Photo Gallery | JCJC next top model and fashion show winners

The following is a press release from Jones County Junior College:

Jones County Junior College’s newest “Top Model” is beginning a family tradition of sorts with her selection.  Freshman Kaily Simpson from Soso is the soon-to-be sister-in-law to previous winner, Blair Miller. 

“I’ve never done anything like this before but I love fashion!” said Simpson.  “I’d love to open my own boutique one day.” 

Simpson was chosen from a field of fifteen contestants vying for the chance to be on the cover of future JCJC publications. Judges also chose Simpson as “Most Photogenic.”

In a new contest debuting at the “Twisted Fantasy” Fashion Show, judges chose Jay Thompson of Hattiesburg as the overall winner in the “Recycled Fashion” category.  Students were given the challenge to create an outfit using only recycled materials.   His design resembled something he had seen in a Victoria Secret Fashion Show with peacock-type feathers made of garbage bags, duct tape, and plastic plates with CD’s and glitter.  The feathers were constructed in a way Thompson could lower and raise them, impressing the judges with his creative design. 

“It took six days to construct, spending about $45 and getting help from my whole family,” said Thompson, who recouped his investment with a $50 check for winning.

Also winning in the Recycled Fashion competition were Katy Ricks of Winona for Best Overall Style; Alexandria Lewis of Hattiesburg for Best Use of Creativity and R.J. Brady of Hollandale for Best Overall Runway Walk.

Other winners from the student-run fashion show include Trevor Gray of Waynesboro, with Most Fashion Forward Outfit and Dominique McCann of State Line claimed the Top Walk on the Runway award.

The contests were part of the bi-annual Fashion Show coordinated by JCJC Fashion Merchandising students, under the direction of Fashion Merchandising instructor, Finee’ Ruffin.  She explained the JCJC fashion sales and fashion merchandising students spend 12 weeks preparing for a full scale fashion show.

“This is a tough task to complete.  It is awesome to see the students work together and truly put what I have taught them in the classroom into action, as a real-world event,” said Ruffin.

JCJC is the only Junior/Community College in Mississippi offering this unique experience, said Ruffin.  The show also provides students with the chance to see how effective networking with businesses and merchandisers can be when trying to secure clothing for the show.  This year’s vendors included the Buckle and Gander Mountain in Hattiesburg, Elegant Evenings, Factory Connection and Funky Shoes in Laurel.

For more information contact Finee’ Ruffin at 601-477-2308 or email finee.ruffin@jcjc.edu