Spotlights*
February 7, 2014 • by Jane Carter
Spotlight: Top Austin Model Showcase
Brianna Fleet: The Top Austin Model Showcase on Sunday, February 9th at North Door is the second public installment of the competition. Models have participated in variety of challenges exploring their potential and careers in the fashion industry. The Top Austin Model Showcase will score models after four runway appearances. Scores from our judges Brianna Fleet of ButterFly Entertainment, Laura Gamble of Vanity Salon & Spa, Benson Roberts of Atelier Benson, William Jackson of Influential Magazine, and Adrian Amiro of Shallotlilly will be combined with scores from previous challenges to determine who will be eliminated, with only ten models moving on in the competition.
During the Top Austin Model Showcase, our semi-finalist models will participate in a fashion show featuring local designers Krista Harty and Nicole Marie. Models will have the opportunity to work with some of the top beauty professionals in Austin from Rae Cosmetics and Jackson Ruiz who will create their hair and makeup looks for the runway. In addition to a fabulous fashion show, guests will enjoy live music by local artist Serafia and local DJ Cabrini Green. After the models have rocked the runway, guests will have the opportunity to cast their vote for Top Austin Model Fan Favorite.
TB: Talk a little more about the casting & selection process.
BF: The Top Austin Model Casting invited Austin local models to try out for one of the coveted spots as a Top Austin Model contestant. Before participants have an opportunity to walk twice for our judges including Brianna Fleet of ButterFly Entertainment, Laura Gamble of Vanity Salon & Spa, Cheryl Bemis of Fashionably Austin, Top Austin Model 2011 winner Britany Walker, and Top Austin Model 2013 winner Nicole Glenn, contestants are first mentored by Top Austin Model All Stars, former contestants with continued success in the fashion industry. After the runway, models then move to a mini-shoot with Todd White Photography where they are given 5 frames to impress the judges. Models then are scored and fifteen of the models are selected to compete in the 2014 competition.
TB: How did you come to be involved with Top Austin Model?
BF: I began the process of creating Top Austin Model in 2010 and launched the first competition in 2011. I’ve worked in the fashion industry as a model and producer for many years and have developed a great respect for the creative talent Austin has to offer. Having grown up in the Austin modeling community, I wanted to offer my resources and knowledge to other models. I’ve had the opportunity to develop an extensive network with some of the top professionals in the Austin fashion industry and have been able to bring some amazing mentors and judges to help develop models’ skills and talent as they compete. My goal with the Top Austin Model competition is to provide a platform for local professionals and introduce their creativity and talent to the general public in an inspiring manner.
TB: What are some of your favorite parts/experiences of the Showcase?
BF: My personal favorite is the excitement and anticipation that goes on backstage before the models hit the runway. Top Austin Model offers participants a chance to compete for a spot to continue on in the competition and advocate for Fan Favorite votes from guest who attend the showcase. This gives the models a different experience because even though they are competing, they have to come together and represent each designer and stylist featured in the show.
It’s inspiring to see models support and praise each other backstage within a competitive environment. It always makes me proud to see their improvement and confidence on the runway. It’s a very rewarding and exciting experience for contestants to have the ability to invite family, friends, and fans to cheer them on and support them in the Top Austin Model competition.
