September 4, 2025

Jacksonville’s Essence Sugar Wins Torrid’s Model Casting Call

News Summary

Essence Sugar, a Jacksonville resident and mechanical engineer, has been named the Grand Prize Winner in Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call. With over 11,000 applicants, Essence stood out during the rigorous selection process, which included mall auditions and a boot camp in Los Angeles. As the winner, she receives a feature in Torrid’s campaign, a cash prize, and a substantial wardrobe. Essence hopes to inspire confidence and showcase the opportunities available in the fashion industry for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Jacksonville Resident Essence Sugar Crowned Grand Prize Winner in Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call

Jacksonville, Florida – Essence Sugar, a 29-year-old mechanical engineer, has been awarded the title of Grand Prize Winner in Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call. This year’s competition proved to be the largest in Torrid’s history, drawing over 11,000 applicants from across the United States and Canada.

Essence showcased her natural modeling talent during a casting event held in Los Angeles, standing out to judges despite her lack of prior experience in the modeling industry. The selection process, which spanned six months, began with over 100 mall auditions nationwide, eventually narrowing candidates down to a top 30. Public voting played a crucial role in determining the final ten contestants, who then participated in a professional model boot camp in Los Angeles. It was here that Essence secured her position as the ultimate winner.

As the champion of the casting call, Essence will enjoy several rewards, including a feature in Torrid’s 2025 campaign photoshoot. She will also receive a cash prize of $2,000 and a wardrobe valued at $15,000, which includes a full year of clothing from Torrid. Additionally, she has the opportunity to sign with a global talent management agency, paving the way for potential future collaborations in the modeling industry.

Judging Process and Finalists

The Torrid Model Casting Call featured a rigorous judging process. After the initial auditions, candidates were identified and narrowed down, emphasizing public participation through voting. This engagement allowed supporters to play a role in determining which finalists moved forward in the competition. Ultimately, the ten finalists showcased their skills at the model boot camp, emphasizing both their modeling potential and unique personal styles.

Company Acknowledgment

Vivian Alhorn, Torrid’s Chief Marketing Officer, acknowledged Essence’s uniqueness and praise for her vibrancy and authenticity during the casting call. The competition’s positive reception has exceeded expectations, leading to plans for future events and casting calls scheduled for 2025.

Personal Reflections from the Winner

Essence has expressed immense gratitude for winning the title and is eager to use her platform to inspire others to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Her journey serves as a testament to the opportunities available for individuals pursuing their dreams in the fashion industry, regardless of background or prior experience.

Future Plans

With the overwhelming success of the 2024 Torrid Model Casting Call, the company is already looking ahead to future events. The feedback from participants and viewers has been remarkably positive, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of their commitment to showcasing diverse models and promoting body positivity through fashion.

Essence Sugar’s success is not just a personal triumph but also a reflection of Torrid’s mission to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves while celebrating a diverse range of body types in the modeling world.

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Additional Resources

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.

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