The season premiere of Caribbean’s Next Top Model (CNTM) introduced viewers to the 23 finalists from the show’s casting process.
For the first challenge, the models were split into groups and asked by Ernest Massiah, regional director for UNAIDS Caribbean to design t-shirts and slogans to address the stigma surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
In addition, the models got to do a quick shoot wearing their designs. Throughout the shoot some of the contestants, like Barbados’ Sedia Jackman, excelled at the task while others had a little bit of trouble being comfortable in front of the lens.
After the group challenge the models were given the chance to convince all of the celebrity judges (Wendy Fitzwilliam, Richard Young and Pedro Virgil) that they had the potential to be Caribbean’s Next Top Model. From this 11 were chosen: Sedia from Barbados, Kendra from the Bahamas, Treveen from the Cayman Islands, Stephany from Curacao, Ashley from Guadeloupe; Trudy-Lee from Jamaica, and Semoy, Athaliah, Susan, Sheriza and Rachel from Trinidad and Tobago.
In the second episode of CNTM, viewers witnessed an unexpected twist as Rachel opted to leave the competition. The surprises continued as the contestants learned that they would be competing in a military themed “model” bootcamp. CNTM judge Richard Young announced that there would be a “pose off”, but not before re-introducing Top Model hopeful Lisa back into the competition. At Young’s demand, the 11 finalists squared off to pose as “dancehall queens”, “IT girls” and “business executives”. In the end, Sedia won the challenge.
Back at bootcamp, emotions ran wild with Sheriza getting picked on and Semoy feeling homesick. Helen Pipins, creative director, introduced the models to their next challenge – a pose-off photo shoot in pairs photographed at the Chaguaramas Military Museum in Trinidad.
Later, at the judges table, Trudy won the photo shoot challenge for her strong poses and fluid movement. Semoy was eliminated as the judges felt she didn’t want to be there.
In Episode 3 the girls had their first personal style challenge. With the help of Chi products, they were given ten minutes to put a look together that best conveyed their individual fashion. Lisa won for her portrayal of punk style.
Makeover time and the model hopefuls endured extreme cuts, edgy hair colouring, and dramatic blow outs. After seeing their new hairstyles for the first time, some of the girls, like Sedia, loved their new looks, while others, like Treveen and Trudy, had a hard time with a serious lack of locks.
Later, the contestants met with the judges for the deliberation of the “Wake Up, No Makeup” challenge. Treveen’s determination to rock her new look paid off as the judges’ first pick. In the end Ashley was eliminated for her lack of versatility.
Now only nine remain and the girls officially move into the Caribbean’s Next Top Model apartment. In the Episode 4 promo tensions arise between Athaliah and Lisa, Sheriza cracks under pressure, and the girls participate in a Carnival Chaos photoshoot. (NS)
