Vincentian model reaches global finals, seeks nation’s support for historic victory 

By Admin. Updated 10:14 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Vincentian model Lafleur Huggins is one step away from making history after advancing to the final round of the international Next Runway Star competition, and she is once again calling on Vincentians at home and across the diaspora to help carry her across the finish line.

Huggins confirmed to One News SVG on Friday that she topped her previous round to secure a place in the finals. Voting in the decisive stage closes on September 9, leaving supporters with only a few days to help determine the winner.

The achievement marks another milestone in Huggins’ campaign, which has steadily attracted support from Vincentians since she first entered the global modelling competition. If successful, she would become the first Vincentian to win the Next Runway Star title.

“We placed first and advanced to the final round,” Huggins said in a message to supporters. 

“Thank you to everyone who voted, shared and supported me throughout this journey. The final round ends September 9, so please continue to vote every day and share the link with your family and friends. We’ve come this far together—let’s finish strong.”

Huggins also credited the response generated by One News SVG’s earlier coverage, saying it played a significant role in increasing awareness of her campaign.

With the competition entering its final stretch, Huggins is encouraging supporters to vote every day until the September 9 deadline and to share the official voting link with friends, relatives and colleagues in an effort to broaden support.

A victory would not only be a personal achievement for Huggins but would also represent a landmark moment for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, placing the country’s talent on an international stage and giving Vincentians another reason to celebrate.

Those wishing to support Huggins can cast a daily vote through the official Next Runway Star voting page: https://nextrunwaystar.com/2026/lafleur-huggins. Every eligible vote could prove decisive as the competition draws to a close.

About Huggins 

LaFleur Huggins, from Enhams, St. Vincent is urging Vincentians at home and across the diaspora to rally behind her after securing a place in the quarterfinals of the international Next Runway Star competition.

Huggins, who left St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the age of 16 and has lived in the United States for more than 35 years, said she remains deeply connected to her homeland and returns at least once every year, often with her family.
A former student of Marriaqua Secondary School, now St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, Huggins said she is determined to represent not only St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but also women who have traditionally been overlooked in the fashion industry.

“I entered the Next Runway Star competition to challenge traditional standards of beauty and show that women do not have to fit a particular age, size, complexion or background to be confident, beautiful, visible and successful,” she said.

A Muslim woman who chooses to dress modestly, Huggins said she also hopes to demonstrate that women can remain true to their faith while pursuing their ambitions with confidence.
She describes her campaign as being about far more than personal success.

“This journey is bigger than me,” Huggins said. “I am representing Vincentian women, Caribbean women, Muslim women who choose to cover, mothers, grandmothers, educators, mature women, plus-size women, and every woman who has ever been told that she is too old, too dark-skinned, too heavy, or not beautiful enough to stand out.”

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