Nyasha Matonhodze

[rubydon]

she has the most flawless skin ever.

 

[papillote]

she has a little interview in teen vogue april 2011
she's cute <3

Four Up-And-Coming Fashion Models To Watch
Supergirls! Meet four new models who are poised to go the distance.
Photographed by Sebastian Kim

Nyasha Matonhodze

age: 16

hometown: Northampton, England

big break: "I won the U.K. Elite Model Look 2009 contest. They had to call my name twice, because I didn't believe it! It was so surreal."

runway ritual:: "There's a lot of pressure when doing a show, so before I walk out there, I always pray and remind myself that I've been put in that moment for a reason. When I did Louis Vuitton last year, I was so excited that everything was a blur!"

self-esteem tip:: "Whenever I didn't get a job, I used to think, What's wrong with me? But I've learned that it's not because I'm not good enough; they're just going for a different look. Remembering that modeling is a business helps me keep confident."

teenvogue.com

 

[Fey Sommers]

Meet the New Girl: Nyasha Matonhodze Is a Good Christian Girl, Just Like Her Grandmother Taught Her


Zimbabwean newcomer Nyasha Matonhodze sauntered into our offices with confidence, poise, and maturity that belies her 16 years of age. It's her statuesque grace (she's five foot eleven) and sweet-as-pie personality that's made her the new favorite of fashion editor Katie Grand, who kick-started Matonhodze's career during her debut spring 2011 season when she booked the young model for Louis Vuitton, Emanuel Ungaro, and Loewe — all shows that Grand styles. After those key catwalk sightings, Matonhodze shot spreads for Harper's Bazaar, Teen Vogue, and V magazine. Better yet, Matonhodze is now rumored to front the upcoming Louis Vuitton campaign, shot by Steven Meisel and, of course, styled by Grand.

Tell us a little about your childhood.
I was born in Zimbabwe and raised by my grandmother in a very cultural, traditional household. It's much different than the British culture where my mom lived. I moved to England when I was 8, so I do still have memories of Zimbabwe; falling asleep in the sand, bathing outside, the warmth of the sun, and just the way of living. Moving to England, I saw their perspective on Africa and what they think it's like, and it's completely the opposite. I went back to Zimbabwe three years ago and it's so lovely; they're happy with who they are and their traditions. I love going back home.

How did you get discovered?
My discovery wasn't a discovery. At 14, my mum and my stepdad went into Elite Models to see if I could actually model. Since I was 12, I was tall and thin so I would always get the whole "you should be a model," but I never really developed a serious interest about it until America's Next Top Model. Seriously, that’s when it all changed for me. Everything I wanted was pretty much based off that show. I went into this career thinking I could be a model, but I never thought I'd actually become one. Once I signed with Elite, I was entered into the Elite Model Look competition, where I became a finalist. As soon as I turned 16, I walked for Jonathan Saunders.

You've appeared in spreads for Harper's Bazaar and Teen Vogue, what do you make of it? Do you recognize yourself?
I find it difficult to see myself and think that I'm a model. I feel blessed and honored to keep getting that next step in my career. I've met amazing people that keep supporting me and pushing me further and further. It's like a dream, no matter how good I do; it's still so surreal for me.

A little birdie told us you shot for Louis Vuitton with Steven Meisel, can you confirm?
I'm going to surprise you. But I flew into New York for a job with Steven Meisel. Working with Steven is a dream because we all saw how he helped to launch Naomi Campbell's career, and just having your name next to his is incredible. (Me-> ) Especially at age 16, I was so excited that I touched the roof when I got the job. I danced on the table, jumped on my bed, and was screaming from excitement. I must say that Katie Grand has to be one of the best people I've ever worked with, and I hope that I never stop working with her; she's genius.

Who are some of your best model friends?
Ajak. Usually you have to try hard to make friends, but with her, we found a comfort zone and just clicked instantly. She's talkative and bubbly, kind of the opposite of me. I adore her.

Let's play favorites, what's your favorite:
Music: I love soul and gospel music. Music affects people's moods. If you’re going to listen to loud, angry music, you might want to go punch somebody. I like to feel more grounded, earthy.
Books: The Bible because not only does it tell people how good they are, but what we can do for others.
Film: Sister Act II It's such a classic!
Artist: I love photography. I really liked working with Jason Kibbler and Daniel Jackson.
Foods: African foods like sada, especially if my aunts make it. But I also love seafood, and Chinese food with all their intricate spices.

Tell us a secret.
I'm goofy. Models are often thought to be these glamorous creatures, but I don't think I'm so glamorous with me sitting on my bum eating Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough ice cream at home.

What's the last thing you bought?
Well, I didn't really buy this, but I got an awesome trade from Malandrino: a navy jumpsuit, a V-top, and a little cute leather jacket.

What's your most favorite and least favorite feature about yourself?
My least favorite feature are my ears; they're so small! For positive, though, a lot of people tell me I have a lot of compassion for others. I care a lot about people and when I help others, God blesses me with other things. What I hate is seeing a person who doesn't appreciate themselves. Of course I have my insecurities; we all do, so I try my best to make people confident in who they are.

What scares you?
Oh my gosh, spiders. I have a little brother who's 12, and every time I see one I make him come over with his sneakers to squash them. He actually used to pick them in his palm and set them outside, and I would always tell him to just squash them. Spiders are just so creepy.

Describe your style.
Plain, but bold. I love prints: leopard or any animal print. If I'm wearing black, I want a little bit of pop to my outfit.

Life motto?
Morally, I think one should be nice to everyone. There's no reason for anyone to feel like they're on top of the world.

I'm sitting here talking to you and I can't believe you're only 16-years-old, as you seem incredibly mature for your age. Are you really 16?
[Laughs] Thank you. I think most of my wisdom comes from my dad and my mum. My dad always taught me the Christian way of life. And for my mother, she was a single mother at 18 who moved to London without knowing anyone. She's always worked hard and seeing her overcome so much in life has been an inspiration for me. She's so successful now, and I want to be like her.

Tell us something about modeling most people don't know.
If you're not strong-minded, modeling can knock your confidence quite harshly. Every day you're judged on your look, and more so today you're judged on your personality. With that said, a lot of us are 15 or 16 years old, so some girls could really take the criticism personally. What we have to understand is that there's not something wrong with us per se, we just aren't a right fit with the client.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
I'd have to say the media's perspective on modeling. They always make it seem as if it's an easy task, like models don't have to work hard — I'd like to change that. I want people to see the real side of modeling, and not just the glamorous.

Lastly, any goals in modeling?
Enjoy it.

Can I just say? LUV HUH!

nymag.com

 

[|BellaDonna|]

I'm glad she has the attention of someone that big... and given opportunity Nyasha delivers!

 

[Fiercification]

OMG Fey you made my day .

It probably is those ads, she fits the brief of the missing girl and has been on the LV runway the last two seasons.

I am so excited it's ridic .

 

[Rotex]

such a stunning girl

 

[Fey Sommers]

YESSSS!! She got LV!

PARIS — Louis Vuitton’s forthcoming fall-winter campaign has it all: pretty young women, striking vintage cars, vaguely fetishistic fashions and adorable pooches.

In fact, dozens of canine hopefuls turned out for the casting, with only seven pedigreed pairs making the cut. Their doleful eyes compete for attention with six up-and-coming models with tongue-twisting, Blackberry-thumb-inducing names: Zuzanna Bijoch, Daphne Groeneveld, Gertrud Hegelund, Nyasha Matonhodze, Anaïs Pouliot and Fei Fei Sun.

Accessories also share the spotlight, including high-heeled rubber boots, officer caps, driving gloves and variations on the Lockit handbag, including one crocodile version that can be chained to a diamond-pavéd handcuff.

“Who wouldn’t want to be this gorgeous young woman in the back seat of this beautiful car?” asks Marc Jacobs, Vuitton’s artistic director, highlighting the tongue-in-cheek take on the French brand’s familiar travel theme.

Steven Meisel shot the campaign, with styling by Karl Templer, makeup by Pat McGrath and hair by Guido Palau. It is slated to break in August issues.

wwd.com via flashbang

 

[simplylovely]

^ Awesome news! Cant wait to see the photos!

 

[lanvinray]

Katie Grand really loves Nyasha Can't wait for her LV shots

Emanuel Ungaro A/W 2011



youtube.com/user/SHOWstudio

 

[CharmedPrincess]

She have such a good rythm, recently became a fan and I adore her.

 

[BeautyisDiverse]

Nyasha Matonhodze for LV Fall 2011 Campaign

via telegraph

 

[fer19dog]

love this shot!

 

[cologne_rocks]

Beautiful inside and outside

 

[fantastical]

she is bringing it in that shot for LV

 

[nirvanana]

#131 Naomi is that you?! She looks so much like a young Naomi, love that shot.

 

[Bamhutt]

She's stunning! The best shot from LV so far

Anais at Trump..Nayasha at Marilyn...Gertrudeat IMG...Emily Bakerat DNA ...Kristina S at Women...Hanaa at IMG, Kate King at Ford...Carola at One...mega-wanted girls logging piles of blue chip options right this minute. 5 of this group of 8 is speeding towards the Top 50 with the other 3 flashing "pending". The bookings of the past month truly reflect the fact that clients have been choosing girls who weren't "over-exposed" on the Fall 11 runways. Which makes the anticipation for the Prada (newbies mixed with a Top 50 force) and Balenciaga line-up all the more keen....And then there's the hiss about that certain designer rumored to be ascending to that high throne of luxury labels very soon. Rumors are rife that the deal would entail a menswear line under his own name complete with ultra-luxe production values and a stand-alone store. Well the men's market certainly does need the excitement!

theimagist

 

[lanvinray]

Nyasha nailed it! Best at LV F/W11 Ad so far

 

[Fiercification]

I wish Meisel's team hadn't attacked her with so much airbrushing but I'm so happy that we didn't have to wait too long for a preview of her shots...there better be more to come!

The news from TI (Wayne misspells girl's names quite a lot so don't worry ) is most exciting though, I can't wait to see what eds she'll book...anything that involves Interview, W or even VI or US Vogue would make me very happy.

 

[Northern Star]

Definitely the best shot to come from this campaign so far, although the photoshop does leave something to be desired. Nyasha is so 'on it' here and looks so expensive and alluring.
I'm really expecting big things from girl, I'm sensing a star in the making and nothing better than LV to send her star ascending.

 

[rubydon]

Publication, Teen Vogue June / July 2011; Title, “California Curls”; Photography, Jason Kibbler; Fashion editing, Havana Laffitte; Hair, James Pecis at D+V Management; Makeup, Alice Lane for Jed Root; Set design, Anthony Asaro for 11th St. Workshop; Manicure, Michina Koide at Art Department.

ford models blog