Models Shauntaé Washington and David Loncke Shine on the Caribbean Runway

EARLIER this month, two young Guyanese took the nation’s name to the international stage with bold looks, grace, and poise at the Fashion Face of the Caribbean model convention. Guyanese models Shauntaé Washington and David Loncke represented Guyana with distinction; Shauntaé walked away as the first-place winner, and David secured a spot in the top 10. In an interview with Pepperpot Magazine this week, the duo shared their experience representing their homeland among other Caribbean nations, the hurdles they faced during the competition and within the industry, and what it means to walk in style and grace against the odds.

Meet Guyana’s Rising Fashion Voices

Shauntaé Washington may not be a name you know just yet, but it is one making waves across the fashion and modelling industry. The vibrant, family-oriented 25-year-old began modelling at just 17, a choice she said was inspired by her journey of overcoming bullying as a teenager.

“As a teenager, I was bullied for my height, the colour of my skin, and the length of my hair. And instead of my mother trying to remedy it, to make me fit in the crowd, what my mother decided to do was to say, ‘If they don’t like what you represent, give them something substantial.’”

She added: “My mother got me my first pair of platform heels at 14. I went to a school event, and everybody was absolutely in shock, because they usually teased me for my height, and I actually came taller. I started modelling at 17, just after I got out of school, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Fellow model and psychologist David Loncke has always loved fashion but never truly embraced it until others urged him to. The multi-faceted 28-year-old is a passionate advocate for men’s mental health and healthy masculinity. Fashion, he said, became a catalyst not only for self-development but also for self-expression. “I grew up in a small village called Queenstown on the Essequibo Coast. I was always fascinated by fashion, but honestly, I didn’t see myself as a model at first,” he shared. “People always told me I had the height and the look, and eventually, I decided to give it a try. I started doing small shows locally and some shoots with local photographers, and from there it just grew. Modelling gave me a chance to express myself in a way I never thought I could.”

Confidence on the Caribbean Runway

Fashion Face of the Caribbean is perhaps the biggest modelling competition in the region. This year’s edition saw more than 70 contestants from across the Caribbean vying for the top spot. Hosted in Jamaica by renowned model agent Deiwght Peters and his boutique modelling agency Saint International, the competition highlights the very best of the region’s talent.

Despite the high-stakes nature of the event, Shauntaé described her experience as one of the most enlightening of her life. It gave her the opportunity to meet some of the industry’s biggest names. “As a little Guyanese girl, it was absolutely mind-blowing,” she said. “I remember the incredible welcome of the other delegates, the other females I had to work with. I was the oldest female competitor, and at no moment did I feel shunned. We were allowed to be our most authentic selves. And I think that was so, so beautiful to be a part of the competition. It was a lot of work, but we didn’t feel alone when we had to do it.”

David shared similar sentiments while also highlighting the work that happened behind the scenes. Before the two could hit the runway with style and poise, there were countless challenges to overcome.

Describing the event as intense, David revealed that both he and Shauntaé had to put their lives on hold. “I landed in Jamaica on the Tuesday before the show, and rehearsals had already been happening for weeks. We had to catch up really fast. Every day was rehearsals, fittings, interviews.”

He added, “The speed round with the agents was nerve-racking, because these are people who work with the biggest names in fashion. You sit across from them, and you have a few minutes to impress, to make them see you. It forces you to bring your confidence forward, even if you’re nervous inside. But being surrounded by so many talented people motivated me to push even harder.”

Making Fashion History for Guyana

True to their Guyanese roots, both Shauntaé and David persevered and made their country proud. Shauntaé made history when she became the first Guyanese to win the title of Fashion Face of the Caribbean, an achievement that still leaves her in shock weeks later. “In that moment when they called my name and said, ‘The winner of Fashion Face of the Caribbean is Shauntaé Washington,’ I froze. Honestly, I am still in a bit of shock.”

Staying true to her roots, Shauntaé credited her family and friends for making her victory possible. She added: “I come from a really close-knit family, and the circle of people around me has done everything in their power to make sure that I got there.”

Apart from her big win, the pair also captured prizes for Best Stylist, Best High Fashion Ensemble through their collaboration with Dillon Craig, and Best Male and Female Runway Walks.

The experience gave the powerhouse duo more than just recognition. David, who placed 6th in the male category, said both he and Shauntaé are now signed to Saint International, a first for Guyana and a major boost for the local fashion industry.

“This experience opened doors. Now it’s about walking through them. I want to continue pushing, to get signed, to work internationally, to show that Guyanese talent can stand alongside anyone else in the world.”

He further stated, “It’s not just about me. It’s about making the path easier for the next young Guyanese boy or girl who wants to model. If they see me doing it, they’ll know it’s possible.”

Beyond the Runway

As the two move forward in what promises to be vibrant, impactful careers, both hope to champion their causes with bold authenticity.

For David, that means continuing his advocacy for men’s mental health and breaking harmful stereotypes surrounding masculinity in Guyana.

“For Guyanese, regardless of race, there is a major stereotype that once you are well put together or fashion-oriented, you’re gay. People think you’re less of a man. But I have been privileged to meet renowned men who are part of the industry.”

For Shauntaé, her focus is on inspiring other young black girls to walk proudly in their truth.

“Be bold enough and brave enough to walk in strength and honour, and be true to yourself. Step beyond who you are, step in spite of who you are, and if this is your dream, fan the flame.”

As they step confidently into the future, Shauntaé Washington and David Loncke are proving that Guyanese talent can shine on any stage, at home and internationally.