I had the pleasure of being invited to participate as a guest judge at
BLUR Dezign's FEVER Model Search on May 18th in Buffalo, NY. The
model search was held at the luxurious Mansion on Delaware, a boutique
hotel that perfectly reflects Buffalo's past glory and stately elegance
and its current confidence and stylishness. I already knew that
Tiffany and Ms. Jay, my "nieces" and co-owners of BLUR Custom Dezigns,
are BIG on confidence and stylishness, so it was befitting that they
would choose to have their plus model search in this location.
While it was anticipated that having the model search in the month of
May would bring warm, sunny skies--even in Buffalo--Mother Nature had
another plan. As it turned out, the day was cold, rainy and a bit
BLURRY (wink), but that was fine because wherever BLUR is, there's
bound to be some sunshine. Plus size beauties from as far away as
North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas attended the casting,
smiles glued to their faces, hair and make-up in check, energy levels
boosted, and stilettos in tow. It was a wonderful sight to see so
many of them dressed in yellow, orange, and bright pink, all colors
that BLUR Dezigns have been known to rock in their collection.
Kudos for doing your homework, ladies!!!! I was also hyped to see
a few ladies who had attended ProjectCURVES and The Plus Academy!
As the day wore on, the competition grew intense and we were forced to
re-think our selection process. The FEVER casting was much more
than finding plus models with a particular "look" or body type.
Ms. Jay and Tiffany were looking for 5 curvy vixens who were able to
exude the confidence, positive body imagery, and empowerment that is
BLUR, but on camera AND without speaking a word. That's a pretty
tall order, but ultimately 10 finalists were chosen and asked to attend
the callbacks.
After another round of intense interview questions from the panel, the
finalists were put to the test and asked to bring the FEVER on camera
one last time, being mindful that THIS round would be the deciding
factor. As resident photographer, Bri Johnson, clicked away, the
ladies rose to the occasion and performed their very best posing
techniques before retreating downstairs for the decision on the final
5.
Unaware that upstairs the panel was involved in a deeply intense
conversation over which 5 would be selected and that once again, the
selection process had shifted, downstairs the 10 finalists anxiously
awaited word of who would actually make the final cut.
Five finalists were indeed chosen. However, at the end of the
day, only one plus model from the group, Tamieka Chavis of Maryland was
chosen to participate in the BLUR photo scheduled for the Fall of
'08. After a grueling day of smiling, posing and answering
questions, it was time for the remaining 4 finalists to depart the
mansion. But, the networking, confidence boosting and wisdom
shared by all was so empowering that no matter where you traveled from,
the day was a huge success and definitely rewarding.
If you missed the model search in Buffalo, NY, I have great news for
you! FEVER Model Search Part II will be held in New York, NY this
summer in July. For further info on how to participate, please
visit the BLUR website and sign up for their newsletter and updates:
www.blurdezign.com. Good luck to all!
See ya on the Runway!
Gwen DeVoe
Gwendolyn L. DeVoe
Founder/CEO
DeVoe Signature Events
212-561-0078, Ext. 1
www.dseventsinc.com
