Justine Willoughby - A true fashion, beauty gem

Former Pulse model Justine Willoughby at the recent supermodel reunion at Pulse's Caribbean Fashion model search held at the Hilton Kingston hotel. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

"When a (wo)man faces destiny, destiny ends and (wo)man comes into (her)his own" - Malraux

Undeniably fated to tread this path, Pulse supermodel Justine Willoughby is testament to the French cultural icon André Malraux's thoughts on embracing one's destiny. The daughter of former Jamaican beauty queen Virginia Lacroix and media personality Neville Willoughby, it was clear that Justine would end up with impeccable credentials in both departments; brains and beauty.

Subscribing to the preordained, Justine entered the Pulse Model Search in 1988 but failed to make the impact for which she was hoping. Not to be discouraged, the tenacious teen took another shot at it in 1989 and was placed second.

This subsequent tryout proved to be the charm, and fashion magnate Kingsley Cooper prepared the world to receive the 18-year-old doe-eyed beauty.

Travels

After the pageant, Justine was signed to New York's Click Modelling Agency and then moved to Wilhelmina Models while completing a variety of assignments that took her to Paris, London and even Morocco. "I got a great assignment for the French magazine Madame Figaro in Morocco. I travelled there for the shoot via Paris and it was a great experience, like being in a glamorous film. I was somewhat nervous, but overall, I enjoyed the experience."

Her engaging eyes and thick mane, coupled with her island girl flavour, gave her a distinctive edge in the highly competitive arena. "Many photographers and clients were very intrigued to hear that I am Jamaican. A lot of people in the industry had travelled to Jamaica on shoots and had loved the island and its people," said the bronzed beauty. Several editorials and campaigns later, including work for magazines like French Marie Claire, Seventeen, and John Frieda, Justine wanted to explore other facets of her destiny.

In 1995, the 23-year-old model entered the Miss Jamaica Universe Pageant. She brought home her family's third Miss Jamaica Universe crown (both mother and aunt had won). Donating a portion of her prize money to the Maxfield Park Children's Home, Justine undertook additional community development projects and contributed significantly to the Miss Jamaica Universe Children's Fund, fulfilling her role as a truly outstanding ambassador for Jamaica. After the pageant ended, the 5'9" beauty headed to the Miss Universe Pageant in Namibia where she was well received. On her return, she flew to Martinique to participate in the Miss Caribe pageant where her gorgeous face, matching effervescence and intelligence ensured her a spot in the top three. The runway soon beckoned once more, and she headed off to New York where she had a very successful season doing several major editorials and catalogues.

Over the years, Justine has enjoyed success with a wide variety of modelling assignments which have taken her to several parts of the globe, including France, England, America, Germany, Holland and South Africa. For her, this turned out to be a truly enriching experience and the most rewarding aspect of the job. "I had always been interested in fashion and modelling as a teenager and I was keen to pursue a career in modelling. This has given me the opportunity to see the world, meet interesting people and experience different cultures," Justine admitted.

Gave up the limelight

Though attracted to the lure of the jet-set life, Justine eventually gave up the limelight of the runway to return home. Since retiring from active modelling, Justine followed other passions and pursued a B.A. in French and philosophy (Hons) from the University of the West Indies. She now works as a journalist in the television and print media, as well as on public relations projects.

Now a full-fledged member of the media fraternity, Justine reflects on her career which was quite different from what modelling is today: "There is competition coming from personalities outside of the mainstream modelling industry. Actresses and music superstars such as Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry and Beyoncé are constantly on the major magazine covers and many designer and beauty campaigns."

However, she asserts that keeping a positive outlook in an industry that is described by many as fickle, cut-throat and aggressive is mandatory. "Realise that even though you might not get the job, it is not because of your lack of beauty, but rather a specific look that the client wants. All models should have a professional attitude; be on time, courteous and aware of what the client expects."

Source: Jamaica Gleaner News