Model Guide

Asides

  • AFRICAN DESIGNERS HISTORY IN THE FIRST DIGITAL LONDON FASHION WEEK

    AFRICAN DESIGNERS HISTORY IN THE FIRST DIGITAL LONDON FASHION WEEK

    By Rubaya Tapiwa.

    As the London Fashion Week A/W 2020 kicked of in a unique and historical way this year on the 12th of June to the 14th of June.
    Everyone who had an opportunity to seat,at the front row of this year’s London Fashion Week’s VVIP seats.
    As the show was held online,the public could view every activity that was happening during the show at their comfortable settings.
    This was due to the COVID 19 pandemic,which has made a number of countries to go under lockdown, restricting movements of people from one area to another .
    And also preventing a large number of people to gather under one roof.
    Resulting to the cancellation and postponements of event, including fashion show events in Africa.
    These Include,Botswana without borders fashion Week and AFI Capetown fashion Show going online,on its last day in March.
    Cancelling the masterclass programmes.
    However to the London Fashion Week it was different story,by trying to stay under the WHO regulations,’social distancing.
    They had to introduce a new system for their event.
    However with a number of prominent fashion shows still pending in the fashion calendar,these include;Nigeria Men’s Fashion Week,Accra Mens Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kigali,Zambia Fashion Week and SA Fashion week.
    Some Fashion critics,have suggested that organisers of fashion events especially,awards ceremonies and exhibition shows should opt into digital showcasing in order to keep in contact with their clients and show followers.
    Also it’s going to keep the economy of the continent in good shape, such critical times,as the continent is still in fight with the invisible virus (COVID 19).
    However some are of the view that not everyone in Africa has the privilege of having access to the internet as it’s tariffs are expensive and in other areas the connection of the internet is poor.
    During the London Fashion Week this year,poetry;film; virtual galleries where the methods used to exhibit collections, instead of models catwalking.
    By fashion designers who then used internet,to connect with the fans of the show.
    They presented their work via,the London Fashion Week social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube from their (designers) studios and homes.
    This year two African designers Tumila brand by Tumiola Ladega and Ahluwalia ,presented their work the launch of the A/W 2020 collection and a virtual reality exhibition book,’Jalebi’.
    Time is yet going to tell if Africa will adapt to the new system.

    Rubaya Tapiwanashe.

  • Modelling in History FOCUS: MONA LISA

    Modelling in History FOCUS: MONA LISA

    By Joseph S Matewa

    Madame Lisa! Of course I’m not referring to your junior school teacher, the one who had braces. I barely even know her, neither do I know if she still has the braces or not. I mean MONA LISA, not just the painting that is an epitome of Da Vinci’s genius, but the flesh and blood Lisa Gerardhini, the beauty behind the painting. The Florentine wife of Francesco del Giocondo, married at fifteen whose portrait -currently displayed in a museum in France, hiding behind a bullet-proof glass – is worth more than most industries today. In the strictest sense of the word, Lisa might not have been a professional model but her portrait, like modern-day photography, sits at the heart of modelling. And considering the ethics of 16th century Italy, she might as well have been a Kardashian! Modelling has always been at the very heart of art. Over time, with the progress of technology, simple paintings of models have evolved into colour enriched complex photographs, and modelling itself has metarmophosised from drawings of art and beauty into motion graphics showing fashion trends and cultures. Modelling now and modelling three centuries ago are very different beasts. Back then, modelling was no profession. Occasionally the rich could afford to spend a few hundreds on a portrait painted by the best artists, unlike now when photography isn’t as expensive thanks to smart phones housing good cameras. Therefore, for Lisa to have had a painting of herself done by such an artist as Leonardo Da Vinci was no mean feat. Surprisingly though, Lisa wasn’t born rich! There isn’t much referencing Lisa to anything. It’s no surprise, since history isn’t as lenient with “nobodies”. She was born in Naples, Italy and grew up there. She was the eldest of seven children , having 3 brothers and 3 sisters, and her mother was the third marriage on her father’s side. They weren’t rich, but you couldn’t label them poor. The Gerardhini name had good history in Italy, they had once been rich, but over time the wealth had deteriorated. Lisa grew up at a farm owned by her family. We are introduced to Francesco del Giocondo, a well off cloth and silk merchant. They married when Lisa was only fifteen, and it is after about one year into their marriage that Francesco asked Leonardo to paint a picture of his third wife, Lisa. There is a lot of history that goes with the picture. The painting’s genesis was in October 1503, and surprisingly wasn’t finished until around 1513. It didn’t get instant attention until well later than sixty years after Lisa died.Since then, it has acquired so much value, currently being priced at $800 million, and is titled as the world’s most valuable painting. You can find it hanging behind a bullet-proof glass at a museum in Louvre, Paris. Here is where I marry the Mona Lisa to Modelling. The painting itself has a lot of significance to the cultures and expectation in 16th century Italy. To begin with, the way the lady is seated, with her right hand over her left, is the way Italian women were expected to act. It is a sign of respect to the husband. The smile that dances on her lips isn’t very broad but calm and composed, showing a well-built cool character. Even the apparel she wears isn’t cheap, but is rich fabric that shows beauty of dress. The painting is everything modern day modelling advocates. It is expression, it is beauty and it is prudence. The depth of the meaning in the picture is shown historically in how many attempts have been made in history to claim the picture back for Italy. Even now, in an era of nude photography and self-expression, the Mona Lisa stands a vixen of photography anda guideline in modelling.

  • Importance of social media in promoting your work- Bushai Weave

    Importance of social media in promoting your work- Bushai Weave

    by Rubaya Tapiwa Award winning fashion Brand,Bushai Weave original from Ghana. Is one of the fashion brands that are not spared from the impact that the Covid 19 pandemic has caused in Business collapse in the African continent. In an interview with the brainchild of the brand. He tells us how his business has been affected by the lockdown which was introduced by his Government to slow down the spread of the virus and he further shares with us some of his plans to boost his business after the lockdown . Above all he tells us the impact of social media during lockdown and after . Q:Last year you launched a collection in Nigeria. What was the collection about and how did the public accepted your work? A:I launched a With sandals that are most worn by royal people in Ghana which is call in a local name ‘ Ohenema’ and as for the audiences they were really impressed with the collections on the runway because they saw that it was original from Ghana and what is not Commonely seen around. Currently I am back in my country,Ghana, planing to have a great shoot to take it globally and unfortunately the Covid 19 pandemic has brought everything on hold. I praying it will soon come to an end so we do the shooting for the eauty of the collection. Q:Where in Nigeria did you launched the collection and why that place? A:I wanted to presented or exhibit our collection to close the year 2019 and I presented it at the runway at African Fashion Week Nigeria 2019 and I named it the HERITAGE due the nature of the collection which speak much about our Ghanaian heritage. Ghananian culture to the public. So that the public can get to know more about our origins. Q:Currently the world is facing a pandemic. How has it affected your work? I also inculcate my weaving on the outfits and more of golden ornaments on then which also speaks royalty in Ghanaian chieftency.This pandemic has really slown down everything. Business is now at hold no orders and already orders are not coming for us making it it a bad situation and I am even confused I don’t even know the way forward now. But I think life is more precious let protect our life and stay home to prevent the spread of the virus. Q:Some state that as a designer you should use social media platforms to connect with the world. Many might wonder how does social media limit your work as a designer? A:Social media is very important in promoting your work as a designer it helps to showcase your work globally initially,I did not take social media seriously until I noticed that I cant do without social media if only I want my work to go globally. It has really impact my work. Q:What are your major plans to recover after the lockdown ? A:Surely I will recover. Life is the most important thing,at the moment I had some orders to deliver and I believe after delivering them to my cusyomers. I will get money to boost the business. Q:Where you expecting to showcase in any fashion show this year? A:I had selected some fashion shows to showcase my 2020 collections and my major platform to showcase this year was Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Kigali. Unfortunately the pandemic has madethe show to be on hold. We praying God will heal the world.

  • The Golden days of ZIM’S Pageant Modeling Sector

    The Golden days of ZIM’S Pageant Modeling Sector

    They say life begins at 40,however however when it comes to Zimbabwe’s modelling pageantry sector life began when the country obtained its independence. Although some critics believe its time for the country’s modeling industry ,to return to its golden days. Despite others debating that the pageantry sector improved last year,as many Zimbabwean models who include,Jemima, Letwin Tiwaringe and Alice Siyakangela among other models . Made the country proud when they represented the country in different international pageants that they took part in .We take a look at some of the best memories of country’s pageantry modeling industry in the last 40 years. In 1981,Zimbabwe’s retired model Shirely Nyanyiwa made history by becoming the first black model to win ,Miss Zimbabwe title. The button stick was passed on to other models,who included Angeline Musasiva,was crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 1994.She later went a step further to become the first Zimbabwean to be in the 4th position at Miss World Pageant competition. In 1999 the year which was prominently described as year of ‘Malaika’. Brita Maselethulini was crowned,Miss The Golden days of ZIM’S Pageant Modeling SectorZimbabwe after two years of her reign she was crowned Miss Malaika. Other Zimbabwean names that became prominent international in the world of pageant are Vanessa Banda,Malaika Mashandu,Bongani Dhlakama,O Muringai.Above all names the late models mentor Kiki Divaris. She was the patron of a number of models who have represented the country,international. Many are still wondering will Zimbabwe go back to its Golden days. By Rubaya Tapiwa

  • Zim Models provide hope to the nation

    Zim Models provide hope to the nation

    By Rubaya Tapiwa

    You are not Alone. Together we will conquer.Praying For our Zimbabwe,” This was the message which was sent to Zimbabwe by 12 male models. Who were joined by their female counterparts. The 12 male models who had came together and provided the message to the world,where from different agencies, modeling categories and also provinces. They had to use internet to come together. As the country was underlockdown. These models included: From Top Left : Lancelot Ndhlovu,former Mister Zimbabwe Byron Mulinga,(award winning model)Tapiwanashe Mutsimba,Takudzwa G Machingura. Kudakwashe Mutaku,Taropafadzwanashe Mudzingwa ,(Mister Zim People’s Choice winner)Tatenda Njanike ,Gabriel Farai Chiduku Martin Teejay Uladi,Aurthur Mugaviri Panashe Micheal Murandu and lastly Mr Zimbabwe Devson T Luzane. The brain child of this creativity,Tatenda Njanike said,they had to come together and send a strong message to the public which had hope via internet due to the lockdown. Highlighting to the nation that they are also in prayers for those who are affected by the pandemic. In addition that its only prayers,that can lead people out of trials. “In light of the global pandemic it’s become unsafe to engage each other as we did before. We are confined to our homes and can’t move much. The only thing right now that can reach where we can’t be physically are our words through internet platforms. ” Our message will remind people that we share common struggles, and common goals despite being apart. We are reminding our online communities that it is our collective prayers that will lead us out of our trials into the promises of God,”he said. When asked how he managed to select models who should appear in this message he said, “I thought of models whose work ethic I admire, models who care about impacting people in a positive way. Connecting with them was a matter of reaching out and it didn’t take us time to act,”he said .

  • MISS IDEAL NIGERIA POSTPONEDS TO SEPTEMBER

    MISS IDEAL NIGERIA POSTPONEDS TO SEPTEMBER

    By Tapiwa Rubaya

    than 6 beautiful Nigerian ladies have had an opportunity of becoming,crowned Miss Ideal Nigeria. Many are wondering who will be the 7th lucky lady to take over the role of becoming Miss Ideal Nigeria 2020 . The main event was suppose to be held in August which is its traditional month. However due to the Covid 19 pandemic which has made,a number of events to be postponed and cancelled . The Miss Ideal Nigeria search Finals is to be conducted in September. The platform is meant to assist young Nigerian ladies to transform their lives into talented and best in future. The Winner of the competition receives funds to start her own charity/ social entrepreneurship project, a year modelling contract, Nollywood contract and a chance to represent Nigeria at the Miss Global Beauty Queen and Miss Tourism Worldwide. Previously the winner is the pageant have had an opportunity to represent their nation at the following pageants:Miss Tourism Worldwide in Singapore (2019) Accra Fashion Week (2019) Miss Tourism Queen in Philippines (2018) Miss Global Beauty Queen in South Korea ( 2017,2016)Miss Brics International In India (2017) Top Model of Colour (2014) Also the Winners have had the opportunity to work with different international organisations and companies who include:Refresh Yogurt Succor Ng Farm Fresh Yogurt MTN 9mobile Darlo Cosmetics

  • Question And Answer: Nomonde Sigawuke

    Question And Answer: Nomonde Sigawuke

    We caught up with Nomonde Sigawuke a model from ZIMBABWE, and we got to ask her some questions about her recent nomination at MISS CAREER AFRICA What is Miss Career Africa all about It is a beauty pageant that will be held in Kigali, Rwanda. It not only looks at the beauty of a girl but her brains too. It focuses of the careers and attributes of young ladies who want to change their societies / countries for the better, promoting and emancipation of education of girls. What’s your Career and what does it mean to be on the top 15 I am working on a clothing line called MöBlack and I want it to grow to become a community project MOBLACK FASHION FROM EKASI because I’m from a high density suburb ,I want to make good quality but affordable clothes, with that “kasi” niche. Other than that I am what you may call a slasher or media personality. I am a model,actress and writer. Currently pursuing a degree in Film and Theatre Arts What does being on the top 15 mean to you It means the world to me. Honestly I did not think I was going to be preselected. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to represent my country in a continental pageant. But also I understand the duty and hard work that is required off of me, and I’m willing to work extremely hard, starting with attaining enough votes to get me to the top ten and on my way to Rwanda. What are you going to do if you win I’m going to make my project MO BLACK FASHION FROM EKASI as big as it possibly could be. That is my dream. I would also document and broadcast that spectacle, so that other young aspiring ladies can see that with hard work you can achieve anything. https://misscareerafrica.org/selectedcandidates Vote Nomonde Sigawuke

    Vote
  • MEET THE OTHERSIDE OF ORISON TADIWANASHE GAPA

    MEET THE OTHERSIDE OF ORISON TADIWANASHE GAPA

    ORISON TADIWANASHE GAPA

    By Rubaya Tapiwa.

    It takes him more than 50-100 hours to finish his work. Orison Tadiwanashe Gapa ,(21) Zimbabwean artist,whom many know him as a model and not an art sketcher.
    He explains to us the importance of art sketching portraits in the arts industry.
    Orison also provides to us details of his adventure.
    During the interview he states some of the big names who he has drawn their portraits.
    Find out who is in the list.

    TR:I believe many people always praise your sketching deeds but they are always curious who is the man behind the work. Can you briefly share some light on who you are?
    OG:My name is Orison Tadiwanashe Gapa. I’m 21 years of age and I am an artist practicing is the field of realism.

    TR:When did you sketching career began?
    OG: What I do is more than just “sketching”. The process of “sketching” my pieces takes just about 2 hours and for me to complete the entire drawing, it’s something that takes me about 50-100 working hours on paper.
    Anyways, I my history of art dates back primary school but I got serious about Realism in 2012 when I got inspiration from my Mentor, Mr Chris Mhuka. He was the person who kept on pushing me to unlock different levels of genius and capture the eye of the people.

    TR:You are both an artist and a model what came first?
    OG:Art came first.
    It has always been part of me since I was a kid. I started modeling last year as an Escort at Miss UZ.
    Then I got serious about working out and I was back again at the Miss Tourism Harare competition.
    Lastly I managed to get shortlisted for the Mr Zimbabwe Pageant but I had to travel before the competition so I didn’t further. I’m still beginning in the modeling industry and I don’t have much to my name that I actually believe it’s too early to call me a model lol. But watch the space

    TR:Back to your art sketching career,you have drawn portraits for a number of people. Who are some of them ?
    OG:I have done quite a number of portraits. Some names which you might recognize include :President Mnangangwa and the First Lady.
    Prophet Alph Lukau, Karen Mutasa, Jason Zhuwao, MC Natty, President Donal Trump just to mention a few

    TR:Among the world leaders whose portrait would you like to work on and why?
    OG:I believe I would interested in drawing all female leaders starting with the Queen of England.
    Well I think it’s because from my experience with portraits I have done in the past, women are more appreciative of portraits than men.
    And also, I have never seen a portrait of a female leader. (I’m not saying I’ll be the first, I just haven’t come across one before).

    TR:What’s your description of your country’s art sketching industry?
    OG: Because of school I was not able to find time to make a portfolio to exhibit at any previous event.
    However all that changed when I really had to dedicate myself to balance the two and I’m eyeing to have my works at the next Art Festival to be held at Wild Geese later this year. Dates will be announced soon

    TR:what advise do you have for upcoming artists who are in the sketching industry?
    OG:My advice to all aspiring artist and I think pretty much every one else is that Hardwork is the only way out and it pays well eventually.
    All artists should keep pushing their craft and try and reach out to as many people as possible. They should try and build a social media presence to attract people all over the world. And lastly, practice makes perfect