Brad Allen's Fashion Week display opens eyes

As the curtains close on the Spring Summer 2013 designer collections at the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, fashion pundits are laying bets on the next hot new male face of fashion.

From all indications, there is a buzz around Saint International's Brad Allen, who walked for an impressive five shows.

The rising Saint marked the highlight of his show week with an appearance for Y-3, that powerful sartorial collaboration between legendary designer Yohji Yamamoto and sports uber-brand Adidas.

They were celebrating 10 years of partnership marked with an enviable front row, including David Beckham.

Allen started his fashion week trek at Tim Coppens and followed up with runway struts for Nicholas K, Perry Ellis, and Gerlan Jeans.

In 2011, Allen starred in a high-profile shoot with eight other Saint International male models for V Magazine's Model Citizen story which featured Saint International as being among the best in the world.

At StyleWeek Jamaica 2012, Allen was selected as the male face to watch by the team from the powerful V-Man magazine who were in attendance.

Splashy debut

In June this year, Allen made a splashy debut on the international runways at Milan Men's Collection for Spring Summer 2013. The model, represented by Elite Milan, was the only Jamaican male walking in Milan this season.

He walked for iconic brands Costume National, Z. Zegna, and Iceberg, making stylistas from New York to Paris sit up and take notice.

Consistent with many other Saint success stories, Allen was plucked from obscurity when he was discovered on his way from school and thrust into the spotlight after copping second place in the prestigious Fashion Face Of The Caribbean 2010.

"Despite being from the inner-city, Allen has an elegant bearing and likeable and humble personality," said Saint CEO Deiwght Peters.

Allen was put on a development programme by Saint which involved several local appearances, runway training, interview training, and photoshoots.

During StyleWeek 2010, Allen was selected to co-star alongside Saint star Shena Moulton in a high-profile fashion editorial for the London-based ARISE Magazine. He was cast by none other than respected international fashion journalist Helen Jennings.

According to Peters, Allen has been in demand in other markets such as Paris and London.

"Brad has all the boxes ticked to be a long-haul star, i.e. working for blue-chip fashion clients for up to a decade," said Peters.

This latest success continues Saint's legacy of achievements in the male model department. Over the years, the agency has distinguished itself with male model successes with names such as Tafari Hinds, Colet Buckley, Kibwe McGann, Dorian Bailey, Kanhai Condison, and Mario Miller, sharing the global spotlight.