Supermodel of the Bahamas winners, Lacarz Brown and Patricka Ferguson at Vancouver Fashion Week's opening night gala on September 16th. Patricka wears a gown designed by Deseria Bascome of The Bahamas. (Photo: Robbin Whachell/ TheBahamasWeekly.com)

Vancouver, CANADA - It's a dream come true for 17 year old Patricka Ferguson of Grand Bahama Island, and 21 year old Lacarz Brown of Nassau, this years winners of the Supermodel of the Bahamas competition who have traveled up to Canada and across the continent for a chance to walk the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week.

"They've been thrown in at the deep end, and this is exactly what I want them to experience," said OilinSha Coakley of OilinSha's Model & Talent Management. "This is the real deal and the life of a model is ever changing and demanding." Each day Lacarz and Patricka must attend rehearsals and auditions for the myriad of international designers, to find out if they've been chosen for the next day's shows.

Opening day rehearsals had both models quickly chosen by a designer each to wear a signature piece for the opening night gala (designer preview), but as things can happen in the fashion industry, both of their designers happened to be among about four that did not show up for the gala.  Putting disappointments aside the models donned their Supermodel of the Bahamas sashes and enjoy the evening, creating a stir among the fashionistas present, as many clamoured to them for photos after the runway show and fashion career tribute to the late Virginia Leeming (Vancouver Sun newspaper's fashion editor).  Patricka Ferguson looked magnificent and garnered many compliments wearing a sparkling blue dress by Bahamian designer, Deseria Bascome, who also traveled in to enjoy the show and support the young models.

The opening night gala did not disappoint. The sellout crowd enjoyed a peek at what is to come over the days ahead, and local celebrities, among them, the Real Housewives of Vancouver enjoyed the cameras and networking. 

After a 12 hour schedule, the night ended with an interview on camera with both Supermodels of the Bahamas, and the tired entourage left to travel back to their lodging and debrief on the day's events with their agent. The models learned much from their day, and understand more fully that a model's life is not easy, and most importantly that you are continually being assessed by your presence and behaviour,  on, and off, the runway.

Tonight, September 17th,  Patricka will walk for Sara Roka (Italy-Canada) and Elfer Castro (Peru).

Supermodel of the Bahamas is the #1 model search in the country which discovers new faces. It was founded by Oilinsha Coakley, owner of Oilinsha Models and Talent, Nassau. Similar to America's Next Top Model in that Coakley discovers new faces. The candidates are then trained and pushed to perform, whereupon it becomes obvious after photo shoots, runway shows, and interviews, who is made for the life of a model.  Official website.

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Supermodels of the Bahamas, Lacarz Brown and Patricka Ferguson stand with fellow-Bahamian Tito Chipman who works for Vancouver Fashion Week and lives in Vancouver, Canada at the opening night gala. (Photo: Robbin Whachell/ TheBahamasWeekly.com)

Standing far left, Supermodel of the Bahamas, Patricka Ferguson of Grand Bahama, shows up for opening day auditions and rehearsals for Vancouver Fashion Week, Canada. (Photo: David Fillion Productions)

Bahamian designer, Deseria Bascome with Supermodel of the Bahamas winners, Lacarz Brown and Patricka Ferguson at Vancouver Fashion Week's opening night gala on September 16th. (Photo: David Fillion Productions)

Vancouver Fashion Week is a diverse and innovative fashion experience that features both emerging and established designers and actively seeks out to showcase international award-winning designers from over 30 global fashion capitals. This bi-annual six day event is attended by over 20,000 guests, including industry professionals, buyers, media, and VIP's. The Spring/Summer 2014 season showcase will be held from September 16th to 21st. Photos: TheBahamasWeekly.com and David Fillion Productions