Pulse Model, Jaunel McKenzie, is now the world's number one black model. Here she wears a striking necklace by Atelier Dore at the Caribbean Fashionweek spring/summer 2006 Fashion Shows, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre, Independence Park, Arthur Wint Drive recently. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FRESH FROM a stunning performance at Caribbean Fashionweek 2005, Pulse's Jamaican supermodel Jaunel McKenzie is now the number one black model in the world on the website Models.com. With McKenzie holding her world number 29 ranking, the highest-ranked black model on the list, and Yasmin dropping out of the top 50, the 19 year-old former Excelsior student is now the top-rated woman of colour in world modelling. This marks the first time in history that a Caribbean Model has held this position.
'ECSTATIC'
As is expected, Pulse CEO, Kingsley Cooper is 'ecstatic' with this new development. "We're very proud of Jaunel. She is the perfect example of what a great work ethic, quiet confidence, intelligence and a winning personality can accomplish," he said. "Her natural beauty and talent are obvious, but those other factors are just as important," Cooper noted.
Jaunel seems to be the chosen one. A little more than two years ago, Cooper took Polaroids of her one fateful afternoon after school. He sent them to Eric Dubois of Women Management in Paris. She was immediately flown to Paris, then London, then New York. Now the 11-time American Vogue model with a client roster that covers a virtual who's who of famous brands is looming large.
PROVERBIAL COLOSSUS
With her long legs and doll-like features, she is beginning to bestride the world of international modelling like the proverbial Colossus.
Now it should be a hop, skip and a jump to the number one spot in the world, barring none - black or white.
"Now, we look forward to her becoming the world's top supermodel, period," said Cooper.
Only time will tell if this will be, but what's interesting is that this Jamaican treasure, who epitomises elegance, also has a level-headed grace that endears her to everyone.
ASSIGNMENTS
So what's next for Jaunel? She immediately flew to Seattle after Caribbean Fashionweek to do new assignments for Nordstrom and is up for a very hot campaign. She is being held on option for the new Sean John women's line.
Cooper believes Jaunel's success could only augur well for other black models. "Jaunel's success will serve to open the door even further, for black models generally and for Jamaican models in particular. I believe that we are about to see a new wave of black talent. Nadine Willis' role in this process should not be underestimated. The energy and power of herself and Jaunel, on both sides of the Atlantic, were akin to a one-two knockout punch. The combination really worked. Now there are others - Oraine, Sunna, Nell, Carla, Ghinelle and Rochelle. These are very interesting times," he said.
