Celebrating diversity and inclusivity

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Where you at, competent individuals? Come and compete in Classy Model International Borneo 2024, a modelling pageant that honours diversity and inclusivity. Pictured here is one of the awesome pieces made by Boan Couture.

Inclusive Elegance

As announced in print and on social media, Classy Model International Borneo 2024 is now accepting entries for its upcoming modelling pageant.

This competition, originating in Bali, Indonesia, will be organised by Estoilles Brilliants Event Management with the collaboration of Boan Couture (main designer), Razz Couture (designer), and Priscilla Michael (jewellery designer).

This year, Estoilles Brilliants Event Management also organised Mr Native Borneo Sarawak 2023, The Muses Kids Season 1, and The Muses Season 1.

Modelling pageant that celebrates diversity, inclusivity

When met with Khaz Zainuddin, co-founder of Classy Model International Borneo 2024 and director of Estoilles Brilliants Event Management, he said that the competition aimed to promote inclusivity in the Borneo modelling industry and find deserving candidates to represent the region on the international stage next year.

“It all started when my assistant director was approached by the Indonesian side one day. After several discussions, we decided to bring the modelling pageant to Kuching.

“And why did we choose the City of Cats and prioritise Borneo? The reason for this is simple: we want to encourage and push more Sarawakians, Sabahans, and Bruneians to utilise this competition as a springboard to further their careers and artistic endeavours on a global scale.

“Hence, we are looking for individuals who are passionate about introducing the world to Borneo’s wonders, who radiate confidence, and who can accurately capture the spirit of what it means to be a Bornean.

“Plus-size, petite-size, and hijab-wearing individuals are all welcome to compete in this pageant. It is intended to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

“At the same time, we continue to seek sponsors from any company, organisation, or individual interested in collaborating with us,” he said.

Estoilles Brilliants Event Management

Regarding his event management company, which was established in 2022, the 36-year-old revealed that the main driving force for the establishment of the business was his intense desire to seek out more talented Sarawakians in the modelling and pageant fields.

According to him, having just wrapped up Miss Grand Lundu 2020 at that time, he was discussing the event with his friends.

At that moment, he decided to start his own event management company in order to focus on identifying, developing, and perfecting the skills of people in the modelling and pageant fields.

“The term Estoilles Brilliants is derived from the Spanish words for bright stars.

“In keeping with the name, it is our mission to become one of the best event management companies, promising excellent project delivery from start to finish,” he said.

However, Khaz could not deny that difficulties and hindrances often arise when any event is held, including unfavourable remarks from netizens.

He did, however, said that none of these disparaging remarks would deter him from hosting additional events. Actually, he saw every criticism as an opportunity to improve both his business and himself.

“I am extremely grateful to my best buddies Priscilla Hazel George and Shafiq Kay, who are also my assistant directors, for their unwavering support, commitment, and hard work in ensuring that every event we plan goes off without a hitch.

“My squad is hardcore in the sense that we share the same goal despite having only three core members and meeting each other maybe two or a week before each event.

“Yes, we have disagreements as a team, but what is most important is teamwork and trust.

“I’m not afraid to speak up, and I won’t back down when it comes to criticising my colleagues.

“However, I believe my team members can handle all of my criticism rather well, as I notice changes for our next events. Isn’t this how we grow? Accept criticism openly and use it to motivate you to improve,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khaz expressed his desire for Classy Model International Borneo 2024 to run smoothly, as well as hoping that he and his team would be able to obtain significant funding because they are still awaiting word from potential sponsors.

In terms of upcoming events, the 36-year-old event consultant revealed that Estoilles Brilliants Event Management has already planned a lot of activities for 2024, including social media marketing seminars, pageantry, modelling, catwalk classes, and others.

Talented collaborators

Bonita Rofino, the event’s main designer, who founded Boan Couture in 2018, said she will be showcasing her upcoming line of collections inspired by Ankara styles and colours on the competition’s final night.

“Aside from being able to work with different types of models to embrace inclusivity and diversity, I want to provide more versatility throughout the fashion show and photoshoots,” she said.

Priscilla Michael, owner of Priscilla & Mike Beadwork, said that she would take this opportunity to introduce her brands and distinctive pieces to the general public.

“Job tears, animal teeth, coconut shell, and tree bark are among the products from the forest used to create our unique pieces. The combination would blend art to trade beads and vintage accessories,” she said.

This Serian entrepreneur, who has been in business since 2015, said that in addition to selling handcrafted accessories, she and her husband, Mike Redway, who is also a co-owner of the business, offer training to anyone interested in beading and creating handcrafted jewellery.

Where you gifted people at?

The audition for this Borneo leg will take place on January 7, 2024 in Kuching. The time and venue will be announced later on the organiser’s official pages, which are Facebook (Classy Model Borneo) and Instagram (@classymodelborneo).

Event categories include Kids (ages 6-12), Teens (ages 13-17), Mister (men aged 18-55), Miss (single women aged 18-35), and Mrs (women aged 21-55).

The registration fee is RM150 per person, and those seeking to compete in the Kids and Teens categories must first obtain permission from their parents or legal guardians.

The grand showdown will be held in March of next year at Sri Bunga Rampai Banquet Hall, Jalan Taman Budaya, and all winners from each category will represent Borneo in Bali in May of the same year.

Mr Heritage 2023, John Watson Tamin, is one of the judges for the evening.

Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring this event, as well as anyone with questions, can contact Shafiq Kay at 016-9433309.

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