Sunday May 12, 2013

‘Seasoned’ teen model is not Jess a pretty face

Stealing the show: Jessica strutting her stuff on the runway during the Colour Costume contest at Plaza Pelangi shopping complex in Johor Baru.

JOHOR BARU: At the age of 16, Jessica Yee Pei San is already a seasoned contestant in fashion and talent competitions.

The Form Four student of SMK Impian Emas has taken part in such contests here since she was 10 years old, winning a number of titles along the way.

“I hope to be a famous fashion model. I would like to follow in the footsteps of model Amber Chia,” she said after winning the best colourful costume contest to mark the Plaza Pelangi Fashion Week.

Jessica, dressed in a rainbow-inspired costume designed by her mother, bowled the judges over at once.

She beat 20 others, most much older than her, winning a shopping voucher worth RM150 and a bouquet of flowers.

Jessica said her mother Sally Ang, 38, had been the driving force all these years.

Although she has to juggle between competitions and her studies, Yee said she was willing to sacrifice her leisure time.

“I hardly hang around with my friends, I’m too busy taking part in competitions,” she said, while emphasising that her studies remained the top priority.

Her participation in the contests has helped her become a more confident person, she added.

C. Loshini, 18, decided to take part in the contest to showcase a floral-printed maxi dress designed by her lecturer.

“This is my first fashion competition and it has been quite fun. Despite not winning, I look forward to taking part in similar competitions,” said the information technology student from Pasir Gudang Community College.

Mother-of-three Noreen Idros, 29, was the first-runner-up.

“Sometimes I take part in such competitions. However, I’ve never had to spend money on the costumes as my friend would usually help me piece everything together based on what I have,” said the dancer and part-time model.

Pelangi Management Services Sdn Bhd marketing manager Ishraqi Abu Bakar said the event was also held in conjunction with Mothers Day.

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