Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

The daring Raul Davis, one of the top six male models in Saint's Model Icon competition. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Following much amateur walking, some laughs, good fashion and entertai-ning music, the Saint International top 12 summer faces for 2007 were revealed at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, last Wednesday.

The budding male models are Amando Campbell, Wayne Taylor, John Campbell, Raul Davis, Andrew White and Jason Hyatt, while the new female hopefuls are Shanique Lloyd, Sherina Clarke, Racquel Taylor, Natasha Wallen, Anecia Blake and Stacyann Gordon.

A relatively short show, the Jamaican Model Icon featured the top faces from across the island. All were introduced dressed in white tops, obviously of their choosing, jeans and, of course, heels (for the women). Many failed to make a first impression - or any impression at all - as some girls had neither the ability to walk properly nor stage presence.

Men did a little better

Andrew White, discovered in Portmore.

The men did a little better as the audience was more interested in the look and body than the walk or the outfit. Still, there were some who had the crowd going wild, among them the tall Raul Davis and, on the female side, the extremely dark-complexioned Stacyann Gordon, a 15 year-old from Port Antonio, Portland.

Then it was time for the Coca Cola Runway Challenge, the walk off, as the 12 male and 17 female finalists dolled up to walk for a position in the top 12. Most cleaned up well and put on a show as they showcased designs by NeahLis, Terry Nicholson, Les Campbell, Ilan and Phillip Reid, adding their own flare in wooing the judges and the audience. Some men did shirtless, much to the amusement of the ladies, Davis gyrated and the women were all sexy.

Yet, at the end of the night only six were chosen from each group. As the finalists lined up on stage and Dwight Peters, CEO of Saint International, tormented the audience with unnecessary chatter, it was the audience that was the most critical, shouting 'no!'and laughing as he teased, throwing out different names.

What, however, would have probably been the biggest upset for the night was averted when, preparing to name the final female Peters said "I think she will need more time to grow, but there has been an overwhelming response and it might be a special project for Saint." With that Peters called crowd favourite Stacyann Gordon to the front of the stage.

With thunderous applause, a pleasant show ended.

Natasha Wallen

Stacyann Gordon, at 15, was the crowd favourite and youngest top six female finalist