News Summary
Essence Sugar, a 29-year-old mechanical engineer and dancer from Jacksonville, has won Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call. After a six-month evaluation with over 11,000 applicants from the US and Canada, she will be featured in Torrid’s 2025 campaign photoshoot and received $2,000 along with a $15,000 wardrobe. Essence, who previously made it to the Top 10 in a larger casting call, advocates for diversity in modeling and inspires others to pursue their dreams regardless of age or background.
Jacksonville, Florida – Essence Sugar, a 29-year-old mechanical engineer and dancer, has emerged as the grand prize winner of Torrid’s nationwide 2024 Model Casting Call. The announcement was made on September 4, 2024, after a thorough six-month evaluation that saw over 11,000 applicants from the United States and Canada vying for the title.
As the winner, Essence will be featured in a prominent Torrid photoshoot for their 2025 campaign. Additionally, she received a cash prize of $2,000 and a comprehensive wardrobe from Torrid valued at $15,000. The victory also opens up the opportunity for her to sign with a global talent management agency, broadening her career prospects in the fashion industry.
The casting call process was extensive, involving in-store events at more than 100 mall locations across the country and a selective review process that scrutinized each applicant’s potential. Essence previously achieved recognition by making it into the “Top 10” of Torrid’s largest casting call campaign and attended a professional model boot camp in Los Angeles, which prepared her further for this opportunity.
Essence expressed her overwhelming joy at winning and noted the significance of her role in representing underrepresented communities within the fashion industry. She highlighted the importance of diversity in modeling, particularly advocating for women who share her experiences and appearance within the dance community.
Having graduated from the University of Miami, Essence underscored that there are no restrictions on age or timelines when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams, specifically within the modeling world. Her victory serves as an inspiration to many aspiring models, emphasizing self-belief and perseverance.
Torrid’s Chief Marketing Officer, Vivian Alhorn, praised Essence for her ability to connect with the camera and her vibrant personality, which aligns perfectly with Torrid’s brand values. This accolade underscores Torrid’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of body types and backgrounds in the fashion industry, challenging traditional norms and setting a precedent for inclusivity.
Overall, Essence Sugar’s triumph highlights not only her personal achievements but also serves as a beacon for aspiring models everywhere, encouraging a wider representation in the fashion realm. With her victory, Essence is poised to make a significant impact in both the modeling and dance industries.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Woman Wins Torrid’s Nationwide 2024 Model Casting Call
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Models
- PR Newswire: Torrid Announces Winner of 2024 Nationwide Model Casting Call
- Google Search: Model Casting Call 2024
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Winner of Nationwide Modeling Casting Call Details Her Journey
- Google News: Modeling and Diversity
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.



