Columbus has begun to break onto the fashion scene, thanks to the 1st Annual Columbus Model Quest™ presented by Style-ology LLC.
The contest, lasting from Jan. 13-19, was created by Michelle Washington of Style-ology to increase interest and visibility to all businesses and sponsors involved as well as to recognize the emerging fashion scene in Ohio and new modeling talent that the state has to offer.
More than 50 amateur models applied, from which a panel of judges (including Jennifer Secrest of CityScene Magazine) chose 25 who endured a second elimination, narrowing the field to 10.
The 10 finalists that were selected competed in a “Fashion Catwalk Challenge” that was held at BoMA on Jan. 19. The show opened with Kristina Isabelle’s dance company High-Jinks and closed with a final act from Shakira al Fanninah/International Dancer.
The top male and female winners were Brad Morse and Dominique Reighard. Runners-up were Ryan Hunter and Renee Horton.
Brad Morse, Dominique Reighard
Winners received: a professional fashion photography session (10-20 images) to create a new portfolio; a modeling contract with Form Models; a catwalk in a high profile fashion event in the spring; gift certificates from the Marengo Institute Luxury Spa; a makeover by Haircolorxperts; selected services from Angélique Salon and Day Spa; a movie gift certificate (or passes) for two; and restaurant gift certificates form McCormick & Schmick’s.
A second event is already in the planning stages. “An annual fashion event is desperately needed in Columbus to prove that one of this kind can be strong enough to carry on each year and grown in participation from businesses and sponsors as well as Columbus’ local talent,” Washington said in a press release.