The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE winners of the Supermodel of the Bahamas 2013 competition were named last Sunday at the Beach Club Cafe, Sandyport.

A full house of supporters gathered at the Beach Club grounds for the finale, based around this year’s theme “Sparkle.”

There were fourteen young men and women who competed for the 2013 title, but it was contestants Patricka Ferguson and Lacarz Brown who walked away with the winning rewards.

Lacarz told Tribune Entertainment it was no surprise to him when he heard his name called as the winner in his category. He was confident from the start.

“I knew that I was going to win - from the beginning, when I came into this competition, I had it in the bag. I think I got all of my confidence from studying law in school. I think it somehow built the confidence I had for this show.”

Patricka was elated that she had won in the female category. She said even though it was a tough competition, she never doubted herself.

“I always had that feeling knowing I could win this. I think I can go very far with my title as long as I can keep a positive mindset and keep positive around me. People who can help in pushing me towards my goal so that I can stay motivated,” said Patricka.

The competition was started several years ago by OilinSha Models & Talent Management.

It was designed to showcase the talents of aspiring models to industry professionals. Through the competition both male and female contestants had an opportunity to get modelling contracts and develop their skills.

In addition to being awarded a modelling portfolio, a ten piece wardrobe, all expenses paid trips to several international fashion week events, the winners will also be featured in the 2013 Vancouver Fashion Week in Canada and in the 2014 New York Fashion Week.

Vancouver Fashion Week features emerging and established designers and actively seeks to showcase international award-winning designers from over 30 global fashion capitals. This bi-annual six day event is attended by over 20,000 guests, including industry professionals, buyers, media, and VIPs. The spring/summer 2014 season showcase will be held from September 16 to 21. The shows will be streamed live online, so anyone anywhere will be able to tune in.

Oilinsha Coakley said: “The turnout of this show was really good even though we did not have a lot of support from sponsors and so forth with finances. However, I had so many other sponsors that pulled together at the last minute to support me.

“Events like this in terms of pageants and model searches are not yet well received. I didn’t expect to have such a good group of audience members that were very excited about tonight. These girls and boys have been through a lot of training so I am very happy.”

Mr Coakley said: “Each year we search for candidates that will give the Bahamas a more competitive advantage in cultural beauty and differences. A male and female that is capable of showcasing the Bahamas on a world stage among all other name brand celebrities are selected every year. Supermodel of the Bahamas differs from other modelling competitions because of the fact that more ethnic males and females are given an opportunity to be featured. As with others, more mixed or Caucasian men and women are chosen as if it is only an industry for a certain colour. The event was also designed as an official Bahamian event, with the Bahamas having its own competition as other nations have also their own supermodel model search.”