I think Ayana got it right on Mr Chairman when she said Gibson Charles is just a great guy. The chiseled god striding towards Gros Islet on the banner outside The Johnsons Centre is definitely as good-looking and ab-endowed in the flesh, but he’s also a very hard-working, focused and disciplined model who has made a real impression on the new cadre of male talent as well as the production team of Hot Couture. From day one I observed Gibson in the dark recesses of the yet-to-be-built set, walking, turning, walking, turning—monotonous, exhausting and crucial to achieving the dream of taking his six year career in Saint Lucia to regional and international runways.
Two weeks later I was impressed to see just how much farther Gibson has come under the tutelage of Richard Young and Mae Wayne, gliding effortlessly and following the choreography to a tee every single time. He has an almost fierce aura of concentration during working hours, but the Face of Hot Couture 2014 is humble, genuine and relaxed in conversation when rehearsals are over.
I asked Gibson what it was like to to see himself on a giant banner, and how had his family and friends reacted.
“I look at it and can’t really take it in. It’s amazing and people ask me how it feels but I still can’t believe it.
” He gets to take it home after the show, but displaying it may prove a challenge!
Gibson takes his modeling career seriously, and Hot Couture for the second time is the type of exposure he wants more than anything. His experience in Saint Lucia through agencies and as an independent model certainly could be the launchpad he needs, and with four models from Hot Couture being selected to walk in Jamaica and Trinidad Fashion Weeks, he is keeping up to pressure to perform perfectly on the night.
Not that Gibson is suffering from the pressure—he admits he’s excited to get to the runway, but feels this year’s behind the scenes environment has been calm despite the frenzy of rehearsals. The team has been nurturing and supportive, professional and perfectionist but united in producing the best show possible.
“It’s a real Caribbean show—the clothes are really colourful, our style, Island Vibe. The models have been working so hard to do a great show, the designers are showing amazing lines so I want to encourage everyone to come out to Hot Couture, support the show and see what Saint Lucia can do in fashion.”
After the past forty eight hours of detailed preparation, fittings and more fittings, final running orders, sound and lighting checks, miles of rehearsals and a few last minute challenges, Team Hot Couture will hit the ground walking at 7pm sharp tonight at The Johnsons Centre, Rodney Bay.
Ticket sales are brisk, so buy yours now and don’t risk missing Saint Lucia Hot Couture 2014—it’s going to be (dare I say it?) hot, hot, hot!
No Vinny ?? Dam !