Model Guide

Asides

  • EXCLUSIVE MOMENTS WITH MISTER TEEN ZIM

    EXCLUSIVE MOMENTS WITH MISTER TEEN ZIM

    Last month was a new beginning ,for Zibusiso Ngwenya as his life entered into a new chapter.
    As he was coronated as Mister Teen Zimbabwe and to be awarded,People’s Choice Award during Mister Teen Zimbabwe.
    In an interview with Model guide mag,Zibusiso Ngwenya reveals to us some of his plans in assisting his community.

    TR:Zibusiso Ngwenya congratulations on your coronation . what does it mean winning the pageant and the award,People’s choice?
    ZN: Thank you.
    Being the very first Mr Teen Zimbabwe is an honour and a privilege. It means I can now stand up for the boy child, represent him and speak about his needs and how he can be helped.
    I’m grateful to everyone who voted for me to be People’s Choice and it has showed me that I have the People’s support.

    TR:What gave you the passion in becoming part of the pageant?
    ZN: I decided to register for the pageant after a friend of mine sent me the registration notice.
    I took the decision to register because, I knew how joining this pageant would help me learn more about the modelling industry, expose me to new things and help me grow as an upcoming model.

    TR:As a young model what other pageants are you hoping to take part in,when it comes to the future?
    ZN: As a young model I look forward to participating in the Mr Zimbabwe pageant in a few years to come and also to participate in the Mr I Am Africa pageant as well as the international Mister Global pageant.

    TR:You walked away with $1500,any plans with that amount?
    ZN: I plan on using some of the money to purchase things I can donate to a charity and also to tithe some of my prize money. The remainder I will spend on myself.

    TR:A little bird alerted us that,you will be conducting a charity outreach soon,can you tell us more about it ?
    ZN: My fellow Mr Teen Zimbabwe finalists and I plan on visiting a Children’s home soon and donating a few food stuffs and clothes.

    TR:What was your greatest moment in the pageant?
    ZN: My greatest moment in the pageant was coronation night. I was overwhelmed with joy and I was grateful to have been chosen as King and Mr People’s Choice.

    TR:What do you think are the main factors that made the judges to select you as the winner?
    ZN: ) I think they chose me as the winner because of my determination and hard work throughout the course of the pageant.

    TR:Any advice to other young models from your city and the country?……
    ZN:My advice to the boy child,is to always believe in yourself and that you can achieve whatever you set your heart and mind to.
    People will always talk but choose who you listen to, concentrate on those that speak growth and success into your life.

    By Rubaya Tapiwa

  • MISTER ZIMBABWE HOSTS A FITNESS &HEALTH PROGRAMME

    MISTER ZIMBABWE HOSTS A FITNESS &HEALTH PROGRAMME

    Join Mister Zimbabwe 2020 ,Devson Luzane as he embarks in a journey of fitness and training. 
    Devson Luzane will be hosting a fitness and health programme which is set to premiered on the 13th of August.
    Which is  being broadcasted on,ZBC TV (Zimbabwe Broadcasting Television) and is  aired  from 07:00 to 07:15. 
    The programme is titled Fitactive Movement. 
    Devson Luzane informed model guide, that the programme is set aside to empower the nation,health wise. 
    He also added that,the programme is inspired by Mr D Popatlal who saw it fit that the fitness programme can be broadcasted on the main television national broadcast. 
    “Mr .D.Popatlal who originally came up with the idea and energy to get it to zbc,and also my passion for always needing to stay fit and active,”said Devson  
    The reigning Mister Zimbabwe said he hopes not only Zimbabweans to benefit from this programme but the whole,World too.
    Mister Luzane’s CV can prove that he is a qualified trainer .
    He was crowned Mr Novice,Men’s fitness and Fitness Model ,while during Mister Zimbabwe Body Building  he was on the 5th and 6th position.
    Besides all these achievements,Mister Zimbabwe has conducted online fitness and health programmes on his social media account. Devson has been conducting a number of charity works  across the country. 
    And is expected next year,to represent Zimbabwe at Mister Africa International .

    By Rubaya Tapiwa

  • TEEN MODELS VISIT THE ELDERLY .

    TEEN MODELS VISIT THE ELDERLY .

    The reigning Mister Teen Zimbabwe,Zibusiso Ngwenya was joined by his Mister Teen counterparts,Taonashe Gwirai,Mthokozisi Magaisa,Shingai Murisei as they took a tour visit to the Entembeni Old People’s home in Bulawayo at Luveve . 
    The Mister Teen models had taken some of their prize amount,that they won during Mister Teen Zimbabwe in the pageant and bought some food for the first citizens of the country.
    The models were accompanied by the 1st runner up of Mister Zimbabwe,Ishmael who is also the patron of Mister Teen Zimbabwe.
    In an interview with Model guide,Ishmael stated out that they suggested to visit the Entembeni home,because it is situated outside the outskirts of the town and not many people do visit the the home due to its geological location .
    A number of models across the country have been visiting the Entembeni Old People’s home,such include the current Mister Zimbabwe, Devson Luzane.
    He further added that the teen models are expected to engage in,other community projects that are meant to build and assist their communities.
    While Zibusiso Ngwenya had informed model guide mag,about the mission to visit the old people’s home and in working in other projects.
    “My fellow Mr Teen Zimbabwe finalists and I are planning on visiting a Children’s home soon and donating a few food stuffs and clothes,”said Ngwenya.
    As for the Mister Teen Zimbabwe,event it took place in the monthend of July.

    By Rubaya Tapiwa

  • Nomagugu Antoinette Ncube

    Nomagugu Antoinette Ncube

    My name is Nomagugu Antoinette Ncube . I am 18 years old , was born at Umguza township .I completed my form four at Sizane high in 2018 and currently doing my upper 6 at Mzi-likazi high studying mathematics, business studies and economics . l am from Bulawayo. I am a young talented girl with a bag full of confidence , determination and ambition , a young kind hearted , humble teenager that enjoys meeting new people and socialising. I am a proud ambassador of One voice organi-sation our mission is to empower our youths to use their talents to earn a living and also as finalist in Miss Teen Intellect Zimbabwe 2020 l am working on a project titled using Talents to earn a living .My goal in life is to help peo-ple improve their living standards , empower them to be better people in life and to excel in everything that they do. My aspiration in life is to become one of the best female economists and become a top model and go for bigger brands.One thing l have learnt about life is that life is a journey , Its a long road which is rough and bumpy but with a yet finer destination. Noth-ing comes easy “panda till it hurts”.Everyone was born with a dream focus on achieving your dreams , we fail because we try and we learn from our mistakes

  • TEENAGE MODEL EYES MISS CURVY AFRICA 2020

    TEENAGE MODEL EYES MISS CURVY AFRICA 2020

    By Chido

    It is a common sentiment that models should generally be slim and tall resulting in many shunning their dreams to ever become models.
    However, the introduction of Miss Curvy Zimbabwe brought about a new wave of plus size models and a new understanding of the modelling industry.
    Ruvarashe Claire Kagwere, 19 years of age is one of the finest plus-size models currently running for Miss Curvy Africa 2020.
    Ruva feels confident in her own skin drawing much inspiration from Miss Curvy Zimbabwe 2018-2019 Miss Cleo Mandirahwe and radio and TV personality MIS RED who openly advocates for plus size women.
    In an interview with this publication, Ruva raised concerns over body shaming, harassment and nick names plus size models receive in their line of work.
    Such negativity almost took a toll on her as she was about to quit modelling and pursue other interests.
    However, she survived the storm through grooming lessons, support from family and friends and by taking the negativity as a stepping stone to greater things.
    The online pageant voting for Miss Curvy Africa will begin to run on the first of September to the end of November.
    Ruva hopes for the best as she aims to compete on a regional stage with other African ladies.

  • Fashion Guru speaks out

    Fashion Guru speaks out

    My name is Blessing Tatenda Munjeri aka Fashion Guru.

    I am a guy who was born and raised in Harare Zimbabwe.i stay in Harare Southerton.im a fun loving guy who loves meeting new people,making friends and everything that has to do with fashion.on my free time i like watching tv i watch a lot of horror movies and love music aswell.for fun i like going out and get to dance cause i love dancing

    In a Fashion Designer who is into African Mens Wear.the name of my Brand is Afro Phoenix.when i was growing up i wanted to be everything Pilot,Singer,Model i always said to myself i want to be on Tv and in Magazines but not for a day did i ever think i will be a Fashion Designer.

    I started in 2017 but just worked on Designs and sell the Clothes by Order.when i saw that people love my Mens wear thats when i was like let me make a name out of my Mens wear and create a Brand so i made it official in 2020 and came up with the name Afro Phoenix which means bringing Back Culture to African People through Clothes since im a man who truly belives in his Culture

    People are now used to Western Culture,they want to dress like Americans and Act like Americans so i said to myself i want to make something African with a western touch aswell so that when people wear Afro Phoenix they still feel African but feek western at the same time.for once i want to focus on men cause mostly Fashion is about ladies so this time i want it to be all about the guys.Afro Phoenix is for every men around the world Ministes,Models,Pastors,Singers,Doctors,Fathers and Sons.im not here for Compatation but im here work with anyone and everyone who would love to work me me.so far i have work with Kelvin Mandie aka Apple Papi and soon in goin to be working with Tatenda Njalika Mr Zim Peoples Choice and cant wait to work with one of my American Celebrity Friend his name is Septimius the Great Singer/Actor.

    In the next 10years i see Afro Phoenix on Billboards and doing runways in Paris and Milan.for everyone who has a dream follow it as long as its something that is coming from deep down your heart and nomatter what people say.Afro Phoenix is my Blood,sweat and tears i worked day and night to make a name out of it.i am Afro Phoenix and Afro Phoenix is here to stay.to everyone i want to say work hard dont give up you will reach where you want to get only the Sky is the Limit.i just want to thank my Team,Leeward Saina and all the Afro Phoenix fans

    To get in touch with me follow my Afro Phoenix page on instagram its @munjeriblessing for thoze who want to whatsapp me dm me on +263777925229.

  • DURBAN FASHION FAIR DESIGNERS INVADED THE VDJ 2020

    DURBAN FASHION FAIR DESIGNERS INVADED THE VDJ 2020

    Rubaya Tapiwanashe

    The Vodacom Durban July racecourse is viewed as Africa’s biggest,most followed race course and attended event in the continent .
    With most of the audiences are ashionistas from different continents across the globe,as they will be showcasing their garments which are designed by extraordinary designers.
    However for this year,the event was different compared to other 123 events,counting also the year when the event was postponed.
    This year,spectators of both the racecourse and the fashion event.
    Were not allowed in the auditorium of the event,due to the COVID 19 Pandemic,restrictions.
    However designers where given an opportunity to showcase some of their garments,as per tradition .
    Under the theme Butterfly In My Tummy’.
    Durban Fashion Fair Designers who included Zama Gumede,Wilson Mukeya,Duke Mngadi,Njabulo Mlambo.
    They turned the event into being colourful through their garments.
    The event which was held last week,was not held during its traditional day which is the first Friday of the month of July.

    By Rubaya Tapiwanashe

  • FRONT ROW FOR ALL AT THE DIGITAL SAMENSWEAR WEEK SS21

    FRONT ROW FOR ALL AT THE DIGITAL SAMENSWEAR WEEK SS21

    Rubaya Tapiwa

    From the 29th to the 31st of this month of July,the SA Men’s Wear Week in collaboration with the Capetown Fashion Council. Brought 15 SA Designers,to exhibit their work via live stream show,during this year’s SAMW S/S 21.
    Ellen Maide,Thobey Cooper,Neo Serati displayed their designs on the first day.
    While Mara Mara,XM Creations,Throwaway Twenty ,Maze Collection were among brands that exhibited their designs on the second day.
    Closing the curtains on the third day,were Imprint,Iconic Black Jacques,Lagrance,Lucky Luke and Quiteria and other designers.
    All events begin from 7pm CAT until 7:50 pm.
    The fashion designers made history debuted their spring/Summer 2021 collections during the first ever SAMW Week .
    Which is also the continent’s first ever Digital African Fashion show,as the continent is battling the Covid 19 virus.
    The show had no presences of the audiences in the auditorium,however they were able to view the creation designs made through the SAMW’s website.
    In addition audiences were able to use the website as a way of communicating to each other.
    They would also get an opportunity to hear, the first hand explanation of the collection from the designers who gave the insight of what their collections where about.
    For purchasing the designs,the SAMW teamed up with the Capetown Fashion Council to allow their audience to buy clothes straight off the catwalk from an online store called CTFC Marketplace.
    Designer Nao Serati,didn’t miss his style in challenging traditional ideas of masculinity through his designs.
    While Quiteria kekana,continued to prove to the world that he might have chosen a solo adventure but his creativity can bring flames to the ramp.
    ‘Dressed up with no where to go’,was the theme of Rosey and Vittorio who painted the ramp with their popping prints and wild colours.

    Rubaya Tapiwanashe

  • EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TANZANIAN DESIGNER WHO DRESSES CELEBRITIES

    EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TANZANIAN DESIGNER WHO DRESSES CELEBRITIES

    Started as a model, ventured into acting and other spheres of the art industry.
    However finally,Ramadhan Yusuph aka Romy Jay got an opportunity to launch his own fashion brand.
    Which has dressed a number of artists including, Tanzania’a award winning artists.
    In an interview with model guide,we travel with Ramadhan to his journey as he explains how it started .

    TR:Can you tell us about yourself?
    RY:My name is Ramadhan Yusuph shagile nickname (ROMY JAY).
    I am a fashion model and a designer of traditional clothing from Tanzania (costume designer)
    …I was born on January 25, 1996 at Pasiansi Hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania … I’m the second child in a family of four children.

    TR:How did you embark into modelling and designing?
    RY:Fashion is something I loved from a young age is something that has lived in my dreams for a long time, my art journey I started as a camera man, I became an actor, I moved to singing as well but my biggest dream was to do fashion .
    One day a friend of mine got a chance to take the form to join a modeling agency and he had to call me and I went with him until casting we were successfully selected and joined the ‘onmystylish’ modeling agency on 16th 12th 2016 for the first time my dreams came true and I started my new modeling journey with I paid for the form for $ 13 .
    So I started designing clothes after doing the modeling I focused on since I started modeling I was interested in having my own so it got to the point where I saw now is the right time to start creating natural clothing..
    And I started designing three years ago in collaboration with someone but this year I officially decided to become independent and create my own brand which I named “THE AFRICAN BRAND” and started with my first collection which I named “African Beauty” which is a traditional African dress with carvings. African carvings. and I have been asked to dress great artists from Tanzania like Diamond, Harmonize, Zuchu, and Qwisa.

    TR:Why do you specialise on native dress and collection?
    RY:I do all the clothes as a stylist … except by profession I am a designer and I do tradition for many reasons but it also gives me a chance to use my creative art to think of something more different. Than to use white tradition .

    TR:You from Tanzania and your country has been doing well in the sector.
    What are some of the factors that have led to the positivity of the Tanzania male modelling industry?
    RY:Dreams and passions

    TR:who inspires you…
    RY:So far no one has inspired me in terms of clothing design because I have had this dream since I was in school and I have a bigger dream that makes my predecessors see that they have not yet reached the part where I will use them as an example,hence what makes me do better in the creativity is my dream and the passion I have and to go further

    TR: Favourite style icon?
    RY:Diamond Platnumz

    TR:Among African brands which ones are you hoping to work with …
    RY:MTN

    TR:You have worked as a commercial model in your career .what do you love about your work?
    RY: I like what I do because it makes me look better and also gives me a chance to show what I have so it makes me work harder also meet different people

    TR:Where do you see your future ….
    RY: To go further and spread African culture in various countries and Europe

    By Rubaya Tapiwa

  • LIAM HALL. STEPS OUT OF THE WORLD.

    LIAM HALL. STEPS OUT OF THE WORLD.

    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