SAINT star Lawrence’s faith delivers fashion success

Wherever in the world SAINT International model Winston Lawrence goes, his Bible is always close at hand. The good book continued to be a valuable touchstone when the then-model hopeful vigilantly prayed about making his industry breakthrough. This came to pass in Milan three years ago when he made his runway debut for the iconic Italian fashion house Gucci.

"A model in general lives by faith," the Portland-born Lawrence said in a telephone interview from London, his current base since January after re-immersing into an industry that has roared back to its pre-pandemic fervour.

The COVID-19 pandemic had unceremoniously disrupted the fashion world's cycle of in-person assignments, with many in the industry like Lawrence left to return to their hometowns, anxiously awaiting a return to normal that came after almost two years. "We [models] never know what's next. Faith is what keeps me going. It's difficult at times but as a believer, I remind myself of God's promises and that favour is still in my life," he pointed out.

And that divine favour came in October 2018 when an unknown Lawrence was making his way home from Port Antonio High School. SAINT model and fellow Portlander Aneita Moore spotted him. His stature and facial features seized her interest, and she promptly alerted SAINT CEO Deiwght Peters. Never one to sleep on burgeoning model potential, Peters made contact directly from his New Kingston offices with Gucci's casting directors, which in turn, secured that first runway exclusive for Lawrence back in February 2019.

"It remains my proudest accomplishment in my modelling career so far, walking for Gucci in Milan," said the 6'2" star, who easily cites James Chapter 4, verse 10: "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up" as a guiding principle.

The Gucci turn, historic in its inclusion of Lawrence, the label's first Jamaican male model to grace its ready-to-wear runway, was not the sole moment of significance for the now 21-year-old Christian who currently fellowships every Sunday morning at London International Church of Christ. Lawrence recorded yet another fillip in his cap when he booked the March 2020 cover of Vogue Hommes, becoming the men's magazine first black male cover model in its 37-year history.

Pre-COVID, his impressive work portfolio saw him starring in global advertising campaigns for Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe and British luxury menswear labels Paul Smith and Dunhill while shuttling between Italy and France to do Fashion Week seasonal runway shows for Lanvin, Raf Simons, Off-White, Palm Angels, Ambush, Rochas, Lemaire, and a host of other designers.

Domiciled in Portland during the isolating pandemic lockdowns where he registered consistent attendance at Open Bible Church in Folly, Lawrence's faith never waned. Nor his international appeal. Spanish retailer Zara reached his agent boss Peters, specially requesting the SAINT model for a photoshoot for the brand's summer wardrobe, at Winnifred Beach. He also was recruited alongside other SAINTS to shoot for an exclusive Adidas x Wales Bonner global ad campaign that was shot at Caymanas Park and Bull Bay last January.

Adjusting well to life across the pond, the model is a budding disc jockey, too, who relishes spinning tunes on the turntable and is an ardent fan of dancehall artiste Alkaline.

"I love that London can feel like home," he said. "Jamaican culture is common here, and I can get similar food and spices here, too, just as I do back home. I find time to play football here and there, and although I left my DJ equipment back in Portland, I'm currently acquiring new gear to enhance my ability in the field," Lawrence said.