Pulse opening gala pulls fashion icons and stars
CARIBBEAN FASHIONWEEK 2017’s black tie gala event pulled the presence of some of the island’s top fashionistas in a gathering to toast the beginning of this year’s promise of couture.
Supermodel Nadine Willis likened the event’s atmosphere to that of a family reunion. And the description was fitting, considering that the event managed to place in one space two of Willis’ legacies, within the Pulse family and her own.
“For someone who has done it for many years, it’s like a meet-and-greet, a reunion. It’s just one big happy family,” Willis told The Gleaner.
Alicia Burke, Pulse’s current supermodel, can boast a successful career, after entering the business a little over a year ago.
TAKING UP THE MANTLE
In the early stages of her own career, Willis was Pulse’s star model. She was the choice for the Gucci brand and is known for her feature in one of their more sensational campaigns. Now, Burke has taken up the mantle.
“You look forward to seeing who’s next. You get to see new faces like Alicia Burke, my replacement for Gucci!” Willis said with a laugh.
And for Burke, “It’s been wonderful so far. It’s been a year and some months and I’ve done a lot. Someone else could take two years to do what I’ve done so far, it’s been good!” she told The Gleaner. Pulse’s newest sensation’s other top clients include Ralph Lauren, Coach, Dolce & Gabanna, Stella McCartney, Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, Bobbi Brown, Versace, i-D, Benetton, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood.
In addition to watching Burke carry on the torch for the modelling agency, Willis introduced another of her legacies, her daughter Tatjana Berg. MOTHER’S LEGACY
“My daughter is modelling this year and it’s awesome,” Willis said, revealing that Berg is currently signed to the internationally renowned Next Modeling Agency.
“My mom did it, and I thought it would be amazing to try it out,” Berg told The Gleaner.
The 18-year-old model signed with Next in May 2016. Berg is featured in an ad campaign for Coca Cola (Africa), as well as a globally distributed commercial for the same brand.
The US-based Berg also told The Gleaner that this is her first visit to Jamaica in eight years.
“I actually saw the commercial for the first time on the airplane coming down here,” she said.
Berg also revealed that she wished to extend her budding career into acting.
“Modelling gets you ready for stuff like that. I wanna be in a movie. My dream is to be in a Fast and Furious movie, because I drive so damn fast and I love cars,” Berg said.