A year’s wait finally ended for Fijian teen model Phillipa Steele yesterday as she flew out of the country to join one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world – Trump Model Management

The 17-year-old Kulukulu lass from Sigatoka created history last year by becoming the first local model to sign with the agency after being selected by the American agency’s director of scouting Duane Gazi.

She was selected out of a pool of more than 50 girls.

The former Sigatoka Methodist High School student who has participated in various local modeling events including the Fiji Fashion Week said she is ready to make her family and country proud.

“No one can ever know how grateful I am for this opportunity. I have always wanted to better the lives of my family and provide them with some financial support. With this opportunity, I will be able to support them and put a smile on their faces.”

“I am ready to give my best and fly Fiji’s flag high and I aim to remain in the industry for good and establish my name as one of the best models."

Trump Model Management has been at the forefront of fashion with the representation of famous supermodels – Jodie Kidd and Tatjana Patitz.

No stranger to the limelight and as one of the world’s biggest business moguls, Donald Trump founded his boutique model agency in 1999 and to date has developed it as one of the most renowned agencies on the fashion circuits.

His models have graced many a covers for the prestigious Vogue magazines, numerous editorial and campaigns for the world’s biggest designers such as Dolce and Gabbanna, Valentino, DKNY, Versace to doting the runways at New York, Paris, London, Madrid, Milan and many more fashion weeks worldwide.

By Reginald Chandar

Photo Credit: Zoom Fiji