For 26 years Saint International has been the leading model agency across the region, unearthing new talent each year who have gone on to achieve success on the international fashion scene.

A new set of model hopefuls are poised for international success after more than 30 were selected on Sunday, July 26 during a Saint International Community Model Search, which took place at Jamaica College.

This was the fifth model search to have taken place this year and, according to Saint International boss Deiwight Peters, this one was the biggest thus far.

“This model search is the last in the series, and we’ve had five so far. I do believe this was the biggest one; not only in terms of the size of the turnout, but certainly the faces that turned out, they were remarkable. I do feel strongly that on August 29, when we have the finals of the Fashion Face of the Caribbean competition (for both male and female), several of these new discoveries will go on to bigger things,” Peters told the Jamaica Observer shortly after the model search ended.

“We have several top agencies who will be coming in for the event, who are representing the major fashion markets in New York, London, Milan, Paris, Germany, and even Spain and they are just excited to be coming to Jamaica,” shared Peters.

Member of Parliament for St Andrew Eastern and Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams, who was in attendance at the model search, heaped praises on Peters.

“Well, I was impressed to see the young people come out for the model search because I know there is still talent all over Jamaica. Deiwight is a very reputable person, his agency has an impressive track record, and I have no doubt that several of these model hopefuls here today will become stars of tomorrow under Deiwight’s guidance,” Williams told the Observer.

Some of the successful model hopefuls from the model search held at Jamaica College share a photo op with (seated from left) Deiwight Peters, founder, CEO of Saint International; model Kai Newman; Member of Parliament for St Andrew Eastern and Minister of Finance Fayval Williams, and Saint International model Carolyn Sangster.

Peters shared that the minister’s presence validated the work that the agency has been doing over the years.

“I think that her turning up validated what we do and the purpose of the model search. She knows the success stories of Saint International. A big thank you to the Jamaica College family for hosting us, Mr Wayne Robinson, the principal, and the team,” he said.

Kai Newman, one of Saint International’s successful models, was in attendance at the model search to encourage the newbies.

“I just flew back to Jamaica so I said why not come here and meet some of the future stars and give them some advice, a little inspiration, and motivation. I just want them to believe in Deiwight, believe in Saint International, and to just be their authentic self,” Newman, who was discovered by Peters the age of 14 while walking on the street.

Newman has walked for designers including Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Prada, Bottega, among others.

Speaking on the Fashion Face of the Caribbean competition in August, Peters shared that more than 150 models from Jamaica, Canada, United States, Europe, several Caribbean countries including Guyana, will participate.

“We have roughly 150 models who will be participating in the Fashion Face of the Caribbean and they are coming from all over the world. It’s going to be awesome,” he said.