Meet Sanique Dill: Jamaica’s next global fashion star in the making

Jet-setting celebrities in town for the hot-ticket Spring/Summer 2025 designer shows are of the paparazzi-magnet variety. Academy Award-winning thespians Lupita Nyong'o and Nicole Kidman, and chart-topping music stars Normani and Katy Perry are criss-crossing the fashion capital to take their seats, front-row of course, for a preview of next season's chicest ready-to-wear collections.

Sanique Dill is backstage at the Palais D'Iena, a 1930s-built edifice with an iconic rotunda designed by renowned late French architect Auguste Perret. The SAINT International rookie is here for her first-ever high-stakes runway show, which she learnt only two weeks before booking, directly from Jamaica by the man who discovered her: SAINT's head honcho Dewight Peters.

The designer and luxury fashion house Dill is about to glide down the runway for is consequential. It's celebrated Italian designer Miuccia Prada's high-end subsidiary clothing and accessories brand Miu Miu.  And, the 18-year-old former St Andrew Technical High School student is ready to work. uz

"Preparation for my Miu Miu debut was exhilarating," she recalled on a phone-in from London. "The night before the show, at almost midnight, Mr. Peters, along with some other models like Kai and Jessica, helped me practice my walk. We were all buzzing with excitement for the big day. When I finally hit the runway, the experience was incredible. Surprisingly, I wasn't as nervous as I had anticipated. The energy of the crowd, the lights, and the music all came together to create an unforgettable moment that felt both surreal and empowering."

The Jamaican model's Parisian launch was made even sweeter as she was also able to rub shoulders with the designer behind the scenes.  "Yes, I had the honour of meeting Mrs Prada backstage. It was a moment of immense pride. I was well aware of her status as a major designer before booking the show, thanks to Mr Peters. He always encouraged us to research designers and their work, and he often sent us videos of past fashion shows. Meeting her in person was an inspiring experience, and it made me even more grateful for the opportunity to walk in her show."

Of her three-week stay in The City of Lights, she fondly remembered: "one of the things I loved most about Paris was its stunning architecture; every street had a unique charm, and the buildings were nothing short of fabulous. However, living abroad in a new country came with its own challenges. The language barrier was a significant hurdle, and I missed my family and friends back home. To cope, I often used Google Translate to communicate, and whenever I felt lonely, I would call my dad or close friends for some comforting conversations". 

Asked who she most admires, the SAINT breakout star, pictured with construction worker father Ervin Dill, said he's her indisputable choice.

Scouted by SAINT at her Spanish Town Road-located alma mater in March last year during one of the model agency's islandwide school searches, Dill cops to feeling that moment in time was destiny being fulfilled.

"Since I was young, I was told by people that I had the height and the face for modelling. Those compliments planted the seed of curiosity and motivation in me to explore this path further. The allure of the fashion world, the creative expression, and the chance to travel and meet new people always fascinated me. The idea of walking down the runway, being part of grand fashion shows, and representing brands was thrilling."

Model development came soon thereafter for the Waltham Park Road resident. There were SAINT's weekly training sessions, circa summer 2023, alongside her then model aspirant peers. "The  experience was nothing short of amazing. I learned a lot about modelling. The training helped me gain confidence, improve my runway walk, and enhance my posing skills. Most importantly, it made me more social and taught me the importance of networking in this industry, which has been incredibly beneficial for my career growth," she revealed.

Beginning each of her waking days with an adopted mantra, ""be you, believe and trust" top of mind, Dill, who points to business and history as her favourite subjects during her recently concluded high school years, explained: "this guiding principle reminds me to stay authentic and true to myself."

"I embrace my unique qualities and strengths. There's no need to try to be someone else because I believe God made everyone for a reason. I trust in my abilities and having faith in my journey keeps me motivated and focused on my goals."

Two months into her international career, the fast-rising SAINT, who is one of five siblings between her parents, can already tick off glossy editorial on her to-do list. Dill is co-starring in a just-out, black-and-white fashion story titled, 'Cut The Cameras' in the latest issue of DAZED magazine's Winter 2025 edition.

The SAINT International model is in front of the lens for a just-out DAZED magazine editorial titled, 'Cut The Cameras', for its Winter 2005 edition photographed by Simon Chaudoir and styled by Imru Asha.

"The DAZED editorial shoot took place in London a few weeks ago. Working with photographer Simon Chaudoir and stylist Imru Asha was exceptional. They were both very kind and professional, and the entire team on set was welcoming. It was my first major shoot, and although I was a bit nervous initially, their support and guidance helped me feel at ease and confident, resulting in a fantastic photoshoot," Dill shared with LOOP.

Further to this, she was lensed for her first-ever e-commerce shoot just days ago in London for a client she is mum about.  "Everyone on set was super welcoming. The pictures aren't out yet, but I’m excited for their release to see how they turn out," Dill said of the new experience.

Presently on work duty in Europe, before calling it a wrap on our convo, Dill clued us in to her holiday plans: "This Christmas, I will most likely be away from Jamaica. Although I no longer celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, I still cherish the season as a time to connect with family and loved ones"

Speaking of family, she cherry-picked her construction labourer father Ervin when asked who she most admires. He chaperoned her to every SAINT training session and fashion event.

"My father has been my rock throughout my life, always doing so much for me and caring for me with unwavering dedication. Being a single dad, he made sure I had everything I wanted, and his hard work and love have always motivated me. I deeply appreciate all his efforts, and I am determined to create a better life for myself so I can help him out."