The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

NEW York Fashion Week will feature this year’s Supermodel of the Bahamas - and the 14 men and women who are competing for the 2013 title are about to be named.

The unveiling is set for June 22 at the Towne Hotel in Nassau and will be held under the theme ‘Masquerade.’

Supermodel of the Bahamas 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 have an opportunity to get modelling contracts and develop their skills.

For the unveiling, the contestants will wear exotic swimsuits and participate in a number of activities.

Afterwards, fans will be able to choose their favourite contestants through a voting system set up on Supermodel of the Bahamas website.

OilinSha Coakely, founder of the competition, 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.

“Contestants must be tall, statuesque, elegant, and intelligent men and women. Males must stand 5”11 to 6”1 tall and females must stand 5”7 to 6 feet tall. They must be between the ages of 14 to 21-years-old, and in the highest quality of physical and mental health,” he said.

Contestants participated in workshops such as catwalk, acting, commercial, makeup application, interviews, and product knowledge. The winners will also participate in further training.

“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,” Mr Coakley said.

In addition to being awarded a modelling portfolio, a ten piece wardrobe, all expenses paid trips to several international fashion week events, the winner 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 Coakely added: “I am very pleased about the joint venture with Vancouver Fashion Week. The winners will be the highlight of the event for The Bahamas,” he told Tribune Entertainment.

The finale of the competition, which is themed ‘Sparkle,’ will be held at the Rainforest Theatre on June 30 at 7pm.

Supermodel of the Bahamas will be filmed for a reality TV show to be seen in The Bahamas.

To vote, log onto website www.supermodelbahamas.wix.com/supermodels.