Ten fresh faces represented by ELITE MODELS Toronto star in Find Your Way story captured exclusively for DSCENE by fashion photographer Patrick Lacsina. Meet Analysa Dinh, Antonela Kacaj, Belma Colakovic, Callum Murphy, Gabe Christensen, Gabriele Nandal, Jacob Cheng, Jonathan Azar, Nyi’azjah Jackson, and Tameen Kaseem.
Read our Q&A with the promising new faces below:
BELMA COLACOVIC – @bellecolakovic
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
How were you discovered: at the CNE, a yearly town fair in Toronto.
What can you tell us about your hometown: home to the only castle in North America!
What do you expect from modelling?: to tune into and explore my creative side
Who’s your favourite supermodel?: Candice Swanepoel because her and I share a lot of similar characteristics, she’s got a very sweet nature to her and she cares about the world she is also involved in a lot of charities!
Tiktok or Instagram?: Instagram
CALLUM MURPHY – @its.callum
Hometown: Aurora, Canada
How were you discovered: I was scouted on Instagram.
What can you tell us about your hometown: Aurora is relatively small but a gorgeous city. It’s a big hockey town well known for its rich history. It’s one of those towns where you end up getting to know everyone in your community.
What do you expect from modelling?: I want to establish myself as a sought-after name within the industry. The connections and travel opportunities modelling offer are things I don’t take for granted and I see myself eventually working with brands and people I’ve admired for many years.
Who’s your favourite supermodel?: My favourite model at the moment is Luka Sabbat, but I also adore Joan Smalls.
Tiktok or Instagram?: Instagram. To me it offers the best of both worlds in terms of sharing unique content and ideas to people, and it’s the go-to place for celebrities and influencers.
GABRIELE NANDAL – @gabrielenandal
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
How were you discovered: Running with my dog.
What can you tell us about your hometown: Toronto has been a great city to grow up in because of the eclectic people from all over the world. I grew up exposed to many cultures through friends at school, of my parents, and work colleagues. I believe this has instilled myself with an open-mind and -heart that I may not have had if raised elsewhere.
What do you expect from modelling? Modelling has given me a sense of confidence. Besides meeting many wonderful people, I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin and speak up. I expect modelling to continue to grow these skills.
Who’s your favourite supermodel? Miranda Kerr. I admire her effortless class but also her transition to successful business woman of Kora Organics whose branding doesn’t feel like just another celebrity skincare line. However, it is her composure and kindness that shines through.
Tiktok or Instagram? Instagram. I don’t currently use TikTok and I abhor the day I have to learn another social media app.
JACOB CHENG – @jcb.8
Hometown: Hamilton, Canada
How were you discovered? I was scouted at a cafe
What do you expect from modelling? The sky’s the limit
Favourite supermodel? Bella Hadid, Alton Mason
Tik tok or Instagram? Instagram but looking to start making tik toks
ANALYSA DINH – @analysadinh
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
How were you discovered? On TikTok.
What can you tell us about your hometown? I grew up in a cute neighbourhood in Toronto called Davenport. It was such a close community it felt like a big family!
What do you expect from modeling? To find a new kind of confidence and to surprise myself by exceeding my limits.
Who’s your favourite supermodel? I love so many but my eyes always go towards Winnie Harlow.
TikTok or Instagram? I could spend hours on Tiktok!
GABE CHRISTENSEN – @gabechristensen
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
How were you discovered? Comment section on Instagram.
What do you expect from modelling? New, exciting opportunities.
Favourite supermodel? Emily Ratajkowski
Tik tok or Instagram? Instagram
NYI’AZJAH JACKSON – @nyiazjah
Hometown: Mississauga, Canada
How were you discovered? At an Ariana Grande concert.
What can you tell us about your hometown? Mississauga is super convenient – I’m able to travel to surrounding cities easily.
What do you expect from modelling? I would love to become a runway model and travel and make a name for myself.
Favourite supermodel? Adut Akech or Naomi Campbell
Tik tok or Instagram? Tiktok for sure!
TAMEEN KASSEM – @tameen_k
Hometown: Dubai, UAE
How were you discovered? On Instagram
What do you expect from modeling? I’m looking forward to meeting new and interesting people.
Who’s your favourite supermodel? Henry Golding, even though he’s more of an actor.
TikTok or Instagram? Instagram
ANTONELA KACAJ – @antonelakacaj
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
How were you discovered: I was discovered on tiktok
What can you tell us about your hometown?: I was born in Albania but since I grew up in Toronto, it has always been home for me. Toronto is such a beautiful city & home to amazing restaurants, tourist attractions and wonderful people.
What do you expect from modelling? I hope that modeling allows me to travel the world and meet new people.
Who’s your favourite supermodel? Candice Swanepoel.
Tiktok or Instagram? Tik tok because it has brought me some great opportunities.
JONATHAN AZAR – @jjonathanazar
Hometown: Aurora, Canada
How were you discovered: through a friend of the Elite scout.
What can you tell us about your hometown?: It’s a quiet town just outside of Toronto. It’s pretty quiet over here; I’ve always loved the simplicity of it.
What do you expect from modelling? I’m very passionate about the world of art, style and fashion. I expect to have fun, make great connections and gain experiences that only modelling can provide. Considering my age, I’m excited to keep growing forward.
Who’s your favourite supermodel? Alton Mason. The amount he’s accomplished throughout his career thus far is greatly inspiring. He’s a great role model.
Tiktok or Instagram? Very tough question lol. I’d have to go with Instagram, only because Tiktok is way too addicting.
Photographer: Patrick Lacsina – @patricklacsina
Models: Analysa Dinh, Antonela Kacaj, Belma Colakovic, Callum Murphy, Gabe Christensen, Gabriele Nandal, Jacob Cheng, Jonathan Azar, Nyi’azjah Jackson, Tameen Kaseem, all at Elite Models Toronto – @elitetoronto
