The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

PARTICIPATING in this year’s Fash|Art festivities, three young aspiring models were lucky enough to walk away with contracts with the PTG Modelling Agency.
The local modelling agency teamed up with the Fash|Art to find what they called “The Next Face of Fashion”. Models Georgette Mckenzie, Jolanda Carey and Jessica Cartwright were all awarded contracts, joining forces with the leading agency.
When looking for “The Next Face”, Pia Rolle, president of PTG Modelling Agency said she looked for marketability and other qualities that are attractive to the industry. Calling it “the it factor”, she said she wanted not only a great look, but also a great personality.
Speaking about her connection with Fash|Art 2012, Ms Rolle said: “I was personally invited by the founder of Fash|Art Mr Kedar Clarke in 2011 for the inaugural event to partner with the event and provide the emerging models with a genuine opportunity for development, local representation and the possibility of international representation. Since the first event, PTG Modelling Agency has successfully developed and represented at least six models that came through the Fash|Art 2011 event.”
In regards to the PTG contract, Ms Rolle said Jessica will receive a scholarship valued at $2,500, which covers development and mentoring through PTG’s “Life Skills Course.” This also comes along with two years of local management, representation and the opportunity to be seen and possibly represented by international agencies through PTG.
Georgette and Jolanda, she said, will receive scholarships valued at $1,500 each, which also covers development and mentoring through PTG’s “Life Skills Course.” This comes along with a one year local management and representation contract.
Ms Rolle said with her modelling agency she is proud to have broken the mold that is associated with the modelling industry.

“PTG has been and continues to be respected for our consistency in standard and integrity in the industry, of which we are obviously proud. As such, we continue to enjoy working relationships with some of the most prestigious local and international clients who repeatedly seek our services and give us wonderful reviews,” said Ms Rolle.
One of the winners, sixteen year old Georgette, noted that this is her very first time joining a modelling agency. She said it brought to her tears of joy as she stood on stage hearing her name called.
“When I was standing on stage amongst the other talented beautiful girls, I thought my chances of winning were low. When Pia called my name, a shiver ran down my spine,” said Georgette.
She said she knew of the PTG Modelling Agency since she was around 14 years old. Georgette said she remembers some time ago, she found herself in search for modelling agencies to send in her portfolio. Coming across PTG, she said she sent in her information and was overjoyed when she got a reply back. Three years later, Georgette said she is finally with the agency.
“Even though I am sort of new in the fashion industry, I will bring not only my talent, I will also bring my enthusiasm, my intelligence and my ability to work along with others to ensure that PTG modelling agency will become one of the top modelling agencies not only in the Bahamas, but well known around the world,” said Georgette.
As the catwalk continues to thrive in the Bahamas, an increasing number of models like Georgette, Jolanda and Jessica are looking at modelling as a viable career path.

Tribune Entertainment went behind the scenes at Fash|Art 2012 to learn more about what it takes to be a model.

Analicia Thompson, also a member of PTG and first runner up in Miss Bahamas World 2012, said it is not as “easy as it may look.”

“It is definitely time consuming behind the scenes, not just in your daily life, but when you get here also. It is basically hair and makeup all day. So really by the time you hit the stage you are just exhausted, but that is really when you have to turn it on and give all you’ve got,” said Analicia.

She said the Fash|Art event went smoothly, as the designers were very professional backstage and the Fash|Art team was very organised. However, she said every runway show has its malfunctions.

“Malfunctions are part of the job where things just happen and there are last minute alterations. Sometimes there are things that are too big or too small so they have to kind of make it work. You are walking up there and fabric moves, things just happen. As a model you have to not let that crumble you; you have to contain your composure,” said Analicia.
Analicia also received an award at the end of the night. She won a contract with Profile 98 Magazine.
“It was a surprise to win the Profiles Magazine contract because I follow the magazine, and coming back from participating in Miss Bahamas. I was like I came so close because one of the prizes was to actually be on the cover of the magazine. So this is kind of like a little redemption for me and it feels good,” said Analicia.