Baton Rouge model embraces life on top, plus get the details on the 2015 model search

It has been one year since she was named the Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week 2014 Model of the Year, and model Faith Laureles is still in shock.

“I still can’t believe it,” she said about winning the recognition.

Since receiving the Model of the Year award in Baton Rouge, Laureles was also named the Little Rock Fashion Week 2014 Model of the Year last summer and has embarked on a modeling career that continues to surprise her.

With an interest in the fashion industry, Laureles participated in the casting call in 2014 when her mother was looking for a different experience for her daughter. Once announced as the Model of the Year, Laureles was able to advance her modeling career with a contract with talent agency, Oneofakind Talent Inc. The high school sophomore has strolled runways for LRFW, New Orleans Fashion Week, has been featured in photo shoots and has become the face of the second annual OBRFW.

“All my friends know me as ‘the model’,” Laureles said. She is also being recognized around her school, Central High School, from the flyer associated with the model call.

Laureles has also worked with Baton Rouge based fashion label American Prep by showcasing the classic, high end line at runway shows. Also, she’s been featured in the company’s photo shoot, in which the images were published on American Prep’s website and social media pages.

“My confidence has gone up since winning,” she said. “And after winning [LRFW] I realized I must be doing something right. I am on the right path.”

At 15 years old, Laureles will join the panel of local fashion industry specialists during the upcoming OBRFW 2015 Model Search. An enthusiast for walking the runway, Laureles will assist in evaluating models to participate in the OBRFW events set for February 25-28.

With a year of modeling experience under her belt, Laureles will be alerted by at least one specific quality in models at the Model Search. “I am looking for confidence,” she said.

The OBRFW Model Search invites models of all ages and sizes on January 30th and 31st at the Capitol Park Museum to vie for a chance to showcase fashion of local and regional designers and win the Model of the Year award.

Casting calls run 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 30th and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 31st. Models are asked to wear jeans, a fitted white t-shirt or tank, females bring heels and wear no makeup and no jewelry accessories.