Bermuda will soon be saying ‘bonjour’ to millions of television viewers in French-speaking countries around the world.

Shots of the Island have been used as the backdrop for an international advertisement by the Paris-based multimedia company, Trace.

Face of Trace, produced by Bermudian Amir X, is a search for a new “ambassadress” for the brand.

It features Nigerian model and television show host Aminat Ayinde.

The infomercial is expected to air later this year to audiences throughout France, Africa and several French islands. Luxury cabanas at Elbow Beach, the pools and gardens at Newstead Belmont Hills and the red carpet at the Bermuda Fashion Festival are all on show.

“Using various parts of our Island as the backdrop will encourage people to ask, ‘Where was this shoot filmed?’ which will then drive people to the Tourism Authority’s website, hopefully,” Amir X said.

“It will also allow Aminat to promote the Island when people ask the question, drawing more attention to clients who may be interested in doing international shoots here.”

Ms Ayinde was runner-up in the television series America’s Next Top Model in 2009. She came here on holiday in 2013 and returned this year for the Bermuda Fashion Festival.

“I immediately fell in love with the vibrant natural beauty,” she said. “The people are beautiful, the land is beautiful and the lifestyle is beautiful as well. While here for the Fashion Festival I was filled with so much joy and excitement as it was a first for me and I’ve wanted to come back to Bermuda and work since my first visit in 2013.

“I believe this will be the beginning of many filming and productions done in Bermuda. With such beauty all over the Island, why not depict it to the rest of the world?

“I think the people of Bermuda would be happy with how we used the different locations on the Island in the teaser for Face of Trace.”

The teaser is being fine-tuned before its television debut in the next few weeks.

“I’m thrilled and excited about what’s to come,” Ms Ayinde said.

“To use the beautiful, scenic backdrop that is Bermuda for this teaser that will air internationally is mind-blowing.

“It was a bit hectic shooting a two-week production in less than four days, but we made it happen.

“Amir X was an absolute dream to work with and I’m very much happy and excited about the final product.”

Until she tried out for America’s Next Top Model, fashion was not on her radar. She was taking biology and African American classes at William Paterson University; her plan was to become a physical therapist. She decided to take classes at New York Film Academy and try her hand as a television presenter after the show.

“That experience helped propel me confidently into presenting and being a celebrity personality,” she said. “I’m so thankful I decided to take the risk with both ANTM and NYFA. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for those two opportunities.

“Now every day is exciting. Every day brings something new, and as a creative spirit I can’t have a nine-to-five job. It’s not for me and the fashion and television industries allow me the flexibility and the creativity to be perfectly me. There are no set rules. That’s my favourite part of it all.”