Cleopatra pursues modelling dream
PTHE GLEANER, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016 ULSE’S 2015 Million Dollar Model winner Alicia Burke elevated her star status last week when Vogue reported that some of the world’s top designers, including Armani and Dolce and Gabanna “can’t get enough of her”. A true inspiration for the current season of Pulse’s reality TV series, Burke, in a short time, has appeared on the covers of major magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and already has multiple editions of fashion’s premier publication, Vogue. Burke’s story of discovery and transformation is both magical and compelling, and the prospects for the 2016 edition of Pulse’s Search for the Million Dollar Girl, are keen on realising their dreams and taking aim at becoming Pulse’s next global star.
The field has been narrowed to 22 girls in this season’s battle of Fashion vs Petites.
The beautiful Melia Braco Resort Village will be the backdrop for one lucky girl with the perfect face, body and spirit to take the top honors of ‘Pulse’s Million Dollar Girl’ and will be awarded $1m in cash and prizes (with no less than $300,000 in cash). Prizes include a ticket to New York to visit model agencies, guaranteed modelling contracts and weekends at the Melia Braco among others.
Since 1980, the Pulse Search has produced fashion legends such as Lois Samuels, Angela Neil, Kimberley Mais, Romae Gordon, Althea Laing, Carla Campbell, Lincoln Wynter, as well
as more recent supermodels Jeneil Williams, Oraine Barrett, Jaunel McKenzie, Sedene Blake, Nell Robinson and Nadine Willis.
Today, we introduce you to one of the 2016 finalists, Cleopatra Whyte. Brought to you by Pulse, Melia Braco and The Gleaner.
Cleopatra Whyte is a 19-year-old past student of Ascot High School. Articulate and driven, this multitalented young lady from St Catherine stands 5ft 51/5” and says her passion for modelling was developed at an early age.
“Since I was a child, I would put on my mom’s heels and handbags. I loved to play dress-up,” she said.
When asked about who inspired her from the runway, she immediately responded, “I admired Francine and she reminded me of myself. And when I met Alicia Burke and spoke to her, she immediately became my role model. Regardless of being shorter and slimmer than some of the other girls and being teased about it, she helped me to feel confident and better about myself.”
Cleopatra proudly reveals that she was always encouraged by friends and family to pursue her dream. “This experience feels great. I’ve been able to put out my full potential and even though I’m a petite (model), I’ve been able to show that I have as much to offer as a model.”
A creative spirit at heart, Cleopatra loves reggae and R&B, but has a preference for old hits. She also writes poetry and believes she will pen a hit song one day. Unfazed by her stature in an industry which favours her taller counterparts, Whyte believes that staying confident, regardless of what she has faced, will see her competing at the highest level. “I have unwavering belief in myself and I’m not easily rattled. It may take me a while to get to my goals in modelling, but I am persistent and will not be distracted. I am prepared to fight for what I want to achieve,” she said.