EMMANUEL TYSON has a goal. He wants to see the return of the male supermodel. And the passionate 19-year-old is looking to be one of them.
Tyson started modelling while at the Lodge School.
“My actual first show was at the Lodge School called Highway To Fashion. I came third in that.”
From that point, he began to further his career, performing at fashion events, such as BMEX and BB Fashion Week. He even went on to represent Barbados in Encore Jamaica, winning the competition along with co-representative and former Banks Calendar girl, Tia Sealy.
He put his journey to being an international actor and supermodel on hold for a while, to take care of some family commitments; holding down jobs at Sandals Barbados and Banks Breweries.
“The acting I am not so sure about anymore because here in Barbados the market for actors is a little tougher so I am at the bottom of that ladder in terms of my skills and abilities. But I love the runway shows, the shoots. I like the adrenaline and wearing those designer pieces.”
Tyson might very well be on his way to having his name known globally as his never-ending drive has seen him signing a contract with international brand, Omega Modelling Agency.
He is leaving this month to go to Los Angeles, and knows it isn’t going to be all stars and fireworks.
“The fashion industry is a tough one. You can make it or it can break you. But I love what I do and I have the will to succeed. I don’t want to wake up one morning and wonder why I’m going to work. I want to be passionate about what I do, and I love the runway.”
Tyson said he worked hard on getting the right look to break into the sector.
“I always make sure I am well dressed. Some might think it is overkill but you never know who you will meet. I think that everywhere you go, you should be well dressed.
“If you [go to] the supermarket or movies, at any point in time, you can meet someone from a big fashion label, like Dolce & Gabbana or Calvin Klein who might be impressed with how you look. And it is true that based on how you dress people do judge you.”
Tsyon hits the gym regularly to maintain his physique.
“I never used to have [an] athletic body, I actually used to be fat,” he said, chuckling. “I am also hoping that my story can be an inspiration to others.”
Tsyon has a positive attitude and sees himself being signed one day by Wilhelmina International Inc., the US model agency.
“In the next five years, I see myself signed to the biggest labels in the world . . . . Wilhelmina, IMG, Ford Models, it’s a whole set, but I really wanna be signed by Wilhelmina models. That’s my goal.
“I wanna see myself on billboards, campaign after campaign. I want to promote myself as a brand, and I want to be the face of many brands.”
But what does he want to do when he reaches his goal?
“I want to come back and help those who are the position I was in. I also want to give to those who took the time to invest in my career. I want to show that I appreciate them.”
