After being spotted by talent scout Tracy Richardson, Derek Kaplan went on to win the Top Male Model of the Year Award from the Model Management Agency, and then quickly featured in every major runway show in the country. Local campaigns followed and Derek became the face of Zimbabwe high end fashion chain, Truworths Man, shortly after securing the Ray Ban campaign for southern Africa. Zimbabwe Supermodel was his next step.
With Derek and Jonathan both becoming nationally recognised faces, the friendly rivalry between them, peaked on the night of the Supermodel competiton, where for the 'evening wear' set, Derek reportedly left his shirt ‘untucked’ at the back, a fashion faux paux infuriating acclaimed designer, Sonny Mackolisky and raisinig eyebrows with the judging panel, with who Derek was rumoured to be a hot favourite. Any chances Derek had of winning the competition were certainly lost in a matter of seconds.
Zimbabwe Sun orgainser, Allan Riddell, joked that Derek Kaplan was still Zimbawe’s ‘first ever, white male, Supermodel', perhaps to help lessen his blow of losing to Jonathan Denga over his silly fashion faux paux.
Derek and Jonathan both went on to receive modelling contracts from G3 Model Agency of South Africa, but Derek turned his down for a brief stint modelling for Calvin Klein, and securing a year long billboard campaign for London’s famous vintage store, Liberty's. The 8 foot billboard caused a stir with the press for the rather sweaty, raunchy builder look. The gay press showed a special interest and chose to feature Derek's campaign in the article. Derek reportedly gave up modelling soon after.
