By Josephine Agbonkhese
The curtain fell, yesterday, on the 14th edition of Future Face Global, with two young models, Jeff Ugiomoh (male, 17) from Nigeria and Fatou Kebbeh (female, 17) from Gambia, emerging overall winners.
In a mixed atmosphere of fun, high fashion, non-stop entertainment and a bubbly performance by renowned music star, Wande Cole, which set the tone for the grand finale late Sunday night in Lagos, the two models carted home a coveted 2-year international modelling contract reward.
Graced by high profile executives and the creme de la creme of the entertainment, fashion and beauty industry, the colourful event which featured 20 finalists, was the climax of a fiercely contested competition which commenced with 25,000 applicants from across the globe.
The night had the 20 finalists strutting their stuffs while adorning different outfits from nine notable designers including Mai Atafo, Marvee, LRP Black, Pettre Taylor, I.N Official, Kenneth Ize, Piillz N Poizn and Weiz Dhurm Franklyn.
An emotional Elizabeth Isiorho, Founder, Beth Model Management, organisers of Future Face Global, who struggled with announcing two winners out of 20 models whom she described as “…all so beautiful, told the audience preempting who would emerge winner was completely impossible.
“This year was particularly tough because you all look so beautiful. But like I told you all, we can only get two winners. My commitment to getting every one of you global placements continues,” she said as she let out the first names of the winners following evaluation by a 4-member panel of judges including Mai Atafo, Adesuwa Aighewi, Kenneth Ize and Ojy Okpe, at the event anchored by Eku Edewor.
“As the largest and most successful modelling agency in Africa, with partners in New York, London, Paris, Milan and Spain, Beth Model Management focuses on discovering new talents and transforming them into superstars,” Isiorho added.
Among the 20 finalists were Charles Adulai Embalo, Elizabete Cande Costa, Michelle Manser, Victor Anunwa, Ayodeji Olaide, Nanacro Dieye, Astou Bandar Ndiaye, Sifen Tesfaye, Helen Emmanuel, Emmanuel Ezieke, Helina Muktar, Helen Afolabi, Favour Onvemaechi, Prudence Adhieu Dut, Rachidatou Koumeyi, Jeff Ugiomoh, Fatou Kebbeh, Jasinta Makwabe, Ashinekwu Eke, and Saraphina Ndubuisi
Future Face Global Model Search 2023 was sponsored by Aquafina, Mikano Motors, Cube 65, Saris Signature, Whispering Angel, and Ecobank.