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'America's Next Top Model' Grand finale

Published:Sunday | November 25, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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The ageless Joan McDonald (left), former Miss Jamaica World, poses for the cameras alongside designer Keneea Linton-George. - Contributed
Claude Duncan is flanked by Sancia Bennett-Templer (right) and Karene Miller. - Contributed
Yendi Phillipps, who was featured on Cycle 19 of America's Next Top Model, speaks with production manager for the Jamaican episodes, Sarah Manley (right), and JAMPRO's manager of the creative industries and film commissioner, Kim-Marie Spence (centre), at the official screening of the America's Next Top Model season finale at the Spanish Court Hotel recently. - Contributed Photo
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Local talent went heads up with their international counterparts at the recent filming of the popular America's Next Top Model series right here in Jamaica. Four exciting episodes of the series, including the season finale, were filmed in western Jamaica in June and showcased the island's tourism product.

The season finale featured an other-worldly fashion show at the iconic Rose Hall Great House, a photo shoot taken in the streets of Jamaica for the Nine West brand and a shoot for Nylon Magazine, which was shot at the at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay.

Laura James beat out Kiara Belen and Leila Goldkuhl to win the title of America's Next Top Model for Cycle 19.

Earlier this month, JAMPRO, Jamaica's trade and investment promotion agency, hosted a special screening of the season finale at the Spanish Court Hotel and revealed that earnings of over US$1 million were realised during the screening episodes and filming of the show. In addition, some 70 jobs were created locally, which included modelling contracts.

Designs from Lisa McIntosh-Aris' Neah Lis line, Cedella Marley's High Tide swimwear were among those featured and the contestants vied for the opportunity to win jewellery from the Peace-is of Bianca line created by Bianca Bartley.

Saint International models, photographers William Richards and Marlon James, local dance groups, dancehall artiste Konshens, beauty queen Yendi Phillipps, and local producers Slingshot Productions, among others, hit the spotlight.