News Summary
Essence Sugar, a mechanical engineer and dancer from Jacksonville, has won Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call, which attracted over 11,000 applicants. Her win spotlights the importance of body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, as she will be featured in Torrid’s 2025 campaign and receives a substantial prize package. Essence’s journey includes rigorous training and public voting, highlighting a movement towards diverse representation in the industry.
Jacksonville – Essence Sugar, a 29-year-old mechanical engineer and dancer from Jacksonville, Florida, has been crowned the grand prize winner of Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call. This casting call garnered unprecedented attention, attracting over 11,000 applicants from both the U.S. and Canada, marking it as the largest in Torrid’s history.
Essence’s journey to victory included a rigorous selection process where she initially stood out among the “Top 30” applicants. Her participation in a professional model boot camp in Los Angeles allowed her to hone her skills through a full day of mentorship and a content creation workshop, ultimately propelling her into the esteemed “Top 10” finalists. Following this, voting opened to the public from July 31 to August 7, leading to the final selection of the winning candidates.
As the winner of the casting call, Essence will be featured prominently in a photoshoot for Torrid’s 2025 campaign, showcasing her as a face of inclusivity and body positivity. Her prize package includes a cash award of $2,000 along with a year’s supply of clothing from Torrid, valued at approximately $15,000. Additionally, Essence has the opportunity to sign with a global talent management agency, which could further expand her modeling career.
Essence expressed immense gratitude and excitement regarding the chance to work with Torrid, emphasizing the importance of body positivity and representation in the fashion industry. Vivian Alhorn, Chief Marketing Officer of Torrid, acknowledged Essence for her authenticity and comfort in front of the camera, which resonated well with the judges and voters alike.
Torrid specializes in fashionable apparel, intimates, and accessories tailored for women sizes 10 to 30. The company has gained a reputation for promoting self-love and confidence among women, and this casting call is aligned with their mission to highlight diverse body types and styles in the fashion landscape.
The casting call included various events hosted across over 100 mall locations nationwide, providing an opportunity for aspiring models to showcase their talents and engage with the brand directly. The response to the casting call reflects a growing movement toward inclusivity in fashion and the desire for real representation among consumers.
Essence Sugar’s win is seen not just as a personal achievement but as a step forward in the fashion industry, reinforcing the narrative that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Her selection represents a wave of change where aspiring models of different backgrounds, appearances, and experiences have a platform to shine.
The competition’s scale and the interest it generated highlight the shifting dynamics within the modeling and fashion industries, wherein brands are increasingly focusing on authenticity and relatability. Essence Sugar will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Torrid’s future campaigns, inspiring many with her journey and success.
In summary, Essence Sugar’s victory in Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call is a landmark achievement, showcasing her talents and the brand’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in fashion.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax
- PR Newswire
- Stacker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Model Casting Call
- Google Search: Torrid Model Casting Call
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.
