News Summary
Essence Sugar, a mechanical engineer and dancer from Jacksonville, has won the 2024 Torrid Model Casting Call, attracting over 11,000 applicants. Essence will be featured in the Torrid 2025 campaign and receives a $2,000 cash prize along with a $15,000 wardrobe. The public voting process for finalists showcased strong community support for body positivity in fashion.
Jacksonville – Essence Sugar, a 29-year-old mechanical engineer and dancer from Jacksonville, Florida, has been named the grand prize winner of the 2024 Torrid Model Casting Call. This highly competitive casting event attracted over 11,000 applicants from across the United States and Canada, making it the largest in the brand’s history.
Essence’s journey in the casting call included reaching the prestigious “Top 10” contestants, which allowed her to participate in a professional model boot camp held in Los Angeles. During this boot camp, she received comprehensive mentorship along with participation in a content creation workshop aimed at enhancing modeling skills.
As the grand prize winner, Essence Sugar will be prominently featured in the Torrid 2025 campaign photo shoot. She will also receive a cash prize of $2,000 and an impressive year-long wardrobe from Torrid, valued at $15,000. Moreover, there is a potential opportunity for her to sign with a global talent management agency, opening doors for future endeavors in modeling.
The finalists of the casting call were selected through a public voting process that took place from July 31 to August 7, prior to the final selection event. This democratic approach allowed the public to have a say in the candidates progressing to the final stages. The process began with casting events at over 100 mall locations nationwide, where candidates were meticulously narrowed down through a selective review process.
Vivian Alhorn, Chief Marketing Officer of Torrid, commended Essence for her authentic presence and natural comfort in front of the camera, highlighting her genuine connection with the audience. Essence conveyed her excitement and appreciation for the opportunity, stating her desire to represent and create spaces for individuals who resemble her.
Torrid is a direct-to-consumer apparel brand specializing in fashionable items for women sized 10 to 30. The brand places a strong emphasis on fit and variety in its clothing offerings, aiming to provide stylish options for every woman. The success of the Torrid Model Casting Call reflects the growing demand for diverse representation in the fashion industry, as well as the brand’s commitment to celebrating body positivity and inclusivity.
Essence Sugar’s win not only positions her at the forefront of a major fashion campaign but also serves as an inspiration for others striving to break into the modeling industry, particularly those who may not fit the traditional mold. Her success signifies a shift towards embracing and showcasing diverse body types and personal stories in fashion, reflecting the dynamic landscape of contemporary representation.
This year’s casting call’s overwhelming participation and public engagement illustrate the community’s support for Torrid’s mission and the importance of inclusivity in fashion. As trends continue to evolve, the spotlight on relatable and authentic models is expected to expand, paving the way for further representation and new opportunities in the fashion world.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 JAX
- Wikipedia: Torrid Inc.
- PR Newswire
- Google Search: Essence Sugar model casting
- AOL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Model
- News 4 JAX
- Google News: Torrid model casting call
- News Journal
