By Rubaya Tapiwanashe
‘The shoot was not about a man in a couture dress it’s emotion in motion…’
When prominent model Liam Hall took part in the shooting for Sozinio Jordao and Onai Midzi’s collection ,he knew that the pictures will trend in the world of fashion .
Not only because ,he was the main cast in the shoot or because of the creativity of the photographer.
But on the debate on why and can a male model wearing a female dress.
In an interview with Liam Hall he tells us what it means working with the duo and in addition he takes us through the collection, and he tells us about the reaction of the society .
Q:Liam you are both a photogenic and a runway model,to some they are the same.How do you define the two?
A:First for all thank you for your appreciation of my craft.
A number of people think that being a model is just taking pretty pictures and walking at the runway wearing nice clothes but that is far from the reality.
I am an editorial model and a high fashion runway model which are are only 2 aspects of the vast ocean of the different types of modeling careers out there and with the fluidity of the fashion industry new concepts of definitions of fashion also redefine the type of modeling genres that are out there.
Editorial is the abstract artistic side of fashion where the designers full creativity and story can be captured in one shot creating art which allows you to see much more than just the garments.
Runway modeling I like to define it as being a walking hanger or mannequin.
Your job as a model is to let the outfit speak for itself without drawing attention to yourself because where a lot of people get it wrong is that they begin to sell themselves instead of the garment.
Q:Do you believe Zimbabwe’s photogenic models are respected,as everyone is now a model thanks to digital phones?
A:To be honest I don’t think Zimbabwean models are not given enough credit that is due to them simply because people undermine or misunderstand what a model is and what it entails. Most brush it off as something pretty people do on the side for extra money not realising that it’s a career like any other and
I believe it’s the ignorance of what a model is and who is a model that crippled the Zimbabwean modeling industry. We perish due to lack of knowledge and understanding
Q:You recently had a shoot with Sozinio Jordao ad Onai Midzi ,can you tell us from your view what the concept of that album collection was about?
A:Yes recently I was honored and privileged to work with my favorite design duo Sozinio Jordao and Onai Midzi who also happen to be very close friends of mine, they’re family.
The shoot to be honest cannot be defined conventionally as it doesn’t fit in any conventional box if you understand what I am saying.
Most people were shocked to see a male model in a dress Sozinio and Onai had previously shot with Bulawayo based female model when the garment debuted.
However what people fail to grasp that the shoot was not about a man in a couture dress it’s emotion in motion and for the record it’s no longer a dress but a robe. This shoot was a pure work of art open to interpretation and be prepared to see a lot more abstract concepts from Sozinio Onai for they constantly redefine and push the boundaries of fashion and art.
Q:What was the reaction of the public after the pictures went,viral.And where you expecting those results?
A:. To be honest as Zimbabweans we are still very conservative in our opinions and very quick to conclude or are prejudice towards what we fear because we do not understand.
The majority of people’s reactions were pure confusion which is okay and I accept because most people’s concept of a male model is looking dominant and strong and sexy and being the opitemy of manhood.
However once a male model is portrayed as soft or feminine people get confused and begin to scrutinize by looking past the picture and digging into your personal life and scrutinizing your sexuality and losing focus on the art before them.
Which is what I expected but I was not offended or felt I had to explain myself because I know who I am and I am confident in my masculinity to wear a dress and transform it into a robe.
I am not defined by people and labels I am who I am and my craft does not necessarily speak for my personal life.
Though there are few that got it instantly and are now hungry for more which they’ll be seeing soon.
Q:With International and Regional response has that affected your career?
A:Over the years especially the past 2 years my career has been evolving along with me.
I have had to really find myself and channel who I am into my work.
It hasn’t been easy for the most part it’s been brutal because not everybody is going to be happy with what you do because change is scary for all of us but I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and started doing shoots that I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing in the past such as this one.
I have recently learned that fortune favours the bold and it’s proved to be true with my career as the moment I decided to take a risk It’s like I instantly got on their radar.
‘I believe it’s the ignorance of what a model is and who is a model that crippled the Zimbabwean modeling industry. We perish due to lack of knowledge and understanding…’
QWhat did you like mostly about the shoot?
A:This shoot was one of the best shoots I’ve ever done.
Not only did I love working with my best friends but having the freedom to be as crazy and adventurous as I can was amazing. The photographer Arika Mani is an editorial genius he’s very low key but the creative brilliance in him is limitless.
They way he can take the simplest and rawest background and concept and turn it into art is mind blowing. It was amazing because with this shoot I was working with my creative family and because of that as much as we play hard but we all work hard together and the synergy was too magical.
From getting my makeup done by my phenomenal sister
Miss Amanda professionally known as Opulent Allure ZW the energy of working with like minded creatives just let everything fall into place perfectly.
Pic:Arika Mani
Designer: Sozinio Jordao and Onai Midzi
Interviewer:Rubaya Tapiwanashe