Imagine getting the job of your dreams and then getting to enjoy the experience with a best friend. Seems too good to be true, right? Well not for Tami Williams and Kai Newman. Meet the two Jamaican teenagers that are causing a stir at New York Fashion Week.
It seems Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner have some seriously hot competition in the form of Tami Williams, 17, and Kai Newman, 18, two gorgeous childhood friends who have well and truly caught the attention of the fashion industry after walking the catwalks for Calvin Klein and Valentino. They’ve even had appearances in Vogue together.
Being a model can be a lonely and competitive business, which is what makes Tami and Kai so unique, the best pals, who were spotted by the same talent scout – Saint International’s Dewight Peters in their native Jamaica– get to experience all the highs and lows of the industry together.
Tami Williams and Kai Newman
The pair are both currently in the middle of New York Fashion Week, running through fittings, and hitting the catwalks. “Last season was wonderful, and this season is off to a good start,” Tami told Vogue.com. “I love every part of the process. Normally I would say: ‘I wish I could do this or that,’ but now everything has started to happen, and it is nice to share that with a friend.”
Kai as the face for Maybelline
“We go to the same castings, we work on our reports from school together and hang out all the time,” added Kai. “When you work with someone you know so well, you feel a greater connection to the project.”
Tami Williams in the latest Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign
Tami and Kai have helped bring more diversity to the fashion week, which is often criticised for not using as many black models. Kai said: “We’re trying to push and make our presence felt for Jamaican models and for other black models as well.”
Tami, who is the current face of Calvin Klein, and Kai, who is the face Maybelline are starting to get the attention they deserve in the industry. They’ve already got Cara’s approval with the British model posing with the Jamaican models on Instagram. This is most definitely not the last we will be hearing of Tami and Kai, and we can’t wait to see more…
Kai Newman and Cara Delevingne new model BFFs
