disclosed two Fridays ago, during the airing of the show on CVM TV.

"I was at home watching it on TV. When I found out that I won I was so excited and overjoyed. Words can't even explain how happy I felt," Patterson said.

Interest in modelling

This is understandable, since she always had an interest in modelling.

"Ever since I was young I always watch it (CMS) on TV and I always wanted to try out. Every year, I told my mother that I wanted to try and she would always tell me next year," said Patterson, who attends Excelsior High School in St Andrew.

Luckily, she does not have any regrets, as she thoroughly enjoyed the competition. In addition, she gained valuable exposure.

With good performances during the challenges on the CMS series, Patterson said she was optimistic about her chances in the regional leg of the competition, which will be filmed in January and aired over four weeks. She will compete against women from other Caribbean islands and Florida, USA.

"Anything that I am doing I put out my best. I think my chances are also very good, because I am very confident and I always put my best forward. So the same thing I did for the CMS competition, I am going to do for the regional leg - with much more effort," Patterson said.

With high expectations for her modelling career, Patterson also has expectations of doing well in her CXC exams in May. The fifth former said she will be sitting chemistry, biology, principles of business, French, principles of accounts, mathematics, English language and English literature.

"The next thing for me is to finish school, so I don't think modelling will affect my schooling in any way," said Patterson.