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| Ajayi (L),Irina(R) |
Ten male and 10 female models were invited to compete after castings. One male and female would ultimately be awarded ‘Champions of the Runway’.
Judges included the creative director of Profiles98 Magazine and CEO of Drac Inc., Donn Thompson; New York City-based designer and socialite LaDria LaVae, along with Bahamian style icon and fashion designer LaVonne Alexis of Cute Confections.
Serving as host was Theodore Elyett's MissTeen Bahamas 2011/12, Yamease Swain, alongside TV anchor Andrew Knowles who delivered the judges’ selection for the top three males and females. Awards were handed out by Jessica Thompson, a local model who is signed with a New York-based agency.
After three heated rounds of walking, judges selected Ajayi in the male category and Irina in the female category
Both models have already started their year of extensive promotion. During the holidays, models joined forces with Team Shark Styling and Chrisean Photography to work on photos for digital comp cards that will be posted on CaribFashionTV.com.
Chrisean Dames is a former model who lives in Tampa, Florida, and is making a name for himself as a young photographer. I took some time to ask him a few quick questions.
David Rolle: How do you feel about models and designers who make the transition to photography?
Chrisean Dames: I think having a fashion background opens up your interest in photography and makes the transition easier. I love to see models and designers who are brave enough to pick up a camera and do it well. For me, modeling has definitely played a major part in my decision to go behind the camera. However, I must admit that having a fashion background makes my photography difficult at times because it made me more analytical, as opposed to a new photographer with no fashion knowledge.
David Rolle: Do you think Caribbean fashion is becoming more marketable?
Chrisean Dames: Caribbean fashion is definitely more marketable than ever before. I'm seeing more and more Caribbean designers with ready-to-wear pieces that rival some of the greats and, the cool thing is, these designers are keeping up with the evolution of fashion but never losing that Caribbean/island touch. I think everyone wants their work to be marketable and mainstream, but staying true to your culture is key.
David Rolle: Who are your favourite models coming out of the islands?
Chrisean Dames: Oh wow, there are so many! Oraine Barrett has been my favourite Caribbean male model for a while. He has an incomparable face. Sedene Blake is my favourite female model from the Caribbean. She has everything, but the elegance she portrays in her photos is what does it for me! I am also crazy about Jaunel McKenzie and Jeneil Williams.
Original Concept...Chrisean Dames.
Styling...Chrisean Dames assisted by Team Shark Styling.
Hair and Make-up...Team Shark Styling.
Art Direction...David Rolle.
Contact info:
Photographer: http://www.facebook.com/
Team Shark Styling: thisisthewalkoff@gmail.com
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