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Bahamian Model Rocks “Project Runway”

January 19, 2016

Bahamian model Shyloh Wilkinson has definitely taken a bite out of the Big Apple! The leggy beauty who moved to New York City to pursue her career is certainly putting The Bahamas on the map with each strut and step she takes. While an accomplished print and runway model, I was super excited when I found out she’s a model for one of my favorite shows…Project Runway! Yes, the fashion driven show that takes aspiring designers and puts them through rigorous challenges to create beautiful pieces. Each designer is paired with a model to showcase their design each week and our very own Bahamian beauty is one of them! This season the show is focusing on kiddie designers with Project Runway Junior. eLIFE242 caught up with Shyloh recently to talk about scoring this major gig!

eLIFE242: How long have you been working with Project Runway and how did you land this job?

Shyloh: I’ve been asked to work on Project Runway for the past few years and for some reason I’ve always booked another job that would fly me out of town and I’ll miss the opportunity to be on the show. But over the summer one of my bookers asked if I wanted to audition for the show, I said, “ Why not?!” Since this is the year I’m scheduled to be in town and luckily after booking the job it turned out to be the first season of Project Runway Junior. I loved the idea of this show so I decided to dedicate my entire summer filming the show which was tons of fun.

eLIFE242: What’s been your favorite experience with the show so far, what are you looking forward to?

Shyloh: Every single day I’ve got to work with those young adults has been my favorite experience, hands down! I’ve been a model for a long time and I’ve worked with many adult designers but these youngsters made me appreciate my job even more. To be so young, so talented, motivated and driven made me appreciate being a model. I can’t wait to see where their careers take them in the future. Those designers are destined for greatness.

eLIFE242: How attached do you get to your designer?

Shyloh: My designer and I became attached at the hip. I love Peytie to pieces, she’s my Cali spirit animal. Her aura and positive energy are so refreshing in this day and age. I remember not filming for almost two weeks because she had to use another model for her designs and I went through serious Peytie withdrawals. I was a bit sad and mopey but as soon as I saw her the following week my spirit was lifted up again. She’s the best designer I’ve ever worked with and to be only 15-years-old is incredible.

eLIFE242: Do you get to keep the clothes?? If no, would you like to?

Shyloh: Unfortunately we are not allowed to keep the clothes, but if I had the opportunity to keep them, I’ll most certainly wear her pieces every chance I get. Her way of designing is my every day style. We’re a perfect match as model and designer.

Every single day I’ve got to work with those young adults has been my favorite experience

eLIFE242: About the celebrity judges! Are you ever nervous walking in front of them and also standing there as they assess the clothing?

Shyloh: Nope! To me I see the judges just as equal as the rest of the crew such as the camera guys, gaffers or makeup artists. We’re all there to complete a job whether we’re behind or in front of the camera. Besides after the 1st taping everyone felt like family so all nerves went away on day two.

eLIFE242: Hows does it feel being a Bahamian model, walking for a show that’s played around the world?

Shyloh: It’s pretty cool. I love what I do and to tell people I’m from paradise is the cherry on top of a delicious sundae.

eLIFE242: How has your time been in NYC? How long have you been there and list some of the other jobs you’ve booked?

Shyloh: New York City has treated me very well. I’ve been living and working in the city as a model for nine years. Within those years I’ve worked a lot, most jobs I may not remember doing but there are a few memorable ones. Such as being on a TV special for BET’s RIP The Runway, working for Patricia Fields, Missoni, LaPerla and having fun at fashion week. My regular 9 to 5 job is being a fit model for Parsons The New School which I’ve been doing for eight years. Gosh I love what I do, I feel so blessed!

eLIFE242: Where do you see your career taking you in 2016?

Shyloh: Who knows, maybe I’ll still be working in NYC, maybe I’ll move to Cape Town, South Africa or even decide to become bi-costal auditioning for roles in LA. The year is just getting started and I’m a fly with the wind kind of girl. I love to live my life happily and accept things as they come and go. I’ve always had a clear understanding that life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. Stay tuned guys you’ll be seeing more of me on TV pretty soon. Follow my story on IG: til_shyloh