21-year-old Stephen Cupples emerged as the top Irish male model following a search by New York modeling agency Ford Models last yeas and was chosen to represent Ireland in the Supermodel of the World international final held in New York on January 10.

Stephen has been modeling for several months for Belfast agency Style Academy and has appeared in a TV commercial promoting nightlife in Belfast city.

An aspiring photographer, Stephen did not expect his modeling career to begin with just one picture.

“I was studying for an AVCE in media studies at North Down & Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education,” he says.

“One day my photography tutor asked to take a photo of me. She sent it into Style Academy and they offered me work immediately.”

Having completed his studies, Stephen, who is a big fan of surfing, hockey and rally cars, is currently taking a gap year to pursue his modeling career but hopes to get experience behind the camera as well.

17-year-old Carmel Mannion won the top Irish female modeling award in the Supermodel Search and presented Ireland in the New York international final among female participants.