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When Barbadian model and lawyer-in-training, Leah Marville was signed to Saint International two years ago, she had no idea she would be so thrust so quickly into the fast-paced world of international fashion.
Marville met Dewight Peters, the CEO of Saint International, during Barbados Fashionweek 2006.
Peters promised that he would make her a special project, despite Marville's petite frame. Soon after, she was offered an exclusive contract with the Jamaican-based agency.
International recognition
Marville, with the support of the BIDC, Barbados's equivalent of Jamaica Trade and Invest (formerly JAMPRO) and the contacts of Saint International, soon embarked on a path to international recognition, starting in New York.
There, she did portfolio shoots with some of the fashion industry's most respected photographers, including Mark and Seth, who have been working exclusively with Saint International.
Peters considered this strategy critical, considering that the Barbadian Government was playing a key role - financing the crucial development process.
"Leah is a refined beauty whose features are globally appealing and can make her a commercial superstar," Peters said. "She is a bright girl and is committed and loyal and focused. Those qualities will take her a far way. I am delighted that Saint International could afford a beautiful girl from Barbados this kind of opportunity, which many Jamaican models take as routine."
After receiving her photos, Peters got Marville signed with Base Model Management, South Africa's leading agency. He also got her a contract with a top German agency, East West Models.
Created a spark
In a surprise development, Marville's arrival in South Africa created a spark in the industry. Top clients, including commercial producers, magazine editors and catalogue companies were ringing the agency, seeking out the Bajan beauty.
Within a week , Marville set a new record, shooting some of the most coveted assignments in the South African market.
Marville won the lead role in the Blue Ice Deodorant TV com-mercial. She also appeared on other high-profile assignments, including editorial layouts in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Dunhill Magazine and Jet Club magazine. Marville will also be the promotional model for department chain store, Truworth.
Saint International is the Caribbean's leading international model placement agency and since June, the agency's models have been dominating the international fashion spotlight.
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