A beauty without bounds, Althea Laing shone on the cover of Essence magazine as the Caribbean's first supermodel. The image of Helen of Troy launched a thousand ships; Althea's strong, exotic, overpowering features launched a thousand careers.
She pioneered modelling in Jamaica, showing the world the beauty that Jamaicans possessed. Every Jamaican hustled to get a peek of the local beauty that the world was graced with; she became nothing less than a national pride.
Althea Laing achieved at a late state what most young models couldn't - a viable career. After years in the business, this dynamo returned to her first love, teaching, where her presence sparkles in the classroom. A mother, wife, teacher, model, Althea has strutted down many paths and at every turn was success.
How long did you model for?
Althea Laing: From 1985 -1992, about seven years. In between I was doing different things. It was difficult trying to break in.
When did you know you wanted to model and why?
When I was a little girl, age three. I loved the stage. I played the lead in One Time Long Time, done by Sheila Carter and Playhouse Theatre Production.
What drove you to enter Miss Jamaica Fashion Model?
Working on the north coast, guests would say to me you look like a model. Then I was in Montego Bay, and Weston Haughton insisted I enter. After my husband died, I needed something new to do, so I just did it. The age limit for the competition was 28. I was 28 at the time; I turned 29 during the course of the competition, but I still looked so young. The first night I stepped on stage and saw the response I got from the crowd - it was amazing.
Where did you travel to?
I did a lot of work in New York. I briefly travelled to Paris. I did a movie Daughters of the Dust in Atlanta. The movie was centred on a family breaking up. It was a great experience.
How did you manage your family life and a modelling career?
My mother was so good. She took care of my son for me. He came up every other day to see me. I had the support of my family.
What would you say is your most memorable experience?
When they called me for that movie. Yes, the cover was great, but when they called me 'cause they saw the cover they had practically pre-cast me. I felt great. Every black history month NBC shows it.
What was your worst experience, one that may have made you reconsider your career?
When I was cast for a photo shoot, when I was called, the guy in charge told me to come to his house. When I went there he was dressed in a robe and I knew where he was going. But to how my mother grew me, it wasn't gonna happen. I said I may be from a little island, but I not selling my soul. He called and told them I got it, when I went to the shoot he was there and I held my head high knowing I didn't give in. That's what models had to face; I don't know if they do it now.
Are you still teaching?
Yeah man, at Belair School in Mandeville. I just completed my degree in education at Knox Community College. I was among the first batch in that degree programme.
What's the one thing people would be most surprised to know about you?
That I'm single. I've remained single all these years. My husband died 21 years ago, but it's best you stay that way till God sends the one. Too many settle for less than you deserve. So now I'm focussed on my grandchildren. The other surprising thing may be my faith in God. In many ways God has been there for me, that's what's important.
Do the catwalk and the photo shoots still look enticing to you?
I love fashion shows. Recently I did a fashion thing at the Ebony concert. It felt good to be up there again. I get joy putting on fashion shows as well.
What makes a supermodel?
She has to have charisma, the look. Work well with stylists. The demand for Jaunel is because she's such a sweet soul.
What do you think of the new crop of models today?
For me, some of them are quite stunning. Mr Cooper has a great crop of girls; it can only get better. Dweight has taken Saint so far. I find though some of the girls don't value themselves. They need training. Everyone wants to show off themselves in skimpy clothes. They don't want to be elegant and poised.
Is there anything more that Jamaica can do for the industry?
They need a national grooming programme, particularly for the kids in sixth form, to teach them life skills, interview skills and more. It would equip girls better.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
In life I wouldn't have got married so soon. I would have spent time educating myself more. But there's no regrets really. All our experiences help guide us through life."
Is there anything else you have plans to do?
I want to start creative writing workshops islandwide. Lots of people calling me about my grooming workshops. Society is now more ready than when I started years ago. Girls now want to go into modelling, but they don't have the real thing, the grooming needed.
