On the heels of its just-concluded StyleWeek Jamaica, which attracted a coterie of international fashion media, Saint International i s generating major online buzz on the influential website models.com with a lead fashion editorial and video story titled “Jamaica’s Next Wave.”

Shot at Hellshire last month, the feature, engineered by Art + Commerce casting director Larissa Gunn and casting assistant Kait Robinson, culled 12 of Saint’s established model stars and up-andcomers who were characterised as “easygoing with permanently unbuttoned attitudes”.

Recruited from the Saint stable were Tami Williams, Kai Newman, Garraine Vines, Shan Guyher, Mario Feurtado, Delroy Stewart, Brandon Bailey, Brad Allen, Aneita Moore, Tajai MacPherson, André Doyley and Alexion McDonald.

SO checked in with Larissa Gunn in the Big Apple to share behind-thescenes details about her Rock-lensed models.com project.

Style Observer (SO): What interested models.com in spotlighting as it coined “Jamaica’s next wave” of models?

Larissa Gunn (LG): I have been to Jamaica many times and know from experience that it is an ‘under the radar’ scouting hotspot. The people of Jamaica are beautiful.

SO: What was your criteria in the selection of the 12 models chosen for the fashion editorial?

LG: I have worked with some of them in the mainstream fashion market in New York and have also spotted others in past trips for Fashion Face and Style Week. We had a few models in mind in advance of the project and finalised casting during the Style Week events. Our goal was to showcase a range of looks and backgrounds.

SO: How would you categorise “the look” of a Jamaican model?

LG: There is no specific identifying ‘look’ of a Jamaicain model. Jamaica is unique because it is a melting pot of many different places and cultures. We wanted to show that to people that may not know. Common perception is the people of Jamaica are only of African origin when there are actually so many other places from all over the globe that contribute to the look and culture of Jamaica and the Jamaican people.

SO: How was the shoot? Any special recollections of the day?

LG: The shoot was so much fun! We got a bit of a late start but everyone was super-easygoing and go with the flow. Good vibes only!

SO: You are a repeat guest of Saint International’s Style Week. What keeps you coming back?

LG: Jamaica is one of my favourite places in general, and over time I have developed a friendship with Deiwght Peters through our mutual fashion contacts. What Deiwght is doing for Jamaica through Saint International is very important. Plus it is always a really good time, full of laughs!

SO: As a casting director with Art + Commerce, and your continued exposure to Jamaican faces, do you think they fare better as mainstream talent or boutique clients?

LG: I think that Jamaican faces are perfectly suited for both mainstream and boutique clients and brands. We exist in a time where those two markets are being constantly blended.

SO: How can we translate Saint’s international success into status and real currency for Jamaica?

LG: This is a very difficult and complicated question to answer. There are obviously a great many working parts that go into achieving the above; it also takes more than one industry; the fashion industry cannot do it alone. But I would say, the first step in any industry is to create awareness, which is exactly what Deiwght Peters and Saint International are working so hard to do. To break it down into an overly simplified answer, the more successful models who come out of Jamaica, the more wealth will go back into Jamaica; it is a trickle-down effect.

(PHOTOS APPEAR IN THE STYLE OBSERVER COURTESY OF LARISSA GUNN & KAIT ROBINSON FOR MODELS.COM AND PROD’N CASTING)

See Related Video: models.com/mdx/jamaicas-new-wave/