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Yes, it’s model time again and in my continuous attempts to do my part to keep things in fashion balanced between the sexes, I shall feature a male model this time around. Also, I made the decision to split the model and designer features so I can better highlight each individual talent, in case you were wondering why there is no designer this week. Today I selected a male model in St. Kitts and Nevis we all know and love. The immensely popular Jamar Wilkin, who models under the name Jamar Toshan, is a young fresh face in our fashion world. With his lean frame, towering height and strong features this young man has made himself a staple for fashion shows held in the Federation. Trust me, in a truly top notch local fashion show you want Jamar on your stage.
Currently an unsigned model or “free-agent”, Jamar has hopes of signing with an international model agency soon. He intends to live and work in Jamaica, the fashion capital of the Caribbean, for at least a year. From there, this local heart throb has his mind set on moving to New York, where I have no doubt his modeling skills and unique look will gain him much positive attention. To date though, this skill has taken him as far as Barbados for the Absolute Caribbean Fashion show in 2006. Jamar not only shines on the stage, but has an undeniable photogenic ability, which he has shown in numerous successful edgy photo shoots so far in his modeling career, each displaying his versatility and consistent professionalism.
One of the first things you notice about Jamar are his numerous tattoos -- he now boasts a staggering twenty-seven of them, all of which are highlighted by his light complexion. I had to ask Jamar if he didn’t think tattoos limited a model career, to which he replied that he could see them being a limitation if the individual’s talent is muted by them. However, he proudly states that his tattoos have never stopped him being hired or chosen by designers, saying correct placement and design are very important when a model chooses to get inked. There is no lie in saying that Jamar has managed to make his tattoos a definite plus on his resume. The tattoo-covered young Nevisian brings a distinct “swag” to whatever he models in. His four-plus years of modeling both locally and regionally have seen Jamar developing his own brand of sex-appeal, which drips masculinity and confidence. His years of modeling have seen him in countless designs made by local, regional, and international designers, but Jamar admits to having a personal love for designers Calvin S out of Antigua, and design brand Millhouse from Trinidad and Tobago.
I asked Jamar what he thinks needs to occur for the fashion industry, and more specifically modeling in the Federation, to flourish. He simply said that there needs to be “more serious models, you’re either in the game or you’re sitting in the crowd looking on…” I am in total agreement with this and also very happy to be able to work with such a model, who does take this thing we do seriously. In a country where male models are few and far between because of a fear of being mislabeled or looked down upon, Jamar shines. Ignoring any and all negatives that are thrown his way, Jamar chooses to instead stay positively focused. Like Tyson Beckford, an international male supermodel and star who Jamar holds in high esteem, he shows that with a positive head, you can reach anywhere. I will leave you with Jamar’s message to male models and guys who want to start modeling but have doubts: “...Be strong and realize that God gave you your own shoes to fill and only you can walk in your shoes. So stand out and lead, don’t follow. Burn out the negativity! Blessup!” – Jamar Toshan. |
