Caribbean Model Search runway competition gets set

The first-ever Caribbean Model Search (CMS) runway competition takes place on Friday at Studio 38, Pulse Centre, located at 38a Trafalgar Road, New Kingston.

This latest innovation is just one of a slew of new features which will characterise the 29-year-old event.

To say that the event has produced outstanding international runway stars would be an understatement, given the hundreds who have emerged from the competition over the years.

Arguably the most notable is Jamaica's highest-ranked supermodel ever, one-time world number-one black model, Jaunel McKenzie, who was featured on the cover of New York Fashion Week's Daily Front Row magazine an unprecedented three days in a row.

Winners in all categories, Petite, Fashion, Male Face and Full Figure, will get an automatic bye to the final group of 20 (Fashion and Petite) or 10 (Male Face and Full Figure). This fast track to the final is a new, exciting feature, which also highlights the importance of runway modelling and the talent for this aspect of modelling, which the contestants possess in abundance.

This year's event is expected to be record breaking in a number of ways, including the more than 500 contestants currently participating. The span and scope is deeper and wider, with the event running for almost a year. The search has been expanded across Jamaica, including schools and colleges islandwide, which have signed on to be a part of the event. The finals, now scheduled to take place in October, will feature more innovations, as well as the performance of a pop superstar.

Dubbed 'The Next Generation', this year's event features a cadre of fabulous new faces, and will see a significant increase in presence and impact.

CMS 2011 is presented by Pulse, in partnership with CVM TV, Kool FM, Studio 38, the Wyndham Kingston and other sponsors to be announced.