London fashion week, Life as a model, motivation and advice…

What a fantastic start to the year it has been so far for my career as a model and fashion blogger.

From being casted in Bethany William AW18 collection and appearing in Vogue runway at London Fashion Week mens in January, to walking for designers at off schedule London Fashion week Fashions Finest.

This time last year, I had only dreamt of doing what I do now and what a difference a year makes. I am proof that if you want anything bad enough and put in the work and believe it, you can achieve it.

One secret is I that I was randomly casted for these shows, call it luck or a blessing, all I can say is that nothing is a coincidence .

I get questions all the time about how to be a model, how to get casted for shows, how to approach an agency, what does it take to be a model. The honest truth is that not everyone has a ‘fashion model look” you could be more suited for editorial, fitness or commercial, thing is just like seasons and trends change, so does it with agencies and what they look for, so my advice – Do not give up when an agency tells you no. Believe me, I have been turned down so many times on my journey to becoming a signed model and I learnt to develop a tough skin and not take rejections personal.

 

Anyway, this post isn’t about how to be a model, so please leave a comment in the comments section if yo want me to answer any specific questions or dedicate a post to this topic.

 

YEAGOB

A spanish fashion brand, inspired by minimal and conceptual art. Characterised by open cut silhouette , lace details and belted straps. Adorned with the best accessory fit for any man, a crown. It took me a while to get the crown to sit on my head how I liked it, but after a few adjustments in front of the mirror, I felt like the crown was made just for me. A great feeling I must say.  The designer was so friendly and a little nervous pre-show, it was great to see him so relaxed after the show. Check out the YEAGOB online store here

 

 

 

 

Alpaka Samka

Handwoven sustainable luxury, a brand that does not follow fashion trends but creates mostly ‘one of a kind unique pieces’. I was wowed by how soft and luxurious the fabric felt during my fittings.  The rich colour shades of red, green and blue in this collection makes the collection one that would be perfect for summer and winter. I and the other models enjoyed playing with the scarfs and  even enjoyed an impromptu photo shoot session as soon as we came off the runway. Check out Alpaka Samka online store here

 

Omid Taherkhani Design

My Favourite design from the collection, simply due to the creativity, technicality and craftsmanship behind this young graduate designer. Skill full merging of real leather with man-made tech fabrics to create shapes that allows the body to take a certain form. This is not a ready to wear collection – very futuristic in design, however it would be interesting to see the basic elements of this collection translated into a ready to wear collection.

I and other models were so excited putting these on, the energy was great because it was a packed show. The designer Omid, was so down to earth, relaxed and was a man who knew exactly what he wanted in how he wanted his clothes to be displayed. Hands on with the styling and was a good laugh overall.

check out the rest of the collection here

 

Backstage, Hair and Make up

Nothing beats sitting back and having your hair and make up done by experts who loved what they did. The room was saturated by the smell of products, it was hard to breathe at times. This guy right here Elias @fadenation was determined to make my hair look the best and boy did he do it justice.

Inexperienced stylists have no idea what to do with my hair – Black afro hair, in general. For this reason I feel it would be great if the fashion industry was a lot more diverse when it comes to Hair and Make-up. Finding the right shade of foundation for example shouldn’t be a massive task, I find that in the industry, some less experienced artists either paint me black or make me look ashy white.

Good thing I know a bit about what foundation shades work for my skin, so I am able to have an opinion when I am sat behind on that make up chair.

 

I want to say that I appreciate all the opportunities I am having and it just goes to show how far a bit of hardwork and determination takes you. If you want to read or hear more modelling industry content, please let me know and I would be sure to film or write some content to target your questions.

 

Special thanks to @Gaylengozee who continues to support and inspire me on this journey. Love ya Beauts

 

Image credits @fashionsfinest