CULTURE | JAN. 31, 2024
ELITE Continues the Bloodline with the Debut of Class Nine
One of the various See No Evil looks. Photo courtesy of Morghan Langston.
By Morghan Langston
The Omertà showcase, which debuted the ELITE Class Nine, was a creatively stylish event where the new cohort of models, creative directors, stylists, and more showcased their impressive talents, proving themselves as formidable newcomers. Cramton Auditorium was filled with supporters donned in the designated red and black attire on Saturday, January 20.
The show was divided into three categories: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Speak No Evil, each theme reflecting the idea of standing firm in the face of a cruel audience. Each section included unique outfits, makeup looks, and intricate hair designs to bring the night to life.
The See No Evil segment showcased multiple black and white outfits accompanied by soft purple lights. The opener dressed in a sheer black top accompanied by a high-low tulle skirt.
Many of the looks included clothes with lace or open fabrics layered onto one another. Others were complete with silver accessories like spiked cuffs and chain necklaces to bring an edgy look to the black outfits.
This section closed with model Bryce Gilleylen in an all-white outfit adorned with a large white bow in contrast to the opening act. Gilleylen said that this was his first time back on stage in a while and that it took hard work to ensure this moment was priceless.
“Preparing for this showcase was extremely thrilling. It was both fresh and nostalgic in a sense. I grew up in the world of performing arts, and this was my first time being back in full production. Hard work, time, and dedication went into making sure that this moment was one to remember,” he shared.
The following segment, Hear No Evil, was a lively, energetic display for the audience. This section opened with a show-stopping model who set the tone for this fur-filled section.
Outfits here were compiled with animal prints and furs set to shades of browns, golds, and denim. The models were captivating and precise in their movement.
Each model is a well-mapped-out indication of the thought and time invested in the preparation for this show. The models displayed both professionalism and personality through their walks and various poses.
The final portion of the show Speak No Evil opens with red lighting and a model dressed in a red garment and silver mask. This mask echoed the section’s title and the title of the show ‘Omertà,’ defined as a code of silence.
These outfits featured red suits, dresses, and masks that used materials that swayed on the models as they moved. Additionally, clothing was abundant from an array of materials—flannel, denim, tweed, and even a corset made from cards.
This section closed out with model Shyanne Wilson in a dress of newspapers and knee-high red boots. Wilson was left balancing on one leg while her fellow models did a final walk around her.
“Preparing for the ELITE showcase was exhilarating. It was truly exciting to see Class IX's hard work and dedication put into one show. We’ve put a lot of effort into Omertá and it was all worth it for the outcome of the show and the family we’ve all built together,” Wilson reflected on her preparation experience for this show.
Surprisingly, the show did not end when the presentation concluded. The production crew showed us their modeling expertise while taking their final bows and receiving praise from the crowd.
Each segment included music from artists such as Nicki Minaj, Daniel Cesar, and A$AP Rocky to complement the outfits and moods of each piece.
To describe the Elite Model Class Nine Showcase in one word: fierce. From start to finish, this show was filled with talent from the models and their coaches to the stylists and hair and makeup artists. Everyone worked together to create an unforgettable show.
Ayanna Mann, the organization's president, expressed her admiration for the remarkable team and conveyed her enthusiasm for Class IX to continue the legacy.
“ELITE stands for Exceeding Limitations Internally To Externally. Going into these positions, we each knew the task we were being asked to fulfill in bringing in a new class of ELITE. We worked intimately with each person we were bringing in to ensure their values matched the values of the organization, and we prioritized having leaders that act as Role Models in their day-to-day to ensure the new class understood the expectation of being ELITE regardless of the room they enter.”
The support and excitement from the room left no question of the positive impression left on the audience. Once again, this reminds us why they are Elite.
