The first Antiguan to grace the runway in a Brooklyn Fashion Week as well as the Couture Fashion Week in New York, Wadadli girl Athina James is blazing her name on the runway and in print as she now adds the cover of Profiles 98 to her growing portfolio.

The third issue of this new style, entertainment and culture magazine, based in the Bahamas, Athina flew to Nassau to shoot the special bridal issue of the magazine. Poised in a La Rose Couture gown, simple, elegant and hugging Athina’s lithe body for the the makings of a perfect African Empress.

Just like her discovery in 2006 by local Antiguan designer Calvin Southwell, Athina has since then graced many local runways, and even went on to represent Antigua and Barbuda in the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant. And in 2008 when international photographer Donn Thompson did a photo shoot for Calvin S on the island, it wouldn’t be long before both designer and photographer carted the young island beauty off to the US to pursue a career in modelling.

So it was that a few months ago the owner of Profiles 98 would also make a similar discovery. The newly launched Bahamian magazine, which features arts, entertainment, fashion, style and culture chanced upon Athina’s facebook profile, skimmed through the model’s photos, and as Athina puts it, “before long I was on a plane to the Bahamas.”

Shooting in Nassau and Cat island, Athina had a blast, as she not only took in the sites of the island but was at home with photographer Donn Thompson, sharing laughs with him and fellow Antiguan Weyni Goodwin, who had modelled for Profiles 98 in a previous issue. Both young women created their own high school reunion, having attended the Antigua Girls’ High School years before.

Previously modelling accessories for jewellery designer Anna Maria Horsford, she was once again chosen to model the designer’s accessories in the spread of Profiles 98.

Impressed by not only her beauty but her professionalism and general decorum, the magazine has plans of working with Athina again in upcoming issues.

Having just returned from New Jersey where she modelled in campaigns for Councilman Donald M. Payne (who won his elections by the way), she’s still  glowing about her Bahamian bridal shoot.

“Of course!” she exclaims when asked if she hopes to be married one day. In fact, this Wadadli beauty already has a pretty good idea of the dream wedding she wants. “I want to be married at the Plaza ... and there’s going to be lots and lots of flowers .. bouquets everywhere.

“And girl ... my dress is going to be the bomb!!!!! White with green in it .. I love green ... so my bridesmaids will wear shades of green ... and the groomsmen will probably wear black suits with green ties.”

Taking a breath, she does clarify, that while the intricate details of her wedding will be the talk of the town, only the small gathering of close friends and family will be doing the talking.

Catching the down to earth model off guard a bit, I push, so ... is there anyone special in your life right now?

The blushing through the phone is more than obvious as she quietly admits, in a girlish hush, “Well ... there is someone (here in NY) that I really, really, really like.”

Offering no further details, noting that she’s always been a private person when it comes to her personal life, Athina is however keeping her fingers crossed that she’ll make it home for Carnival.

“I want jump up bad!” she exclaims, having played with Dynamics in 2008, and testifying that the experience of playing mas’ is indeed an addictive one. So no doubt about it, should she make it home, she’ll join the Dynamics team once again.

For the meantime, between booking jobs and making plans for upcoming events throughout the year, the one event she’s most excited about it seeing her mom in a few weeks. Coming from a close-knit family, and wholly and soully and mama’s girl, this Island beauty remains grounded to her roots, and no folks, she’s not yanking!

Loving Antigua and promoting her island wherever she is, Athina continues to flash her bright smile, make her lean, proud strut, and assert her growing presence in the modelling industry.

Kudos to you chica!