From runway to a reality series, Pulse's full-figured models have made an indelible mark on the Caribbean fashion landscape this year, bringing into sharp focus the changing trends in international fashion.

Initiated in early September, Pulse answered the call to give full-figured women an opportunity to showcase their talent by staging the Caribbean's first-ever full-figure model competition. The response was phenomenal and generated extensive interest both in the public sphere as well as for the plus-sized potentials across the Caribbean.

After an exciting presentation of 15 full-figured finalists during the Caribbean Model Search live event, 24-year-old Tka Briscoe was named the inaugural winner of the competition. Inspired by Briscoe's bold move, several other plus-sized beauties contacted Pulse in search of a shot at stardom. The response spawned another innovative first: the region's premier Caribbean Model Search (CMS) Full Figure Reality TV Series.

Hundreds of potential models auditioned for TV's newest title, and the series began with more than 60 semi-finalists who faced elimination before the final selection.

In a high-energy contest of nerves and intuition, television audiences have tuned in religiously over the past five weeks to watch the girls battle for top honours in the highly entertaining reality TV series. The debut episode, which premiered on Friday, November 13, on CVM TV, was drama filled from the start.

Eight finalists, including Montego Bay native Tadesha Snow, were selected. After the fashion challenge, where the girls were charged to create runway-ready pieces from raw fabric using only pins and staples to secure them, Tadesha announced that she was leaving the competition because she thought other girls were more deserving of her spot.

The final group was selected in Week Two, and all 15 finalists met for the first time in Episode 3, where they were thrown into boot camp with Jamaican Olympian and fitness expert Juliet Cuthbert.

Tears and perseverance would follow as they were pushed to extreme mental and physical limits.

The ladies continued the momentum in Week Four in another spirited adventure - a movement tutorial with choreographers Christina Gonzales and Christopher Byfield, where the finalists received a crash course in modern, dancehall, African and pop techniques.

The subsequent challenge was appropriately themed 'Divas of The Dancehall.' The ladies were charged to apply the techniques they had learned earlier with the choreographers for a dancehall photo shoot. Costuming, dramatic makeup, pigmented wigs, as well as some special 'dancer' guests, added to the intensity of the shoot. Andrena Smith emerged as the challenge winner.

Jody Ann Taylor, Kayedine Kirlew and Andrene Taylor did not make it to the next round of competition.

Episode 5 explored the art of silhouette and saw the girls observing two of Jamaica's top artists - Edna Manley and Kapo at the National Gallery, as they sought inspiration to take on their next challenge: becoming street mannequins.

Cindy Lyons was called out by the judges for poor posture, while theatre actress Carlene Smith did not "embrace the role" and as a consequence, the latter, as well as Kenisha Lewis and Yolande Smith were sent home.

Drama and excitement

The weeks of drama and excitement have come down to the top eight. Michelle Smith, Tadesha Snow, Cindy Lyons, Ayesha Dawes, Andrena Smith, Marsha Robotham, Nadine Nomdarkham and Simone Clayton will do battle and face their biggest test yet. Nothing could have prepared them for the heights they had to conquer to execute the ultimate challenge.

All eight are confident of their chances, but only one can take the title of the Caribbean's first full figure reality TV winner. TV faithfuls will have to wait until the New Year to find out who takes top honours in the hour-long season finale to be aired at 9 p.m. on CVM TV, Friday January 8.