Why Model Brandon Bailey Is Poised to Be the Next Big Thing
by Janelle Okwodu
Ask any model for a list of runways they’d like to walk and Prada is certain to appear. For newcomer Brandon Bailey, that dream came true at the brand’s Spring 2016 showing. “I describe it as the best 60 seconds of my life,” Bailey, who walked the show as an exclusive, tells Style.com. “At first I didn’t realize how big a deal this was, but my mother agent and my Milan agents made me quickly realize.”
Discovered by Saint International’s Deiwght Peters, Bailey began his modeling career by winning the Fashion Face of the Caribbean competition. That led to him being selected by casting director Ashley Brokaw for Prada’s fittings and rehearsals. With his first show appearance a high-profile one, Bailey used the opportunity to learn the ropes. “The team at Prada was very professional and organized,” says Bailey. “The experience with them taught me to have composure as we were drilled for many hours before the show each day. I will never forget working with wonderful people that gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will always be grateful to them.”
With a great show under his belt, Bailey is now comfortable with the ins and outs of Europe’s fashion scene. Since Prada he’s gone on to make appearances on the runway for a select group of designers including Raf Simons and Paul Smith. Bailey is making a name for himself internationally, but there is still one thing from back home that he craves: “I lived on junk food during the shows, as it was easily accessible and very affordable, but I sure missed my mother’s curried chicken and white rice!”
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