Is it fair for African designers not to go with their own models inEurope when exhibiting their brands but when when western designersare to showcase in Africa they bring their own models? This is one ofthe questions asked by Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) to award winning Ghanaian model Leo Kwao(LK),who also explains how the government in Ghana is keen in workingto empower models.
TR: Leopold Kwao what defines you?
LK: Believing in oneself and perseverance to know that all is
achievable, by this theory definition I move by the slogan. BELIEVE!
TR:You are a Ghanaian model what does it mean being a model in Africa?
LK:Being a model in Africa makes me feel very privileged to be part of
an era where models blend theoretical knowledge with technical and
serve as big time inspiration to most people not only in the fashion
industry.
TR: How has the Government of your own?
LK:The government of Ghana is putting initiatives in place to help
promote made in Ghana patronage of made in Ghana goods.
TR: Being a Brand Ambassador of Bushaiweave and also having worked
with a number of fashion houses such as award winning designer
Abrantie the Gentleman, Figs Fashion. Working with reowned award
winning houses as a model what have you benefited?
LK:As an brand ambassador of one of the top fashion brands in Ghana,
Bushaiweave and working with quite a number fashion houses such as
Abrantie The gentleman, Kustomlooksgh, Niposkin, Visibleproof,
Figsfashion, Kwku.K etc. has given me a lot of experiences and made me
understand that the ability to do something for the community that has
brought about cooperation amongst people to speak a language by
showcasing creativity and expressions in wearable forms.
Passion simply is the key to thrive.
TR: In 2017 you won an award as Male model award can you briefly tell
us more about it?
LK:This award was from the category of the most influential Male model
of the year at the 2017 edition of the Universal Merchant Bank Ghana
Tertiary awards. The UMB Tertiary awards was a scheme that was made to
not only award but encourage the young individuals to continue pushing
their efforts in the industry. Here models presented series of proof
of being models and some community services they have embarked on.
TR: What’s your take that African designers don't usually go with
their models when attending international shows in Europe but when it
comes to Europeans when showcasing their designs in African shows they
usually bring their own models?
LK:Traveling globally to confidently rock and exhibit the flying
colours of Africa in fashion I believe has always been the dream of
every model. There should be encouragement of the government to
support models and designers who are lifting the continent high.
TR: Can you highlight some fashion runways that you have walked in their ramp?
LK:It’s been awesome to look back to realize it been only a year I’ve
rocked on these platforms.
Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival Ghana
Mens fashion week Nigeria
Glitz Africa fashion week
Accra mens fashion week
Accra fashion week
Neskael Corporate Fashion Show ….just to mention a few etc.
TR: Have you ever been approached by an international modelling agency
or regional agencys to join their families if yes which are they and
are you planning to join them?
LK:Though Passion Exhibit Modeling Agency is my mother agency. Yes I
have been approached by a number of Agencies such as Joran Model
Management in Rwanda etc.
TR: Your inspiration in the modelling industry?
LK:My inspiration comes from the lives others present and past have
touched through legacy’s they left in their fields of endeavors. As
human, your ability to lives a selfless and impactful life.
By Tapiwa
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