Model Blaire Wilson dreams of stardom

Blaire Wilson, a 25-year-old from Spanish Town, St Catherine, is trail blazing her way to prominence on the global fashion runways.

Her recent feature on the cover of CONTORNO, an American magazine curated by Dr Eric Adler, marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

After graduating from The University of the West Indies in 2021, amid the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson decided to refocus her attention on her long-standing passion for modelling.

"I just decided to just take that big step and go to New York and just try and get back in the groove of doing what I love, to put myself back in the world of modelling," she told THE STAR.

Wilson, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, with a minor in criminology, said her focus has since been on creating a brand for herself.

"I'm just trying to get more international opportunities, and recently having a cover story is setting the tone to having a brand to my name," she passionately expressed.

The up-and-coming model recounted her debut at New York Fashion Week, where she showcased for three distinct designers. This milestone marked the initiation of her international journey within the fashion realm.

"The experience was basically like a dream come true, because I'm used to walking in Jamaica, where my audience would be people that can relate to me in terms of features, and then I would have my family and friends. Here in the States I am totally alone, no one there in the crowds knew me personally. So it was just people who I just met, I never saw before, may not even see again. But when they saw me come down, they were cheering, smiling, and wowed. Everyone's phone was out. I only thought that I would really get those reactions from my family or friends who I have ever invited to a fashion show. But to see persons really being interested and liking me, liking the style, liking the designer's outfit, as well as me as a model, I felt really inspired," she said.

Motivated by a desire to contribute positively to her homeland, Wilson is driven to excel in the field of modelling, aspiring to bring recognition and success not only for herself, but to contribute positively to her birth country.

Wilson's talent was honed at Face Impression Modelling Agency, which is headed by Kenisha Mitchell. Under her tutelage, the model acquired essential skills such as mastering the art of walking, perfecting facial expressions, and exuding confidence on the runway.

As she dreams of being the next supermodel out of Jamaica, Wilson has sought to draw inspiration to the likes of Anok Yai, Naomi Campbell and Adut Aketch Bior.

Yai is the first South Sudanese model, and the second black model after Campbell, to open a Prada show. Bior, who was born in South Sudan, is one of the most in-demand models. She walks for brands such as Chanel, Valentino and Givenchy.

"These models are themselves on the runway, they don't do a lot of the hair extensions or things like that, and that is what I love the most. They inspire me as a black model, because they have proven that people will love me for me wearing my natural hair and skin," Wilson said.