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Tobagonian model Chanique Marcelin is preparing for Jamaica International Fashion Week later in November after winning the Top Model 2026 award at the Miss Teen Universe competition in Cambodia. In an interview with TTT News, Marcelin described the competition as an experience that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to continue pursuing modelling. Her next appearance will give her another opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago following her success in Cambodia. Representing her country was a significant part of the pageant experience. Marcelin said her national costume featured the steelpan, national birds and the national flower, prompting questions about Trinidad and Tobago and the meaning behind the design. Although she did not win the national costume award, she said the outfit helped her share where she came from with people she met. That cultural exchange extended to a visit to Invictus International School. Marcelin told TTT that she donated her costume to the school and spoke to students about Trinidad and Tobago. She described the children as warm, welcoming and attentive during the visit. She also welcomed the opportunity to experience Cambodian culture. In discussing the trip, she recalled the hospitality of the people she encountered and the differences she noticed between Cambodian food and the flavours she knew at home. Getting to the competition presented an early challenge. Marcelin said passport issues caused her to arrive a day or two late. She nevertheless continued with the pageant, describing her determination to participate and make an impact despite the setback. She linked that determination to her wish to inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their own paths. Marcelin entered modelling at 15 after being scouted by Coco Velvet modelling agency. She subsequently competed in pageants, developing her interest in fashion alongside her enthusiasm for modelling. With Jamaica International Fashion Week ahead, she said her new title offered another opportunity to express her identity and culture through work she is passionate about.
Tobagonian model Chanique Marcelin is preparing for Jamaica International Fashion Week later in November after winning the Top Model 2026 award at the Miss Teen Universe competition in Cambodia.
In an interview with TTT News, Marcelin described the competition as an experience that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to continue pursuing modelling. Her next appearance will give her another opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago following her success in Cambodia.
Representing her country was a significant part of the pageant experience. Marcelin said her national costume featured the steelpan, national birds and the national flower, prompting questions about Trinidad and Tobago and the meaning behind the design. Although she did not win the national costume award, she said the outfit helped her share where she came from with people she met.
That cultural exchange extended to a visit to Invictus International School. Marcelin told TTT that she donated her costume to the school and spoke to students about Trinidad and Tobago. She described the children as warm, welcoming and attentive during the visit.
She also welcomed the opportunity to experience Cambodian culture. In discussing the trip, she recalled the hospitality of the people she encountered and the differences she noticed between Cambodian food and the flavours she knew at home.
Getting to the competition presented an early challenge. Marcelin said passport issues caused her to arrive a day or two late. She nevertheless continued with the pageant, describing her determination to participate and make an impact despite the setback. She linked that determination to her wish to inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their own paths.
Marcelin entered modelling at 15 after being scouted by Coco Velvet modelling agency. She subsequently competed in pageants, developing her interest in fashion alongside her enthusiasm for modelling.
With Jamaica International Fashion Week ahead, she said her new title offered another opportunity to express her identity and culture through work she is passionate about.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
