Interview: Internationl Model SIMONE SMALL -Bajan Roots-

Dre: What is your full name?

Simone: Simone Alana Small

Dre: When and where were you born?

Simone: I was born in the dead of Winter, February 19-wouldn’t-you-like-to-know in Toronto, Canada.

Dre: What was your childhood like?

Simone: I had a great childhood, I am the only child of my parents together (I have two half siblings) and I was given the world! I spent the school years in Toronto but every summer I went to Barbados or Guyana, sometimes both to spend time with my cousins and aunts and uncles. It was amazing, I put a very high value on those experiences because now I am well rounded, I find it easy to relate to people from most places in the world. I am blessed to have the duality of lifestyle to choose from.

Dre: Tell us about your very interesting heritage? (laughs)

Simone: *smiles* I am proud to say that my mother is from Guyana and my father is from Barbados. It is quite unusual, I know (RiRi is the only other person I know of with such a background.) I love it! I get the best of both worlds with food, music, carnival and culture. I have the opportunity to live on one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean with its crystal clear beaches, white sand and Rum Punch (Yes that Roger is quite Jolly!)  as well as the lush environment of the Amazon Basin, my Guyanese family lives in a small village that is a passage to the Rainforest.

Dre: When and how did your interest in modeling start?

Simone: When I was growing up I used to stay up late watching Fashion Television with my mum. I always imagined myself strutting down a runway, wearing fabulous clothes… It was an interest that grew out of my childhood fantasies, while most girls imagined they were princesses at recess I imagined I was Naomi.

Dre: How did you actually start out in modeling?

Simone: I was doing a very small fashion show in Canada when the director of a South African agency who had attended, invited me to spend the season in Cape Town. About a month later I was flying over to Africa.

Dre: What was your journey like as a model trying to make it on the international scene?

Simone: Whooo, this industry is no joke! It has definitely been difficult at times and my journey has only just begun. However, I already realize that modeling is very subjective. I’ve learned to separate Simone the person from Simone the product and just keep pushing. I am curious by nature, I like to ask questions and introduce myself to people and generally put myself out there. I think the best description of my experience thus far would be educational.

Dre: When & how were you discovered?

Simone: I’m still a new face and an undiscovered beauty *smiles*

Dre: What agency(ies) are you signed with?

Simone: Elite Model Management Cape Town is my mother agency and I am placed in Johannesburg with Ice Model Management, in Athens with Ace Models and in Toronto with B&M Model Management.

Dre: Have you ever experienced racism within the fashion industry?

Simone: Yes, knowingly and unknowingly too I’m sure. But like I said fashion is very subjective therefore its very easy to get away with such things as a casting brief that says “NO ethnics” because well… It is the clients “humble opinion” that black skin is ugly. I don’t focus on these things or the people who are responsible. My friends and I have a saying ” Negativity is sooo last year!!”

Dre: What is you’re dream booking?

Simone: A Givenchy fragrance campaign… Heaven.

Dre: What is your advice to young girls out there trying to make it as a top international fashion model?

Simone: Modeling is hard work, physically and mentally. You will be put down, pumped up and many times not have your way. But if you are true to who you are, do a good job, stay grounded and most importantly persist, great things can be achieved.

Interview: International Model Milanius Abellionni Francewurr

 

What is your full name?

Milanius Abellionni Francewurr.

When where you born?

(Laughs) let’s just say I am old enough to be my big brother (laughs)
 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Jamaica in the parish of St,James/Montego Bay, but spent most of my days traveling back and forth between Jamaica and The Bahamas, that’s where my mom lives.
Were you always interested in becoming a fashion model?

No, not at first, but looking back at my younger years the signs were visible, just not recognized, until I was sixteen years old but you could always tell I was different and there was just something mysterious about me. People couldn’t put there fingers on it (laughs).

 

 

How did you get into it exactly (scouted, sought it out, model search)?

Well, it all started when I was sixteen years old. My school has this competition every year, right before graduation for the graduates called Black History Ebony Prince and Princess Competition. I went into it and executed it leaving as the victor but little did I know, that would be the turning point for me. I went home that following night feeling a feeling of completion, do you know like when a baby learns they can talk or walk (laughs) its a feeling and a challenge they now crave for. That’s how I felt then I turned on the television to but the cable was having some issues so I turned the channel on TVJ and to my surprise, Caribbean Fashion Weekly was on and I was immediately drawn to what I saw at that moment in time. Whatever my dreams were before had been revamped and my life changed at that moment, suddenly, opened a new chapter. It was a Friday so school was out until Monday morning. When I went to school, the first thing I heard after going to my English class was that my principal was coming to take me to his office. I panicked and started to wonder what I had done, because I was the popular boy in school and with that title comes trouble (laughs) but to my surprise it was nothing like that. I walked into the office to this beautiful woman. She then claimed that her friend was a booker who worked for Kingsley Cooper at Pulse Model Management in Kingston, Jamaica but I didn’t know anything about modeling or agencies in Jamaica. It was all new to me, anyways (laughs) she said her friend saw me but had to go back to Kingston, but would like it if I could be apart of their Caribbean Model Search. I went into the competition right after graduation at age sixteen, the youngest male in the competition. Everyone was two years older than I was or more. That’s where I met Oraine Barett, he won the competition that year. I made it through 4 eliminations and through the finals only placing. I was crushed but decided I will not be defeated, when I asked Kingsley Cooper (CEO of Pulse Model Management) why I didn’t win, they replied I was too young n skinny at the time but they would love to keep an eye on me while I grow and develop into my full potential. Still determined, I didn’t sign a contract with them, I went back to Montego Bay to go to college when an agency picked me up and developed my true potential, the CEO of Showjam Entertainment, Mr. Alex Patrick Fostergrave me the opportunity to grow, where I had a lovely booker by the name of Chantelle at the time who kept me busy. I worked four days out of every week. I shot the SHE Caribbean Magazine, did numerous editorial TV appearances, countless fashion shows and international commercials and that’s when they really realized I’m one to watch. But seeing that I had to go to the next level, Mr. Foster realized in order for me to do that I’ll have to go back to Pulse and he sent me off with good wishes. I’ve been with Pulse Model Management a year now. I’ve been in New York City for the past 4 months. Ready to start my career.
 

What was your journey like getting to this point, being recognized?

(Pause) (laughs), well my journey was not an easy road but I’m still on that road because my journey to be number one has just begun after winning the North America Caribbean Male Model of the Year competition back at home (Jamaica) and now I have only been in New York City for 4 months now I’ve been testing a lot over the past 3 months shooting and shooting non-stop, building my book (portfolio), to see agencies here and so I may stand out from the rest as I’m known for (laughs). It’s harder for a black model so I have to come good or go home. When I got here, I came for New York Fashion Week and I did an opening for New York Fashion Week.

What was your first job /major job like?

My first major job was and shooting a test for Jamrock Magazine here for the designer Osrick Cricket Ingredients and I know I’m just starting and my biggest jobs are yet to come.

What agency/agencies are you with at present?

I’m with Pulse Model Management in Jamaica which is my mother agency and I’m now negotiating contracts in Europe and with Boss Models in Cape Town, Africa. Along with a couple here in New York City, so I will be represented by one of them, pretty soon… in a couple of weeks from now (smiles). I’m so excited.

 

What projects are you working on at present?

Right now my biggest project is finishing my tests that I’m doing right now, so I can start running around to castings, knowing I’ve got the best book in the south (laughs), booking all the bookings from left to right. Killing it! (laughs)

Being in an ever changing industry what motivates you?

The fact that I have to make is, this is a game for some but not for me. For me this is business and I’m a product that will be sold. I’m not the next Tyson Beckford but will create my own shrine and be better. I believe I will make a way for more black models on the runway if it’s the last thing I do before I die. And most of all, my mother, she gave up her modeling career to give birth to a new dawn and I have to finish it models are born and not made and I was born for this and not made. That’s what sets me a part from the pack and keeps me going. I’m always in my own world and in my own world I’m the best and that’s what comes across in my work and the mysterious beauty that comes from within me.

 

Any one in the fashion industry you would like to work with in particular?

As a matter of fact yes, I would love to work for Sean John because I think what he’s doing for the industry with black models is amazing. And I would love to and will work for Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and Dsquared amongst others.

 

Are you a party model (cocktail parties, soirées, after show parties etc.)or you just like to relax with friends?

Well, I’m a little of everything in the above (laughs), (pause) I like to be the centre of the hype at times. I’m what you would call a party animal when it comes to the hype of the party and the dance floor; I love to dance (laughs). But there are times when I give the party a break to concentrate, like right now, I don’t have the time to party right now there’s always time for that.

 

Who of the ‘crème de la crème’ have you partied with or dined with?

Well, I have partied with Estelle, John Legend, amongst others at a Versace party I was invited to at the Paradise Island in the Bahamans.

 

What was the most memorable moment of your career so far?

(Pause) for a moment (smiles) I have got to say the day I landed in New York City seeing snow for the first time, beautiful people, the buildings. Oh my gosh, I’m still speechless even thinking about it. I love it here in New York City, and going to the fittings for fashion week (New York Fashion Week) it was overwhelming.
 

Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

Wow (laughs) (pause), wow five years from now… let’s see, in five years from now I see myself accomplishing a lot. In five years, I should already have a steady place in the world of modeling, having my own title and list of achievements and still going strong, breaking boundaries and opening new doors for myself and upcoming models of ethnicity backgrounds, also I see myself doing movies, books and in the music industry, starting my own fashion and modeling agency which my mom will be running for me. That’s what’s up dre! (laughs) But one step at a time. My gramps would say the humble calf sucks the most milk, and slow and steady wins the race. Modeling first, the rest in the making (laughs), my name is Milanius Abellionni Francewurr and I’m one to watch out for. Models are born and not made and I was born for this, not made and these eyes are always on the prize.

Rihanna- Center of Media Frenzy in London

The Barbadian bombshell attended the UK premiere of “Inglourious Basterds” (starring Brad Pitt) at London’s Odeon Leicester Square on Thursday [23 July 2009].

Rihanna caused a media frenzy when she appearred on the red carpet. Talk about stealing the spotlight from ‘Brangelina‘, (hahahaha!!).

The 21-year-old fashionista is rumored to be featured in an upcoming Vogue Italia spread, to be shot by famed photographer Steven Klein.

Keep it hott Ri Ri!!

-Dre DeCarlo

Interview: Bajan International Top Model SARA COLLINS

 

What is your full name?
Sara Collins…my middle name is far too funny to divulge so let’s stick to the less comical nickname ‘Bling Kitten’ as some friends like to call me…*laughs out loud*.

When and where were you born?
I’m a born and bred Bajan *Sara smiles brightly*. My Mum wouldn’t have me being an April Fools’ (have no clue why…haha), so I saw the light on March 31st.

What was your childhood like?
I look back fondly on many memories. Growing up as a child in the Caribbean certainly has its perks. Up until I was 8 years old we lived next to the beach and I practically lived on the reefs and in the sea -my Mum still jokes that I was like a fish in water and yes, I still feel like I am (providing it’s not freezing as most lakes up here!!). Believe it or not, moi was one serious little tomboy! My best friend at the time, Sammy, lived next door and we always found ourselves on some outdoor adventure. We loved building any and everything -from walkie-talkies (which we span over a 27 foot wall from his house to mine), swords to bow and arrows to tree houses and even converted a windsurfing board to a mini-boat with full on sails and extra paddles (much to the dismay of Sam’s Dad who owned it *grin*), we snorkeled, walked bare foot exploring the reefs, body boarded and played some pretty amusing tricks on tourists passing by from the neighboring hotel (after of course we sold them our ‘boat ride tour’ *haha*). From 8 years onwards I lived in Tobago then Trinidad, moved up to (and throughout) Germany, England and the rest of Europe. We travelled a lot which is where I get one of my great passions from: I LOVE to travel and find myself mesmerized by different cultures, landscapes and the atmosphere of any and every country I am able to visit. One could definitely say I had a pretty good taste of two completely opposite worlds: the laid back sunny Caribbean and the fast paced Europe with its wonderful four seasons.

When and how did your interest in modeling start?
At the age of five, I believe…*smile*…holding my sister’s hand as I walked down the runway at one of my Mother’s fashion shows for charity. When I was about fifteen or sixteen I then took it up seriously as a hobby. I come from an incredibly creative and very artistic family. My mum used to be a designer, so I guess one could say fashion has been in my blood since I was born.

Sara in the early days as the face of high-end Barbadian boutique- GATSBY

How did you actually start out in modeling?
In a nutshell, I have Simon Foster and Betty West to thank for this -both designers asked me to do their fashion shows and thus my modeling career began.

Was it difficult trying to get into the industry?
Luckily I slid right into it without any major difficulty. Nevertheless at times it was not easy as a model in the Caribbean and I sometimes found myself wondering why it is we don’t take pride in showing the amazing diversity of our mixed culture.

Especially not being signed to an agency, getting work is difficult. How did you do it not being signed to ANY agency?
I chose to manage myself (giving me the freedom to choose what work I felt comfortable at each stage in my life take on) this meant doing some serious networking whenever and wherever! I’ve always been a very sociable person, I love meeting people from all walks of life which was a huge help. Plus at the time I worked in Food & Beverage, this had me communicating with all kinds of characters on a constant basis. Now although I worked, I had expenses to pay (I was an independent teenager and lived on my own at a fairly young age) making my budget pretty much ZERO but then again who’s teenage life wasn’t….*laughs*….SOOO I asked photographers to allow me to use the photos they had taken of me for my personal professional use (of course in return I highly recommended them to people looking for their services and I also noted on each photo who these were shot by), I then chose the top 6 to 8 shots and asked a great graphic designer friend (and later my sis helped me too) to help me design unique prints as well as photo cd’s with all my details (think along the lines of a comp card or portfolio). With these prints/cd’s in hand I trekked door-to-door, leaving these at media agencies, designers, other photographers, stylists/make-up artists, agencies (who worked with free-lancers), made endless phone calls and sent out e-mails to notable contacts in the field. It was a lot of work but I enjoyed every minute doing it. Friends will tell you I love organizing any and everything so one could say managing myself came like a breeze!

Sara in Laundy Industry and Burberry

Did you ever think about giving up?
I’m not the ‘give up’ or ‘pack up’ kind of person so no! I constantly tried to help step-up the Barbadian fashion industry; I fought for fair payment, treatment and that we should all work together (and not against each other). I also paved the way for other Caucasian models on the island and regionally -something which was practically not there when I started out. However, there were certainly moments when it was rather trying and I felt let down, unfairly treated and simply tired of the superficial nonsense that you inevitably feel in the fashion industry. Nevertheless, I never gave up and thankfully I also have some amazing loved ones that supported me along the way.

Give the public some examples of your success. What are some of the most major jobs you’ve done?

Lets see…I was in the British Vogue Magazine, Conde Naste Magazine, The London Times, modeled for the haute couture designer Bruce Oldfield, modeled haute couture from Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, I was photographed by John Swannell, did shows with La Perla Lingerie, Bvlgari as well as Theo Fennell Jewelry, MAC Make-up, Nokia, modeled in the music video “Time for Change” by singer David Kirton (which was directed by the internationally acclaimed Tom Krueger), was featured on the Travel Channel, SHE Caribbean Magazine, Shabeau Magazine, Circuit Magazine, Nation, Advocate, interviewed for MTV Tempo Television, Caribbean Fashion Week, Barbados Fashion Week, modeled for designers such as Simon Foster, Nefertari, Meiling, Pat Brathwaite, Pauline Bellamy, Cooyah…and the list goes on….

What has it been like working with some of fashion’s elite?
Fantastic, had me over the moon, I loved every moment of it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life size shop window advertisements of Sara-

 

What was the most memorable moment of your career?
It’s difficult to define one moment when almost every experience has been memorable in its own right. It has all been incredible and I am so very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I have mentioned though in previous interviews, how I will never forget the excitement when I first hit the runways -such an adrenaline rush! Or when John Galliano walked into my home at 1AM to introduce himself (later I noticed I had toothpaste stuck on my face all the time we were talking, haha!!), doing a shoot with merely Giorgio Armani handbags covering the necessary body parts in a freezing cold studio at 3AM, having 50 bodyguards guarding us models as we stepped out on the runway in Bvlgari jewelry (around my neck was over a 1/4 million US dollars in diamonds), modeling a haute couture dress from Bruce Oldfield (priced at over thirty thousand pounds, made to solely fit me for his fashion show).

What would you like to achieve outside of modeling?
One of my huge goals was to do an MA and so I have recently achieved a Masters in Design at Central Saint Martins in London and an Entrepreneurship: Creative Ventures Course at The London Business School. As I mentioned before, I come from an extremely creative family background with art as well as fashion being in my blood. Modeling is a great hobby of mine, yet I have always focused on building my own businesses. I have worked in Real Estate (key area being Villa Management), Food & Beverage, Hotel Management and PR. I currently manage my own design company in Europe.

What is next for you right now, career-wise?
I’m looking to possibly develop a signature couture line.

Advice to aspiring models/fashion entrepreneurs?
I can only avidly reiterate (and subsequently underline it a million times) what I once said in an interview with the lovely Kelly Johnally:
- Young models stop doing work for free; fashion entrepreneurs prevent the hidden exploitation that is going on in the industry. Too many aspiring models are afraid to ask for payment for fear of not getting work or exposure. In the end it costs them time and money to prepare for a show. Models should know that if they don’t treat their craft as a business no one else will!
- Before accepting a job get all the details about the photo shoot/fashion show i.e. ask for a brief description along with the approx. time the photo shoot/fashion show with rehearsal will take and discuss payment. Other questions should be: Who is the photographer and who are the stylists involved? What time is model call? What do I need to carry with me? Are there any fittings to attend? Don’t be nervous, essentially the more questions you ask the better you can be prepared.
- Know your strengths: a runway model will not necessarily be a good print model and vice versa, the key is to know what works for you and improve yourself in that area.
- Anyone serious about the modeling industry should still focus on any kind of education or other work and find ways to develop their talent on the side. Modeling is a very unpredictable career considering the number of women in the world to the handful of supermodels. The look, which is popular today, will change.
- Do not be offended if a designer/photographer/agency does not choose you. It does not mean something is wrong with you, merely that you do not fit the criteria they are looking for that particular job.
- Be realistic: not any and everyone can be a model, ask a few professionals for clear yet objective advice.
- The standards and expectations of local models are gradually rising. Today advertisers both locally and regionally are looking for models that can represent their products and services beyond a photograph. To remain marketable models need to be personable, articulate and able to interact well with potential clients. If a model wants an advertiser to invest in them they must bring qualities that are worth the investment.

-Sara presenting award to Rihanna at the Barbados Music Awards-

-Sara receiving her special award model achievement award from Producer Rodney Powers at the Caribbean Fashion Awards-

-Bobby Roache, famous model from Beyonce’s ‘Irreplaceable’ video, yours truly and awardee Sara Collins at the Caribbean Fashion Awards-

Vita Chambers: Next Bajan Pop Diva

SRP/Universal Motown recording artiste VITA CHAMBERS

Dre: What is your full name?

Vita: Vita Charday Chambers

Dre: I heard you were a model before. Tell me what that experience was like and why you stopped.

Vita: Well, I didn’t plan on getting into it. I was walking in Sheraton [shopping mall] with my friend, and I went into Dingolay [boutique], this guy came up behind me and said; “Could I speak to you?” So I was like; “…Why?” (Laughs) Because you know when a guy just comes up to you, you’re like hmm… (laughs) So anyway, he said that he was a part of Gadal Modeling Agency and his name was Joel Brooks. So he said he wanted to sign me up with the agency and I said okay. I dabbled in that a little but I didn’t like modeling so much for me, but it was fun. It was a good experience. I learnt how to pose for cameras, but I was still really focused on my music at that time.

Dre: Any further interests in modeling or fashion?

Vita: Possibly later on in the future, but for right now I am more focused on my music.

Dre: Did you always have an interest in music or becoming a recording artiste?

Vita: Of course! Always! From as far back as I can remember.

Dre: So tell me how it all started, from square one, to this point.

Vita: Wow, okay. My mom told me from the time I came out of the womb i was screaming my head off, (laughs) so I guess that’s where it starts. Growing up, I always sang in the car with my mom. I remember I wanted a puppy so bad that I made up a song about how much I wanted the puppy. (laughs) And I always used to sing in the shower, making a racket. (laughs) Then one time at school [Will's Primary School] they wanted me to audition for a little performance, but I didn’t want to go sing because I was so shy. My friend said; “Vita, come, lets go!” and she dragged me, I hated her for it at the time, but now I love her for it. In that performance, I sang a part in; What the world needs now and that was the beginning of me performing on stage. They started putting me in the program every year. (chuckles)

Dre: Getting signed to Universal Motown… How did it all go down?

Vita: Well I recorded with a studio called Slam City, with a guy by the name of Chris Allman, and at that point I was really trying to find my own sound, learning to manipulate my voice. You know when you’re young, you start looking up to people and emulating their voices? So that’s why I was really trying to find myself as an artiste.

Dre: Trying to find that niche?

Vita: Exactly! So it came to a point where I started to do that and I recorded four songs and released my Myspace. A few days later, I got a message on Myspace saying; “Hi, I am Evan Rogers and I would like to meet you.” and I was like, “Oh my God!” So he came down and met me, a series of events happened and now I am signed to Universal. It was a very short period of time.

Dre: That’s crazy, how long did it take?

Vita: Well, my Myspace page came out in February, and Evan contacted me in February. They came down in March, and I was signed in June.

Dre: Wow! That is crazy! (laughs)

Vita: (laughs) Yeah I know!

Dre: What happens now that you’ve been signed?

Vita: I’m moving up to the States (U.S.A.) and then I will be going on a promo tour in the U.S.A. for five weeks. Probably then take a break, then do the promo tour in Europe, for how long, I have no idea… And then there’s talk about Asia.

Dre: Is there anything in particular you would like to achieve as a performing artiste?

Vita: Well if I won a Grammy that would be absolutely mindblowing. I don’t know what I’d do the second I heard my name being called. I want to meet all of the amazing people behind the great music we hear every day.

Dre: As a Bajan artiste, signed internationally you know that you will constantly be compared to Rihanna. Does it make you feel like you have to match up to her in some way?

Vita: I don’t see music as a competition, but I can only hope to be as good as Rihanna. She’s incredible and so successful, I really admire her. So I hope to be as good.

CHECK OUT VITA’S DEBUT SINGLE–  ‘LIKE BOOM’ @ http://www.myspace.com/srprecords

Livvi Franc: Barbados’ Newest International Hit

Livvi has the season wide open for “Now I’m That Bitch,” an empowering anthem in which the singer claims “bitch” to be an acronym for “being in total control of herself.” The independent woman puts her guy in his place: “You were too fly then, so fly away now” is sung with an aggressive, feisty vocal, and the momentum continues with Pitbull’s forceful and energetic rhymes. Salaam Remi’s production glistens from the start and bumps with a funked-up, futuristic rhythm and synth sounds.   Source: Billboard.com

Barbados born pop star on the rise Livvi Franc has conquered Billboard’s Hot Club Dance Chart with her first US Single “Now I’m That B*tch” reaching the number one position last week. This success will seemingly have her poised to slide gracefully into the Hot 100 singles very soon. 

Source: http://www.livvifranc.org/

Don’t forget to check out Livvi’s Official Site: http://www.livvifranc.com

Summer Trend Alert!!!- LADIES

BOLD BELTS

Yes ladies, bold belts are back ‘in’. And as you should all be aware by now, the fashion trends flow within a cycle. So what was ‘in’ dozens of seasons ago can return. There are so many trends resurfacing, that you girls have nothing to worry about! There is plenty to talk about and plenty to choose from, my fashion darlings.

One such fabulous trend this season is the bold belt. Give your outfit that refreshed look by simply adding that bright bold belt. Whether it be animal print, metallic, neon, lizard ‘skin’, large emblem buckles, etc.

Whatever it may be girls, let it be bold, be stylish, be glamourous, be fabulous.

And remember ladies, don’t do fashion, BE fashion .

xoxo.

Interview: International Top Model TENNILLE STOUTE

Barbadian international top model Tennille Stoute took time to speak with me about her career and shed some light on pressing issues such as racism in the fashion industry and the reality for new models in the international industry.

Dre: What is your full name?

Tennille: Tennille Stoute

Dre: When were you born?

Tennille: WHAT?!?? That’s gonna reveal my age! (laughs)

Dre: Is it that bad? (laughs)

Tennille: (laughs) I’m old. … 15th of January. That’s it!

Dre: Where did you grow up?

Tennille: In Barbados. At first in Black Rock, St. Michael then I moved to Husbands in St. James.

Dre: What was your childhood like?

Tennille: My childhood was, I think, quiet. I didn’t have that many friends. I wasn’t popular. I had one close friend.

Dre: Really?

Tennille: Yup. Not at all popular. One close friend that lived next door to me in Husbands. I think I had a pretty decent childhood.

Dre: How and when did your interest in modeling start?

Tennille: From birth I believe!! Looking back at photographs that my mother has, I can see it in me from a long time ago. There was this older guy that lived on the same street as my Grandmother did, he would always say “Come down Tennile!” and i would walklike i was walking down a runway and i’m like this high (demonstrates height with hand gesture) So it was always in me, i’ve always wanted to be a model.

Dre: What was your journey like as a model trying to make it in Barbados?

Tennille: Trying to make it in Barbados (pause)… When i first had the idea that I could do it, I didn’t know how to go about doing it, there was an ad in the newspaper that my mother saw about some people trying to start a modelling group. I can’t remember the modelling group’s name right now, but you were supposed to go to the Grazettes community centre to audition. So I went and it turned out that these two girls who were trying to start this modelling group were actually from Kingsley Thorne’s group originally they branched out and tried to do their own thing but it didn’t work out. So they took me to Ebony Models which is Kingsley’s group and I stayed with him. From then he told me that I should probably enter pagents. I didn’t really like pagents but I figured it could get me spotted and get me out there. I did a few pagents, I placed in one and won another, then I went to Ms. Barbados Universe, where I met Mr. Andy Niles, who is now deceased, and he knew more people that would be able to put me out there. So, then I got friendly with Dawn-Lisa Callendar (Of DL Productions) who was friendly with Kingsley Cooper (CEO of Pulse Jamacia) So she took me to do a model search in Jamacia and that was my first time in Jamacia, I came third in this model search then Kingsley Cooper had an interest in me and I was invited to do Caribbean Fashion Week.

Dre: What year was this?

Tennille: (Looking lost) I….. don’t remember (laughs) I’ve been in New York for five years now so…. do the math. There was a booker at CFW from the agency I’m currently with, she asked me to do a model search in Ecuador that the agency was doing (Formerly Karin Models now MC²). She said that even if I didn’t place, she would sign me. So I went and did the search and I came within the top 25 and she still signed me. So then I went to New York straight from Ecuador.

Dre: Even after being signed, was it still difficult, or did jobs just start coming your way?

Tennille: Yes! It was realy difficult. First, I was never away from home before, so moving to a big city like New York from a small island like Barbados was a huge transition for me, It has completely different cultures. Plus, what my idea of modelling was that it would have been easier and when I got there i would be making alot of money, but it wasn’t that case at all at first. When I got there, the agency put me up in a model apartment. It was a nice apartment but you have to share with other models, at that time it was like five or six of us that came from the Karin model search in Ecuador. You have to sleep on bunk beds because they need to make as much room as possible. You’re paying rent but it’s not coming out of your pocket, you’re not feeling the sting but every job you did would go back to the agency to pay your rent.

Dre: A percentage?

Tennille: Percentage?! All of it! I wasn’t making anything. The agency would give you a weekly allowance of a hundred dollars which is basically necessities (food, train fare, taxi fare, et-cetera) So, because I started to make more and more money from these jobs, I decided to move out with a friend of mine who was also a model, then I really started to make money because I was no longer living in the model’s apartment. The model’s apartment is a trap, that’s what I think. So as long as you are in the model’s apartment, you don’t make any money.

Dre: What was your first booking?

BABY PHAT FASHION SHOW

Tennille: I went in the middle of fashion week. So I went to all the castings and my first major job was the Baby Phat show and I’ve done it every year since. The bookers were amazed at that, because it is really difficult to book a Baby Phat show.

Dre: Tell us what that’s like?

Tennille: (first from right) Backstage Baby Phat fashion show

Tennille: Well it’s unlike any of the other shows I’ve done. It’s more exciting it feels more like Barbados because it’s more about entertainment. She (Kimora Lee) is more about the entertainment area instead of strict fashion, like how serious Kenneth Cole or Nicole Miller’s shows would be. So it’s more fun to do her show because it’s more laid back. The clothes are more fun, the music is more fun and Kimora is more fun (laughs).

Tennille: Kenneth Cole Fall/Winter fashion show

Dre: What are your sentiments towards racism in the fashion industry?

Tennille: Racism is very much alive in the fashion industry, I personally have not experienced it in my face but it’s there because you can feel it. Especially during fashion week. Even if you watch the fashion shows on tv you only see like two top black models. So as you can imagine there aren’t just like five of us (black models) but tonnes of black models in New York you can feel the competition because you know that out of the twenty black models that audition on that day alone, there’s only one that is going to make that show and they are going to use a previous black model that they had from the last season. So if you make that show you’re lucky, as long as you’re black it’s going to be hard. It’s alot easier for the white girls because even Asians have a hard time. Most clients, I believe, think that if a white model represents their product that he or she will reach out to all races and I really believe that they think if a black model represents their product, that it means that it is lower in value.

Dre: What was your most challenging job?

Tennille: I wouldn’t say that I’ve had a challenging job because I enjoy what I do and I don’t see them as challenges, I see them as experiences.

Dre: What was the most memorable moment of your career?

Tennille: Payless campaign

Tennille: The most memorable moment was when I did the Payless campaign. I shot with photographer Nigel Barker (of America’s Next Top Model fame). For me he was the most famous photographer. I’m sure I’ve shot with famous photographers before, but I am horrible with names and faces (laughs). So I never keep that in my head, I don’t feel a way about whether you’re famous or not, it doesn’t make a difference to me. As long as I get a good shot for the job. But he was the most memorable person that I’ve met and worked with as far as photographers go. I think that was a great achievement because he is an amazing photographer.

Dre: What is you’re dream booking?

Tennille: (laughs)….My dream booking used to be..(giggles) to walk for Victoria’s Secret but I don’t have the ” top” (laughs and holds chest) So I would like to work with Gucci.

Dre: Whats it like working with some of fashion’s elite?

Tennille: It’s…(pause) I look at everyone the same the same way I would turn up for a job in New York, I would do the same in Barbados. I take everything seriously and I think everyone is on the same level, they may just have bigger bank accounts than I do (laughs).

Dre: What’s next for you career wise?

Tennille: I plan to wear this out (modelling) as long as they want me to work, I’ll work. So, I could be forty and be called for a modelling job and I would go. But I give myself five more years in New York, running around and working, then I plan to come back to Barbados and have a baby.

Dre: Any advice for aspiring models?

Tennille: Just work hard and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.

Yours truly with the top model herself Tennille Stoute at Mojo's, Christ Church, Barbados