Rebecca Strim from Belize returns as a "Wild Card" on Mission Catwalk

Monday, June 11, 2012

After a shocking elimination on Mission Catwalk episode 11 where contestants were required to design a mini collection for a fashionista headed to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Belize’s own Rebecca Strim returns to the Caribbean fashion reality series as the ‘wild card’

This second shot at the win is “very exciting and humbling” says the 19 year-old Belmopan resident who won four of the show’s 11 challenges and placed safe in three episodes.

“We wanted to see another collection so we had past contestants Kerin Scott (Ne Sera), Janel Jolly (Jae Jolly) and Rebecca show at CFW 2012 and ultimately we chose Rebecca as the wild card,” says Mission Catwalk host and executive producer Keneea Linton-George who along with regular panelists Novia McDonald-Whyte associate editor lifestyle and social content at the Jamaica Observer and menswear designer Carlton Brown have judged the season two presentations.

On Friday June 8, 12 looks from the Rebecca Stirm Collection were shown at Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW); the region’s premiere fashion event. Caribbean Model Search winner (2002) Jaunel McKenzie who has been featured in Vogue, Elle and Essence Magazines walked the CFW catwalk in Rebecca’s designs, as did Nell Robinson who has worked for brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Agent Provocateur. Miss Universe Jamaica 2012 contestant Caribbean Model Search winner (2008) Crystal Patterson also wore Rebecca’s pieces on the catwalk.

Her CFW debut was made possible due in part to local sponsors Belize Bank and Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL).

For Rebecca, her experience in Jamaica means that the hard work is paying off.

“From the creation to the collection to fitting the models to seeing the looks out on the runway and getting to walk with my finale piece was a very, very rewarding experience.”

The winner of Mission Catwalk season two will receive JMD$500,000 courtesy of National Commercial Bank of Jamaica (NCB) towards their clothing line, industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200,000 courtesy of singer Jamaica, a contract to sell the designs at SOHO boutique, a six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine, a scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College of Fashion, an apprenticeship with Master Savile Row Tailor Andrew Ramroop and the opportunity to show at London Fashion Week in September.

The other designers contending for those prizes are Ryan Chan (Ryan Chan Designs) of Trinidad and Tobago, Gregory Williams (HOD by Gregory Williams)  and Crystal Powell (Crystal Christina) both of Jamaica

Tune in on Tuesday June 12 to see Rebecca’s CFW presentation as well as that of the other contenders.   Mission Catwalk airs at 8:30 PM on Television Jamaica and streams live at www.televisionjamaica.com/livetv.aspx. The series can also be viewed on local stations in Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Check local listings for schedule information.

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Fourth time is the charm for Belizean Rebecca Stirm with her turtle- inspired gown

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Rebecca Stirms turtle-inspired gala design

Having won prior challenges on episodes two, four and six, Rebecca Stirm’s episode 9 win makes the Belizean the winningest designer on Season Two of Caribbean fashion reality series Mission Catwalk which has seen participants from five Caribbean countries competing in its second season.


After a visit to the Hope Zoo, the seven remaining contestants were instructed to design a gown for a charity gala and a second garment for a charity luncheon inspired by one animal from the zoo.


Rebecca chose the turtle because it was “an unusual and unique animal that people didn’t already have preconceptions about what turtle- inspired garment should look like.”  Using a kaleidoscope patterned fabric similar to the pattern on a turtle’s shell; Rebecca created a gown with dramatic neckline while using layers of different fabrics in circular cutouts to build a skirt that would mimic a turtle’s shell while still allowing movement. For her second outfit the kaleidoscope fabric was more prominent and used for most of the blouse, while the pencil skirt was in a monotone beige.. 

View from the  back  of Rebecca Stirms turtle-inspired gala design

The judges Keneea Linton-George host and executive producer of Mission Catwalk, Novia McDonald-Whyte senior associate editor lifestyle and social content at the Jamaica Observer; menswear designer Carlton Brown and guest judge designer Celia Levy commended Rebecca on the structure of her design. For Levy the fact that it was “wearable” was also highly appealing.  Her high scores won her a feature in Style Observer as well as a JA$50,000 (US$583).

Rebecca Stirm

Unfortunately this week, Kesia Estwick of Barbados was eliminated.  The St. Phillip designer has scored her first win two episodes back.  Six designers are still in the running for the chance to show at London Fashion Week.  They are  Crystal Powell, Gregory Williams and Janel Jolly of Jamaica, Ryan Chan of Trinidad & Tobago, Kerin Scott of Barbados and Belize’s Rebecca Stirm.

Nine designers at judging

The lucky winner of Mission Catwalk Season Two will also receive JMD$500,000 courtesy of National Commercial Bank of Jamaica (NCB) to start their clothing line, industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200,000 courtesy of singer Jamaica, a contract to sell their designs at SOHO boutique, a six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine, a scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College of Fashion and an apprenticeship with Master Savile Row Tailor Andrew Ramroop.


Tune in to Television Jamaica every Tuesday at 8:30 PM for the newest episode from Mission Catwalk Season 2, presented by NCB, Supreme Ventures and Digicel. Each week’s episode repeats at 5:30Pm on Thursdays. Mission Catwalk can also be viewed on local stations in Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Viewers around the globe and watch the online stream at www.televisionjamaica.com/livetv.aspx

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