KATHMANDU, Oct 16: Modeling does not incorporate only posing for camera or ramp walk anymore, but it has emerged as a medium to showcase one’s talent. It’s essential that one carries element of substance in their personality to stand out.

With the aim to flaunt their skills as many as 67 contestants took part in the talent round for the fifth edition of Republica My City Presents En Vogue Fashion Show that was held at the Victory Lounge, Durbar Marg on Sunday.

Girls and boys between the ages of 16 and 28 years showcased their talent, including singing, dancing, sketching, scooter stunt, speech, poem recitation, drama and acting skills to become the next face of House of Fashion (HoF) Nepal. While many were performing solo, few of the participants also performed in groups. Finalists for the show were revealed to the public at an unmasking event held at Club Déjà Vu, Durbar Marg on September 23.

A panel of five judges, including Oshima Banu, Puran Joshi, Srijana Regmi, Sanjog Rai and Rubeena Thapa evaluated the contestant. The judges marked the contestantson a scale of 10 on the basis of their performance, presentation, confidence, expression and timing.

One of the jury members, fashion art director, stylist and chorographer Puran Joshi said, “We’re looking for a contestant who has a spark; not just for modeling but they should also be able to compete in an international arena and stand out.” Joshi added that the contestants that show ‘out of the box’ talent will be given the highest mark.

While most participants showcased their basic skills, Analika Sinha, who was the soccer captain at Ullens School, took a risk and performed football tricks to impress the judges. According to Analika, she wanted to challenge the patriarchal football world through her act and said, “I wanted to show that even girls can play football and do tricks like boys.”

Aarjal Gorkhali, another contestant who calls himself introvert and shy, opted to do a scooter stunt for the round. He said, “My mother is supportive of my choices and she motivated me to be a part of En Vogue. I can say that the contest has changed my personality in a good way as I have become more social and friendly than I was before.”

Another contestant Pragati Shrestha performed the traditional Kumari dance. She said she wanted to represent and promote her culture through the performance. Pragati added that she wanted to win the contest as it was her dream to participate in the Miss Nepal pageant and represent Nepal internationally. 

Prashanna Rai, a professional photographer and En Vogue contestant, played guitar with his group and sang songs like ‘Timro Nyano’ and ‘Timro Maya Ma’ in the talent round. 

The talent round started at 11 in the morning and wrapped up after more than six hours. The winners of the talent round will be announced at the grand finale of En Vogue Fashion Show on October 27. Mister and Miss Talent will be honored with certificate, trophy and goodies at the grand finale. 

The three-month long rendezvous is scheduled to come to an end on October 27. Winners of the contest will receive a year-long contract to become the brand ambassador for HOF, informed HoF Event Director Sanjeeb Tuladhar.