Latino Fashion Live Finalists: Next Fresh Faces for Runway
By Monica Avila
Ah, to be Latina or Latino, young and gorgeous in Phoenix, Arizona. The red carpet at the open casting call for Latino Fashion Live 2013 showcased a steady stream of beautiful hopefuls. The day began early with contestants showing us their best style waiting for the judging to begin. On the line: an exclusive contract with Ford Robert Black modeling agency; a spot on the fashion show model line-up for the Latino Fashion Live 2013 show on April 20th; and a $1000 award from Courtesy Chevrolet.
As Judge Sheree Hartwell, owner of Ford Robert Black modeling agency, put it the event sought the “next fresh face.” These Latina beauties and handsome Latinos sure made the judges’ jobs difficult as each rocked the runway with his or her own unique vibe.
Oh, and the style out there was beyond compare. It doesn’t get any better than this vibrant Latina fashion. Judge Cecilia Andrade said, “Latinas have their own unique style, you know we take risks and take the style up a notch. Our exotic beauty stands out.”
Day of dreams come true for the winners
For the finalists in Latino Fashion Live 2013’s casting call, each saw dreams and aspirations they may not have realized otherwise come within reach. This was a fantastic opportunity for the three top finishers: overall winner Brenda Hubbard; and finalists Lillian Rascon and Francisco Rascon, who are sister and brother from the same fashion-minded familia.
Brenda puts into words what she felt as she realized she was closer to reaching her modeling goals, “I am ecstatic right now, very emotional.” Brenda’s prizes are an exclusive contract with Ford Robert Black Modeling Agency, a spot on the runway at Latino Fashion Live 2013, along the $1000 from Courtesy Chevrolet, and most likely other fantastic modeling opportunities.
These three certainly captured the attention of the judges and are sure to wow the modeling world.
Words of the day: excitement and community
The excitement in the air was intoxicating. From the music and entertainment provided by the DJ s of La Kalle 100.3 FM, to the nervous families surrounding and supporting the participants, the energy was live. One mother explained it best, “I want my daughter, Melissa, to go as far as she can in life.”
It was refreshing to see such a positive event played out center stage in the Phoenix Latino community. Courtesy Chevrolet, the event’s host, is located in the heart of Phoenix and offered its support to this important event. Marketing director and Judge Ernesto Rodriguez worked diligently to make sure the event was a success for our community. When asked why these types of events are so important, Erika Reyna of Univision Radio explained, “it’s a great opportunity for Latino women, it showcases the strength and beauty of Latinas.”
This sentiment was echoed throughout the day by each judge and the participants. Judge Irma Deihl remarked, “This is exciting because we have beautiful local talent and creative style in our community; events like this and others that Diana Prieto-Bernal (Latino Fashion Live producer) promotes showcase that.”
Inner beauty, simplicity and genuineness
There is a stereotype of the “Hot Latina” out there and while it is certainly true that Latin beauties sizzle, there is something to be said about the inner, simple loveliness many of the participants in this casting call showed the judges. Judge, fashion guru and columnist, Carmen Martinez described what she was looking for in terms of that next top Latina model, “I look for that inner energy, how they feel inside, we don’t want a mannequin but someone who had a natural inner beauty.”
Hartwell of Ford Robert Black echoed the same sentiment when she described what the agency looks for in model material, “Of course there are the usual height requirements, bone structure and lean toned bodies that we look for but also the total package of someone who has the personality, poise and confidence to really sell herself.”
Well, the natural beauties and handsome young men they found here at Courtesy Chevrolet certainly did not disappoint the distinguished panel of judges.
Hartwell was certainly impressed. “We currently have a hole in our Latino modeling pool at Ford Robert Black Agency, and I was pleasantly surprised with the talent we found here today; not only did we choose our final winner but there are two other individuals we will be talking with as well. Overall it was a very successful day for us.”
Certainly it was a successful day for all involved. DJ Kevin Soto sums it up perfectly, “We [saw] the beauty and power of Latinos today.”
Style highlights
Of course I can’t leave a rundown of this wonderful day without highlighting some of the fantastic style on the red carpet. Cecilia Andrade wowed the scene with her fabulous cream shorts and coral, leopard print blouse ensemble. So gorgeous, this columnist was totally envious. Impeccable style, Cecilia.
Judge Amir Saebi rocked the men’s neckwear risks with his high-class, black-and-gold tie. “Not too many men wear a tie anymore,” said Deihl. You are so right Irma, and Amir wore it with perfect debonair sophistication.
Of course the audition organizers want to thank everyone that sponsored or helped at this event. Thanks to media sponsors La Voz and TV y Mas, to judge Oscar de las Salsa, Stylist Dani Astorga and to ArizonaLatinos.com writer Taylor Pineda for their support!
With the auditions over, next up in the runway arena is the “main event,” Latino Fashion Live 2013 on Saturday, April 20 at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Get ready for top fashion designers and models, and lots of entertainment in what has become the most prestigious fashion event in Arizona. For tickets, visit http://wingilariver.ticketforce.com/
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