Every time we publish an iteration of the ‘Carnival Models to Watch’ series, there is always debate around our selection process. We reiterate that our intention is never to be divisive but to share the spotlight of carnival modeling with more individuals in the Caribbean who are making their contribution to the industry. Models sell costumes, and irrespective of how intricate the designers’ approach and how ravishing the feathers on a backpack are, without the right bodies in those costumes, no one is buying.
Achsah Henry and Marieange Bovell could be easily paralleled to being the ‘Alison Hinds and Destra Garcia’ of carnival modeling. As a duo, their dominance in this genre of modeling for their generation has left an indelible mark on the industry. Honorable mentions to carnival modeling stalwarts such as Dania Duntin and Kailsta Genevieve are due for their contributions. There are many promising carnival models that we feel deserve more recognition and upon that premise, in no particular order, here are our top 10 carnival models to watch for 2025:
Janelle Pirmal
Janelle Pirmal’s journey through the modeling industry in Trinidad & Tobago is a testament to what diligence and incremental growth can achieve. Just two years ago, she was working at Starbucks and pursuing part-time tertiary education when she was discovered as a model. Catapulting her career from her Top 5 finish in the Miss World Trinidad & Tobago 2022 competition, the once-shy girl from Claxton Bay has emerged as one of the most prolific models in Trinidad & Tobago. As the face of Flair Carnival, her ascension in this industry is equally deserving of her opening place on this list.
Jordanne Brown
There are no words in the insipid and limited language of English, that can adequately describe Jordanne Brown’s beauty. The global fashion industry has developed a heightened appreciation for ethnic ambiguity, and Jordanne’s unique, awe-inspiring features substantiate not only her immeasurable marketability but the excitement around her carnival career. While still on course to become a doctor, she’s managed to carve out a cerebral lane for herself as a core member of the Elektra family and is now a proud Tribe Carnival ambassador. It would have been egregious to not have Jordanne Brown on this list.
Chelsie Gregory
It is no secret that carnival modeling is typically dominated by talents from Trinidad & Tobago. Chelsie Gregory has made it her mission to represent Jamaican models in the carnival space—and she has done a fantastic job thus far. Her outstanding work as one of the forerunners in Xodus Carnival in Jamaica has not gone unnoticed. It won’t be long before carnival bands across the region begin requesting her services. Her fierce demeanor and high-performance mentality undoubtedly separate her from the rest in this incredibly unforgiving genre of modeling.
Karolina Achong
Karolina Achong is the epitome of multicultural beauty. Her relevance hasn’t dwindled over the last half-decade, and her recognition in the carnival space has catapulted her to being one of the most sought-after carnival models on the market. Her winsome personality and unmistakable charm make her a delight to work with for all her carnival colleagues. Spirit Carnival’s head honcho Adrian Scoon has a unique ability to recognize talent and value, so it’s no surprise that Karolina Achong is a core member of the Spirit Carnival influencer army.
Shanice Wallace
The one and only ‘Niecy Boss’ has had a phenomenal year in 2024, expanding her carnival portfolio beyond Trinidad. She is cementing her place in the hearts of masqueraders regionally with her exhilarating dance moves and resplendent melanin skin. Her work with Yuma in Trinidad, Vibe Mas in Grenada, Zulu in Barbados, and most recently GenXS in Jamaica hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Chontelle Sewett
Chontelle Sewett is an incredibly fascinating human being, in many ways a combustion of irony. For someone who doesn’t consider herself a model at all, this Guyanese beauty’s presence in the world-class display of Spirit Carnival 2025 has set her apart from any other makeup or graphic artist in the region. Her plethora of creative talents may be the reason she downplays her modeling ability, but it may not be long before more bands regionally start to engage her as a carnival ambassador.
Mya-Marie Berment
Mya-Marie Berment is another resplendent example of why Trinidad & Tobago is revered as the carnival model factory of the Caribbean. The refreshing dynamic about Mya’s rise in the industry was its measured pace. Instead of a rapid ascension, she worked diligently, patiently building her reputation as a carnival model over several years. In 2024, it became impossible to ignore her work in the space, and we anticipate she will continue to grow on a steady, impressively incremental trajectory. Xodus Carnival, Tribe Carnival, and Elektra should all consider themselves honored to have the committed services of this beautiful, elusive talent.
Shena Gurley
“Silent rivers run deep” is a very applicable saying to describe Shena Marie Gurley’s mystical personality. Depending on context, Shena has a reserved, seemingly aloof demeanor. In principle, she is a woman of action and few words that actually hates being overly complimented, but she transforms into a beast whenever she is in a carnival costume. Shena has been a carnival model for years, but recently, she has hit new metrics of confidence and growth. Her consistency earned her a place as a core member of the Spirit Mas family, and it’s unlikely anyone will grow weary of seeing Shena in a carnival costume anytime soon because she makes it look so effortless.
Dr.Briana Schwapp
What a year it’s been for Dr. Briana Schwapp! Having already established herself as an outstanding veterinarian in Jamaica, her decision to pursue modeling more seriously has proven fruitful. Her love for carnival is no secret, and though she’s still growing in her command of modeling’s rudimentary aspects, everything Briana Schwapp touches usually turns to gold. As one of the undisputed forerunners of GenXS Carnival, her position as the Carnival Queen of Jamaica will be solidified in 2025.
Megan Mcnaughton
Women who transcend professional objectification are always special to include in a list like this. From working as a Sales & Marketing executive in Jamaica before her modeling breakthrough, Megan is a proud member of the Xodus Carnival family. Her love for carnival is only rivaled by her love for fitness, and she has created a meaningful symbiosis between both, as carnival modeling and fitness go hand in hand. Appropriately identified by the moniker ‘Good Body Megz’ on social media, it’s safe to say Megan has been the most dominant Jamaican carnival model in recent years, and her capacity for growth in the space is truly unquantifiable.
