Unveiling a new breed of models
A prestigious modelling competition unveils a unique breed of women and men.
AFTER a successful run with the Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search last year, Stylo decided to embark on another “hunt” this year – namely the Mercedes-benz Stylo Model of the Year Search 2012.
This initiative was undertaken by Stylo International in the run to the 14th Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix in partnership with Mercedes-benz and international fashion brand F&F. It is part of its World Fashion Series presented by Mercedes-benz, which was launched in London last year.
A twist to most local model search contests, this prestigious competition opened itself to not only men and women but also international students currently residing here.
The Stylo search team, having gone to the jungles and rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak in February, churned out two unique contestants, Zac Karim, 22, and Ervita Gireen, 21, both from Kuching, Sarawak.
Loh Tze Shian, 19, the tallest of the lot, standing at 184cm, is not only an avid shopper, but also has a strong interest in modelling.
“People used to call me a giant in school because I was always the tallest, even amongst the boys, and that affected me a lot. I didn’t know what I could possibly do with my height. It was only very recently that I thought I would try modelling,” she said.
“When this competition came along, I didn’t want to give it a miss. I tried my luck and am happy that I am one of the 12 finalists,” said Loh. She added that since the selection, she has been training daily to prepare for the finals.
“Now that I am trying to venture into this industry, I realise the excitement and painstaking hardships in being a model. And of course, I no longer feel intimidated by my height,” she mused.
There is a lot of excitement with regard to this year’s search and finalists as there are not only three boys but also one foreign contestant.
The youngest of the lot is Mira Bouwmeester, 14 (the minimum age for the contest is 14 and participants under the age of 18 require written parental approval). The student said she loves school and would not compromise her education.
“Time management was a struggle at first as I had to attend training at the academy and school, but so far it has been going well. Some of my friends at school know about this and are very supportive. My parents are also very encouraging and advise me to do my very best. “Being the baby in the competition ... the other finalists treat me no differently even though they are older than me, somewhat like my brothers and sisters. They’ve helped me out a lot during this competition,” she said.
Bouwmeester looks up to Tyra Banks for her fierce take on the modelling industry.
“The fact that she’s created the television show America’s Next Top Models, to me, shows her enthusiasm and urge to cultivate new faces. She has provided many opportunities for emerging models and I think that is simply great.
“Platforms such as the Mercedes-benz Stylo Model of the Year is a way forward for new faces and I am glad to be part of it. Hopefully, this is the start of my modelling career, if all works out,” added Bouwmeester with a chuckle.
The only foreign contestant, Arailym Magauina, said: “I am very happy to be one of the finalists. I have never modelled before and even though there were many modelling contests in my home country (Kazakhstan), I never participated in any of them. Being the only foreigner in the competition has allowed me to make a lot of local friends and the rest of the finalists are very welcoming towards me.
“The training at Stylo Academy has been very good and I’ve learned a lot since it started four weeks ago,” said Magauina, 21, who first noticed this competition when the team went on a search at one of the local universities.
Justin Koit, 21, learnt of the competition by chance.
“I was going out for lunch during my break and happened to walk pass the competition poster and thought I’d give it a shot,” said the 190cm chap who used to work at a coffee place.
“I am taking time off now from work to do this. It has been quite tiring as we have to train everyday but it’s also been very exciting. I’ve made some very good friends from the competition and we are just like a big happy family.”
Even though there are only three boys in the finals and they have to compete with the girls, Koit believes the chances are equal. “May the best man win,” he quipped.
“When looking for a supermodel, we realise that beauty in the classic sense is not a prerequisite. Supermodels are a unique breed. One ‘look’ is never beautiful,” explained Stylo International president and chief executive officer Datuk Nancy Yeoh.
“A supermodel must possess the ability to adapt to different situations and styles at any given time, with the right attitude while maintaining poise and elegance,” Yeoh added.
“Opening up the talent pool to modelling is creating yet another additional platform and greater opportunities for the young,” said president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-benz Malaysia Roland Folger.
Apart from the training at Stylo Academy, the finalists also underwent a complete hair makeover by A Cut Above.
The finalists are Melinda Lee, 21 (Penang); Carmen Wong, 21 (Kuala Lumpur); Shahirah Din, 25 (Seremban); Justin Koit, 21 (Kuala Lumpur); Julius Tan, 20 (Kuala Lumpur); Zac Karim, 22 (Sarawak); Ervita Gireen, 21 (Sarawak); Kamini Raj, 25 (Kuala Lumpur); Mira Bouwmeester, 14 (Kuala Lumpur); Arailym Magauina, 21 (Kazakhstan); Loh Tze Shian, 19 (Penang) and Casandra Azman, 21 (Kuala Lumpur).
Currently, the finalists are strutting the runway of the Mercedes-benz Stylo Fashion Grand Prix, which began on March 19 and culminates with the model search finals this Sunday. The Star is a media partner.