Sweden, 13, is Polo Ralph Lauren model
A Bermudian teenager said that being selected to star in a Polo Ralph Lauren campaign was “a relief — and exciting”.
Sweden Bashir, 13, said that he had been nervous in the lead-up to landing the prestigious modelling job.
He explained that while he had done some modelling work prior to the Polo job “this was the biggest one”.
However, he added: “I would encourage other people to do things like this.”
The Dellwood Middle School student was selected for the Polo Ralph Lauren cruise campaign that launched this month. The campaign was shot over four days in Bermuda last August.
Sweden was featured in Polo’s first Instagram post for its Resort Collection this month, where he was pictured sitting on deck on board a sailboat.
He said that he had been put forward for the shoot by his uncle, professional photographer Nhuri Bashir.
Sweden said the experience had been “very fun”.
He added: “I got to go on boats and I got to meet new models from America.”
Sweden, who was the youngest model on the shoot, said that his older co-workers had made him feel comfortable.
He added: “It was enjoyable. They were nice.”
The Pembroke resident said that, in addition, to the new people he had met, he had enjoyed the chance to wear “wonderful clothes”.
Sweden added that he had recommended the Fairmont Southampton, Dockyard and Bermuda’s beaches to the other models who had asked him about his favourite island spots.
Fajr Bashir, Sweden’s mother, said that she was very proud.
She added: “For me, its been wonderful to see my son experience something that a lot of young people in Bermuda don’t get to experience at all, having an opportunity like that with such a prestigious international brand.”
Ms Bashir said her son had loved the experience — which included some star treatment.
She explained: “A barbershop opened up early so that he could get his hair cut.
“That was pretty cool.”
Ms Bashir said that the feedback about Sweden’s performance had been positive.
She added: “They said that he did really well, and that he has natural talent, and that he was a real pleasure to work with.
“I believe in him so much, because I know that he has such a wonderful personality.”
She added: “It helps that he also has good looks to match.”
Locations for the fashion shoot included the 26-acre Coral Beach & Tennis Club in Paget, and the Great Sound on board local sailboat, Island Raider, owned by Captain Gerald Smith.
It came about after the Bermuda Tourism Authority encouraged Polo to shoot on the island.
The BTA signed a multiyear partnership with the US Tennis Association last year, and became exclusive tourism partner of the US Open through 2021.
Polo Ralph Lauren is the US Open’s official outfitter and since 2005 has designed uniforms worn by all on-court tournament staff.
Victoria Isley, the chief sales and marketing officer of Polo’s Bermuda campaign, said: “We’re thrilled Polo Ralph Lauren chose Bermuda as the setting for this major annual campaign.”
Coral Beach & Tennis Club’s tennis pavilion, private beach, suites, gardens and beach-terrace restaurant were featured in the campaign’s video and still shots.
General manager Nik Bhola said: “Coral Beach & Tennis Club is thrilled to showcase our unique venue with an iconic brand that exemplifies the same timeless elegance our members have sought in their experiences at this destination.”
The first phase went live January 21 and a follow-up is scheduled for February 4.
It combines content via the brand’s website, social-media channels, e-mail marketing campaigns, direct mail catalogues and online magazine, RL Mag.