On May 30th when the show Geek Girl premiered on Netflix, South Africans fell in love with the glitz, glamour and the gutsy world of modeling. Opulent Models South Africa (OMSA) -an international model search competition- showed just how exciting walking down the catwalk can be for aspiring models. Needless to say, OMSA makes the unimaginable world of modeling more imaginable for all those enthusiastic South African models.
On the 22nd of August, OMSA held their grand finale at Times Square SunBet Arena in Pretoria. The theme of this year’s event was Domination and the finalists surely dominated the stage. For OMSA that started from humble beginnings, the theme Domination was surely apt and well showcased this year as 200 models walked the runway feeling empowered in only the most fashionable pieces. OMSA itself celebrates uniqueness and individuality and each model’s individuality was surely highlighted as they walked gracefully on stage. Finalists had the chance to compete in nine categories this year with winners being selected in the categories of: Runway, Body of the Year, Beautiful Fresh Face, Men’s Open, Over 25’s, Curve Body Transformation, Fitness Physique as well as Mr. And Mrs Opulent.
This year’s OMSA event was hosted by Johan Ungerer Signature Events and aside from the fashion forward outfits and modeling winning categories, individuality was further encouraged and expressed through the makeup looks of each model. Johan from Johan Ungerer Signature Events had carefully handpicked and selected enthusiastic makeup artists from across the country. Make up artists were given a brief to follow and could add their own unique brush strokes to create finish looks that surely stood out on the walkway.
The highlight of this fashionable evening had to be the Ju Quilage makeup brand alongside Phoera Cosmetics that were used to transform the model’s faces while emphasizing each model’s individuality in the process. The Ju Quilage makeup brand proves that there is no limitations when it comes to this makeup range as the makeup is suitable for both women and men.
While the focus has always been placed on hair and clothes for most modeling contests, it was refreshing to notice how much emphasis was being placed on makeup looks too. After all, makeup is essential for translating different looks into a form of expression. Makeup also gives the models who will be taking center stage the chance to feel more confident. Yes, surely a model with a touch of blush, some eye shadow and a tinted lip does show a face full of confidence.
As the make up artists responsible for creating runway worthy looks took to the stage, this year’s OMSA event showed just how valuable makeup is in the world of modeling. When makeup artists get together with fashion designers and hairstylists, the results are phenomenal and nothing short of a fashion explosion on stage. Just like makeup is an art form, modeling too is an art form. Hence it is best if the makeup artists adapts the makeup looks to work well with the lighting on stage. Makeup in modeling need not be a tool to transform a model entirely, but to enhance the model’s natural beauty and most prominent features.
All the models who walked in front of the large crowd wore faces full of confidence. After being the canvas for makeup artists to show off their creative streaks it can safely be said that makeup plays a vital role in the lives of our models. All the makeup looks were aesthetically pleasing and complemented the aesthetics of the show as well. While the makeup artists were grateful for the opportunity, the models were excited to dazzle the crowd with not only their outfits but their faces too.
Lerato Mehlape (a rising makeup artist working with the Ju Quilage brand for the evening) said, “Behind the glitz and glam on stage, was an incredible glam team that worked tirelessly to ensure that every model walked with confidence and power. Our collective effort and dedication were the true magic behind the scenes, transforming each model into a vision of elegance and strength. The OMSA event was not only a fantastic experience for makeup artists but a valuable learning opportunity that allowed makeup artists to collaborate with the industry’s finest talents.”
All the models dominated the stage opulently but at the end of it all there could only be one winner per category.
The winners of the 2024 OMSA competition in each category were:
Runway Female – Rethabile Mello
Runway Male – Ruhan Marx
Beautiful Fresh Face – Singhita Pretorius
Body of the Year Female – Madelein Lourens
Body of the Year Male – Nic Meyer & Charl Van Helsdingen
Over 25’s – Basetsana Ntlailane
Men’s Open – Donavinne Stemmet
Mr. Opulent – Gustav Combrinck
Mrs. Opulent – Suzette van Rooyen
Fitness Physique Female – Tsakane Mtenjane & Bianca Marais
Fitness Physique Male – Riandré Kriegler & Jacobus Pitzer
Curve – Lesego Molefe
Body Transformation – Gerhard Koekemoer
Brand Ambassador – Luaan Pieterse
Registration for the Next Opulent Model South Africa competition is already open. The theme of next year’s OMSA event will be Prism. The theme Prism was chosen to signify the rebirth of the OMSA brand. OMSA is surely set on shaping the future of all aspiring models next year as well.