From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

SABRINA BARNETT

Model and singer-songwriter

April 20 2005

Wearing a summery, white-cotton top, Converse sneakers and an assortment of chunky silver bracelets, Sabrina Barnett plops her leopard-print, Christian Dior bag on a table at Carpaccio in Bal Harbor to grab a bowl of lentil soup and provide a glimpse into her world. "Hope you haven't been waiting too long," Barnett apologizes. "There was a fire in my apartment building last night."

As Barnett removes her black Gucci sunglasses, it's easy to see why this Ford model was chosen to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, the Victoria's Secret catalog and Elle magazine. "Modeling has really been a steppingstone for me," she says. "It has given me incredible insight into human nature, but I am really excited to be expressing myself through music now."

Barnett, who often performs barefoot, just released her debut album, Come as You Are, in which the singer-songwriter's soulful voice delivers lyrics about life, love and moving on over solid, rock 'n' roll hooks. "This album is so significant to me because music is my source of expression," she says. "I had a bad breakup, and writing songs has been my therapy. Through our deepest pain comes our greatest growth."

Born in Haiti, Barnett is of Haitian, Cuban and Italian descent and was raised by her Sicilian mother and grandmother. She has lived in five countries and speaks five languages. "I grew up in Miami and California, and my mother worked three jobs," she says. "My mother and grandmother taught me girl power at a young age."

Currently planning a tour of the United States, Barnett doesn't have much free time. Yet she always finds time to write songs. "I often drive with my knee and write lyrics on drugstore receipts in my car," she says. "It's beautiful to make lyrics intense and true. And people appreciate authenticity." For more information on Barnett's modeling and music careers, visit www.sabrinabarnett.com.

-- Joanie Cox