Q: One word that describes the way you see the world.
Chaotic (overwhelmingly so)
Q: What does modelling allow you to do (or become) that ordinary life does not?
Modelling allows me to escape into my own world. You could say I have my very own “
Alice in Wonderland” experience, where I get to play dress up and the shy, timid Neo fades away.
Q: You entered the Elle and Woolworths ‘New Faces’ competition last year and made front cover with the winner, Alexandra Robertshaw and the other two semi-finalists this year on Elle Magazine’s 15 Birthday issue (April, 2011). Run us through this experience from the moment you filled in the entry form to the day of the photo-shoot.
Ah! The
September 2010 issue. When I bought the magazine it was at a time when I had mixed feelings about modelling, and (was) not really sure if I should continue pursuing it. So when I saw the competition, my first thought to myself was,
“if this doesn’t materialize in any shape or form I’m putting this dream to bed.” After sending through my application, I decided not have any expectations (just so I could keep my sanity). After a couple of weeks I got a call from
Elle telling me I had made the top 12 finalists. I was actually confused for a good minute during that phone call ’cause I had forgotten that I had entered. As part of the top 12 finalists, I had the opportunity to go to Cape Town, and have a photo shoot for the January 2011 issue. During the photo shoot we were judged according to our ability to hold a conversation with the team on set and how well we did interviews. I suppose our social skills wee being “tested”. Soon after that, the finalists were cut down from 12 to 8. Initially, the cover was only for the winner, but the Universe had other plans and was I fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to feature on the cover of the April issue with the winner and two other girls. The whole experience was humbling….it is the most humbling experience when someone believes in you and sees the potential that no-one else sees.
When being interviewed, I had said that I was always skeptical of the modelling industry, and for a very long time my fear of being “victimised” kept me from going out there and making my dream a reality. Through this experience I have learnt to let go of my fears and go out in the world and claim my place – whether it’s in the modelling industry or in the corporate industry – and not be limited by my fears.
Q: My idol is
[...has to be...] Naomi Campbell (I know some people are thinking how cliche!)
because [...but...] I think she is a force to be reckoned with in fashion, and she is one of the few models that can claim the title of being a super model.
Q: What challenges have you faced whilst pursuing your modelling career?
My biggest challenge in modelling has been dealing with rejection. I’m more vulnerable than most people think, so I tend to take rejection personally. But, I’m slowly learning to have a thicker skin and move past rejection. I don’t think I can go far if I’m always feeling sorry for myself.
Q: What part of your body do you consider ‘bankable’ and why?
I think my legs are bankable…
“legs for days”.
Q: When you look into the camera (or away from it) on set, what runs through your mind - if anything at all?
The first thing I always tell myself on set is, “
go with the flow and DON’T think too much about what you’re doing.”
Q: I believe in…
turning your dreams into a reality (although it isn’t easy, but it can be done!).
Q: What have you learned about the modelling/fashion world over the past three months?
WOW!!!!! I’ve learnt a lot. but the most valuable lessons have been the personal lessons…I’ve learnt that confidence in yourself is key and if you don’t have it fake it ’til you do have it.
Q: What are your other interests besides modelling?
Politics has to be my other interest, it’s interesting to see how power drives people, and how it can also corrupt the very same people who claim to represent the interests of the general masses.
Q: Who is your favourite South African designer and why?
There’s quite a few, but my personal favourite has to be David Tlale. I love how his thinking isn’t as conventional as most designers and he translates that very well in his creations.
Q: Your first question to Anna Wintour would be…
“What drives you?”
Q: What makes a good model in your opinion?
Hmmm, that’s difficult to say. There’s no one set feature that defines a good model in my own opinion.
Q: What item do you never leave at home wherever you go – besides a cellphone?
I never leave without my lip-gloss and eye liner.
Q: The human
experience is filled with doubts and fears…
Q: One word to aspiring models
Believe.
Q: What’s the first section you go to when reading a magazine?
Fashion section **hides**
Q: I know
I am loved.
Q: The perfect picnic basket would have which four snacks/foods?
Strawberry juice
; slices of pineapple and watermelon; milk tart (my absolute favourite), and
chilli biltong.
Q: In a perfect world
we’d all let go of our fears and not worry about what other people
think of us.
