by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Hundreds of modeling and acting hopefuls didn’t let a little rain stop their stars from shining June 11 in New Haven.
At the Shops at Yale, the Get Discovered Model and Actor Search was held. Future modeling and acting stars of the future of all ages had a chance to strut their stuff on a runway in front of agents from Surface Model Management, Fenton Model Management, New York Models, Next Model Management, and Connecticut’s John Casablancas Modeling and Acting Agency (also one of the sponsors). One of the hopefuls would be chosen for the top prize, which included a contract with a modeling agency, a high fashion photo shoot and other items.
However, even before the first prospective model or actor walked out onto the outdoor runway, the rains fell. However, umbrellas were pulled out, and few—if any– of the future models/ actors walked away. Even when the rain became a wall of water, the aspiring stars still plunged forward.
Darrin Judkins, a representative from Surface Models in New York, said, “I’m looking for more high fashion men and women. We’re a boutique agency that just opened seven or eight months ago.” And high fashion, he explained, meant he was seeking “women 14 to 18 who are just starting, 5’8” to 5’11” and men 16 to 20, 6’ to 6’2.”
Yescul Hwang of Fenton said she was looking for somebody with confidence and who has something special. Hwang said that something special doesn’t necessarily only mean the model is pretty. They have to have that undefinable something that you know when you see it, she said.
Both Judkins and Hwang said life is bright for people seeking careers in modeling.
“There’s a lot of opportunity out there for models, for magazines for sure,” said Judkins. “I know young actresses and actors have taken over magazines but there’s definitely great opportunities for women and men in magazines.”
“It’s not just magazines, but it’s a lot of fashion shows,” said Hwang. “Another emerging market is e-commerce now as well.”
The Get Discovered event was held over four hours (two hours in the rains stopped) without the lines dissipating throughout the afternoon.
Tina Kiniry, president of John Casablancas in Connecticut, said the winner of the day’s event will be announced in several weeks after the judges have had a chance to confer and review what they saw on Saturday.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
