the agency search Season 1 Finale announces Jayathi De Silva, Ireshan Perera as Next Gen models

the agency search is an online reality series which discovers and nurtures the next generation of modelling talent in Sri Lanka.

The show was created by the agency sri lanka and aired in March, resulting in Jayathi and Ireshan emerging as the most promising upcoming male and female models.

Applications poured in online for the agency search which was produced by YOU’RE MY FAVOURITE FILMS. The judges shortlisted eight male and seven female contestants during the casting phase. Over a two-month period the selected contestants underwent intense grooming and training programs where they were prepped by the very best in the fashion and beauty industry such as Ramani Fernando Salons, CHAGALL hair.body.nails, Salon KESS and The Cutting Station. 

They received runway and etiquette training from Anitra Pieris and Ano Tissera and health and fitness sessions with Tanuja Perera and Aaron Wickramasekera. During the course of the competition the contestants showcased outfits and were evaluated by renowned Colombo Fashion Week designers Upeksha Hager, Dimuthu Sahabandu and Heshan De Silva. 

The contestants faced daunting makeover, style and photo-shoot challenges that determined their overall success in the competition.

Jayathi and Ireshan were strong and consistent competitors who took full advantage of the valuable experience that the show offered them. Both of them displayed remarkable growth and determination. Their transformation throughout the series was impressive. 

“The competition was intense, to say the least. All the girls were extremely competitive and we all worked really hard. If one contestant is to stand out it means they have to put in the extra work to ensure that they do. The training process resulted in the most successful contestants walking for Colombo Fashion Week. Walking for CFW Spring/Summer 17 was a dream come true for me. There were many hurdles we had to surmount to make it this far and it was not easy as we were all new to the industry. There were multiple mini-challenges in the agency search and I am so honoured to have won all of them. The training was incredibly valuable as we learnt from the very best. I particularly enjoyed the daily catwalk training as it was really fun to work with everybody as a team,” said Jayathi.

“Taking part in the agency search was a life-changing experience. I am extremely grateful for all the support I received in this competition. It was a great opportunity and emerging as the winner definitely propelled my career. I would highly recommend this to all aspiring models who are interested and serious about being successful in the modelling industry. Apply next season!” said Ireshan.

The Head of Operations for the agency sri lanka, Anjuli Flamer-Caldera, said: “Season 1 was the pilot for the series. It was a test to see how receptive the market would be to this concept and find out what works and what doesn’t. It was a valuable learning curve which was cemented by the positive engagement from our target demographic. Overall, the exercise was a success and we are looking forward to unveiling what Season 2 has in store and responding to the feedback we received.  It was fantastic to witness and contribute to the growth of the contestants. Next season will be even bigger and better. Stay tuned!”

As the agency search winners, Jayathi and Ireshan have secured an exclusive modelling contract with the agency srilanka to build and diversify their portfolios. They will be the faces for selected CFW designer S/S 17 catalogs. The winners will be flown to India for their first international modelling assignment in December and will be working with and learning from leading fashion personalities in Asia in conjunction with Prasad Bidapa Model Management. This will launch their professional careers on the right note and will effectively channel their talent.

the agency srilanka is a professional talent management firm that aims to uplift and formalise the talent management industry in Sri Lanka. It is structured to offer and manage a range of talent which encompasses models, stylists, hair and makeup artists and photographers. the agency srilanka provides its talent with life-changing career opportunities by partnering with reputed agencies and event properties worldwide to ensure focused international exposure. Influential affiliations between modelling agencies, stylists and photographers have brought international talent to Sri Lanka to raise the quality of photo-shoots and editorial content. For more information visit www.theagencysrilanka.com or www.facebook.com/theagencysrilanka @theagencysrilanka.