BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH a puppet-like opening number, the six ‘poster face models’ of Flair Model Agency were brought onstage, put at a standstill and adjusted like dolls at Sunday’s fashion show themed ‘Mannequin’.
The event, which was staged at 17 Degrees, located on Victoria Road, was a public show comeback after the agency’s one-year hiatus since founded in June 2007.
The ‘mannequins’ were placed and fixed by popular Okolo Tegremante dancer Alphonso Henry.
Flair Model Agency functions under the motto: ‘Beauty, Talent and Passion…Illuminated’.
A total of 14 models – five males and nine females - took to the runway Sunday night (Nov. 11). All models had their own style of walk, poise, attitude and more.
Collectively fresh and existing models of the agency starred in the show. There were some crowd favourites for both male and female models and, of course, ladies were quite vocal for their chosen ‘eye candies’.
The event was hosted by well-known radio personality Kupid of ZIZ Radio and Candisi ‘Candi’ Franklin’
The fashion show was divided into four segments showcasing Makieda Franklin’s Itsybitsy Swimwear, Riff Raff Clothing, Les Creations Essentielle (the Essential Creation) by Maxine Revan Walters and Keliroy Clothing.
Franklin’s Itsybitsy Swimwear section was dubbed ‘Sugar and Spice’ which featured a number of pieces of unique designs.
Some models also wore vibrant coloured earrings from Juella Gumbs’ Get Julued designs.
The 2009/2010 Miss Talented and past contestant of the Digicel Miss Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant, Zinga Imo, won a pair of earrings from a raffle that was conducted using the show’s ticket stumps. The earrings were from Get Julued designs by Juella Gumbs, a national currently residing in New York.
Imo was dressed in her usual ‘fashionista’ style and, of course, was fit to take the runway. The young beauty seemingly shied away from the chance when invited to do so by Kupid.
Founder and brainchild of the agency, Mikieda Franklin, spoke with this media house following the event.
“I was really proud of the ladies and gentlemen that came out and performed tonight. I thought they did really well and all of the hard work paid off and, all in all, I think it was a really good show.”
She extended special thanks to the designers whose pieces were showcased at the event in order to get their due recognition and boost the fashion industry of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Franklin said: “I would have loved more of the people come out and support the young ladies and men because we are all local models and they have worked really hard to get there. They do need the encouragement and they need the confidence-building, and so we are hoping to get an even greater turnout at the next event.”
Asked if the show has set the stage for the agency’s comeback, she responded, “I really think so”.
“I think this is now a real opportunity to show that we are present. We have lots of things to offer so I’m expecting a lot of the people to be knocking on our doors. So, expect (at least) one of the girls or guy to be featured at an event outside Flair Model Agency,” she added.
Performances included upcoming artiste/guitarist Charles ‘Charlie’ Emmanuel who did two tunes - ‘Where Have You Been’ and another original piece from his mix tape. Soca artiste Nikhail Rogers sang his ‘Whine You Bumper’ tune.
Uprising artiste Zahrea ‘Rea’ Franklin – Mikieda’s sister - had her debut performance with a rendition of ‘Price Tag’ by Jessie J out of the USA.
Special guest artiste was Vbyz, who renditions included ‘Party On The Weekend’.
The show ended on a very exciting note when two popular males from the audience made their way on the runway following requests from females in the audience.
One well-known body builder, named Marvin, got thunderous applause and loud cheers when he emerged onstage shirtless - showing his well-chiseled body.
The other impromptu male model, who is known for usually wearing a bowtie, did some fashionable macho poses which went well with the ladies.
