AFTV MAGZINE CHAT WITH IVORIAN MODEL ROLAND CEDRIC ABOUT MODELING AND HIS FUTURE PLANS AS A MODEL.

 Exclusive Interview with Ivorian model 


Cote d'Ivoire popularly known as Ivory Coast is one of the most richest countries when it comes to the modelling industry in Africa.
With its location being in the West part of Africa its been difficult for ,Ivory Coast model's talent to be noticed by international modelling agencies and fashion show organises as they have to compete with big names from countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Roland Cedric(RC) who are Ivory Coast model caught up with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) a journalist and reveled what policies can be made by the Cote d'Ivoire government to help Ivorian models to be in the international level of the industry.

TR:Can you introduce yourself to the readers?
RC:I 'm Roland Cédric from Côte d'Ivoire and i live in Abidjan. I study civil engineering. I'm also a model and i'm 1. 96 m

TR:Briefly how did you break into the industry?
RC:I will say that it's by being hardworking and through the advices of people around me that i made a success in modelling.

TR:Is modelling industry in Ivory Coast tough and why?
RC: It's not really difficult but there are some criteria to fulfil such as having the appropriate outline and working hard. The only problem is about recovery because the incomes are not sizeable when considering the efforts made.

TR:With Ivory Coast modelling industry what polices do you think should be implied to improve the industry ?
RC: According to me, the participants of ivorian fashion should try to imitate other African and western countries by adding something new according to our culture.

TR:What are your main objectives as a model?
RC: As a model, my principal goal is to show my talent around the world and be the pride of my country and particularly Africa.

TR:Ivory Coast is situated near countries such as Ghana and Nigeria who are well known for having well established modelling industry.How is the competition between the countries stated above with your country's industry?
RC: Ghana and Nigeria su

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GHANAIAN TOP MODEL LEO KWO.

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

EXCLUSIVE:AWARD WINING ZIMBABWEAN DESIGNER ABIOT CHAT ALL THINGS FASHION WITH TAPIWANASHE.

Tapiwanashe Jor: Well known as the Nandi Fashion nowNandi founded by award winning  Zimbabwean designer Abiot(NI)father oftwo children.Last year he managed to travel across the African continent showcasinghis collections which has inspired a number of upcoming designers tolove their African culture.  Journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caughtup with Abiot and finds out what his 2018 Plans are.....

TR:When it comes in working  with the African prints in your designs
you are one of the best in Zimbabwe to bring incredible  collections
has the African designs became an impact in your brand?
NI:Felt like I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that and
give my fellow african something they call theirs or say ours

TR:Take us to the establishment of your brand?
NI: It's a very long walk full of ups and down  but through hard
working determination and help from family i have managed to be here
now.

TR:What type of designs does Nandi Fashion does?
NI: Nandi fashions now called Nandi  do specialise in African and bridal.

TR:2017 was a great year for you as your brand ,you were  recognised
during the Fashion Design Expo in Bulawayo as the Best Designer and
during Zimbabwe Models Awards also .Can you state for us the
collection that you showcased and its inspiration
NI: During Fashion design Expo I show cased A Black and African
mixture of shirts and kimonos both long and short with hoods and
didn't have hoods
I was inspired by the fabrics i used on that collection both print and
plain are african made

_I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that_Abiot

TR: During the fashion design Expo this year are you going to showcase
your designs?
NI: Ohh yes cant wait.

TR:The ZMA honoured you with an award also and you have been working
with several models as a brand who are some models whom you have been
working with?
NI: have worked with lot of models and feel honoured for that
I have work with :Rumbi C Cutness,Elisha,Sheunesu ,Tanny
Malcolm,Trevor and a lot more i have a team of models called 'Nandi'.
In 2017 i have all so managed to design and dress the movie actors of
Maroro.

_I have a good relationship with the models I have worked with so far_ Abiot

TR:Besides the models you have worked with, are there any  others you
would like to work with ?
NI: There are many I would like to work with.

TR:Speaking about models can you describe the relationship that you
have with Zimbabwe models and what challenges that you face in
selecting models to represent your brand?
NI: I can say I have a good relationship with the models I have worked
with so far and the challenges are when you are given new models to
work with and teaching them how you want things done your way.

TR:Abiot,The Nandi Designs have been showcasing their designs across
the region in 2017,in countries such as Malawi and Zambia who are rich
in terms of African materials.In your 2018 collections are you
planning to import any fabrics from Zambia and Malawi to use them for
your collection?
NI: Yes that is a big yes.

_Challenges are when you are given new models to work with and
teaching them how you want things done your way._Abiot

TR:There are lessons that you learnt from your journey in those
countries are we going to see u applying them in your work.
NI:I learnt a lot there and I am planning to apply it in my 2018 work.

TR:When should we expect your 2018 collection
NI:By the month of August.

ZIMBABWE MODEL JOINS AMMFI WORLDWIDE MODELS AGENCY.

20 year old Zimbabwean model  prominently known in the modellingscenes as Ray Motsi (RM) joins a new family AMMFI agency.In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR),Ray tells us what AMMFIshould expect from him. He further tells us about his nomination inZimbabwe Models Awards.

TR:Who is Ray Motsi?
RM:Well in a nutshell Raymond is this 20 year old Model who Grew up in
Chadcombe Harare Zimbabwe, learnt at Churchill High school , eldest
son in family of Four and hopefully i’ll be studying law at any
college i finally decide to enroll at. I can basically be described in
one word , “perfectionist”, mediocre has never been my Forte, i never
leave something until its perfect , so to a certain extent its been my
biggest strength in modelling, i always strive to be better all the
time, never satisfied because its a gate way to complacency , so i
feed off criticism and use it air brush any imperfections.

TR:Tell us about how you emerged in the modelling scenes?
RM: So there was a concert at school, i came up dress in formal , so a
friend just commented “you should consider taking up modelling”, so
two months later after my i finished my exams, i hired a photographer
started working on my portfolio and it wasnt long after that i started
working with designers such as Shona , jan jam and recently truworths.

TR:Which modelling agency are you working with and why?
RM: Currently i’m working with two agencies , 106 models and AMMFI
international . At 106 , i just basically liked how Nigel (the
Manager) is driven , and shares the same vision that I do , so I was
fascinated by this and signed up with him a few months after i
met.Recently I was approached by a scout for the AMMFI , basically he
said i fit all the criteria they consider when looking for models ,
its an exclusive agency and i saw it as my big break, for the exposure
i so needed .

TR:What type of a model are you?
RM: Mostly into Commercial print modelling .I have been  always a fan
of photography , but I wanted to be the subject , so it got me
thinking that this could really be an area where i could really
flourish,  its fun , and there's no limit to the creativity i can
bring in when following a concept. I also do runway but commercial is
my biggest strength and i enjoy it more.

TR:State some designers you have previously worked with ?
RM: . I havent had much time in the modelling scene but i have the
privilege of working with designers such as Chennaneni , Janjam ,
Shona and Most Recently Truworths Men.

TR:Highlight your inspiration ...
RM: My inspiration has to be Tyson Beckford.

TR:What do you love about the modelling industry in your country ?
RM: What i love about the modelling industry in Zimbabwe, is that it’s
still growing , and it just offers room for new talent to come up and
flourish given you have the drive , determination and uniqueness.

TR:Do you believe that modelling industry in Africa has improved
compared to the previous years?
RM: I wouldnt know what modelling was like back in the day , but i
would like to believe that like any functional sect , modelling in
Africa has improved if not on par with whats termed “international
standard” , we have a lot of raw talent and i believe the expression
of our ethnicity in modelling makes African modelling one of the best
visual expressions out there.

TR:This year you have been nominated in Zim Models Awards what do the
awards mean to you and your brand
RM: Well the awards do mean a lot to me , its not about the shiny
accolades but it represents recognition, for all the hard work and
dedication i put in , thats what feels really good , to know i’ve made
my mark and its approved.

TR:How many awards are you hoping to win and why?
RM: (laughing), well i hope to win as many awards as i can , mainly
three categories , most improved model , most photogenic model and
best upcoming model.

TR:Recently you joined the AMMFI what are you planning to bring to the family?
RM: Yeah i recently joined the AMMFI , and i just intend on doing so
much good basically so that AMMFI becomes synonymous with the word
modelling, it should be first agency that people mention with regards
to modelling.

TR:What led you to join the AMMFI family?
RM: . I joined the agency because i believe its the platform i needed
to step on for that much needed exposure i sought after, and i believe
that they can mould me into the best version of myself possible.

TR:What are your future plans?
RM: Well i just intend on working with as many reputable designers as
possible, improving myself generally to a point where i’m someone
else’s role model, i wanna give hope to the zim modelling industry, to
show if i could chase my dream and make it reality , so can some other
kid who started off like me.

Instagram Sir_Raymond_jr , please follow and check out my blog
Facebook Rayrae junior Motsi
Twitter Rayrae junior 3rd

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

No one had any idea that Shadel Noble was going to be one dayrecognised as an international model when he began his adventure inthe modelling industry.

Shadel Noble has been working hard since he ventured in the industry
this has made him to be nominated in local,national and regional
awards.
"My hard work is starting to pay off and people are starting to notice
me and also its through God's grace",said Shadel .
Mr Noble is prominently known as Mr Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
The young gentleman said he was happy to be one of the nominees in
Zimbabwe's Zim Models Awards which are to be held on the 16th of
December.
"My nomination means more and better portfolio and my brand will have
more clients.
"I am also looking forward to go up  against familiar names and
faces,"said Shadel Noble.
He further said she was hoping to at least break the record of the
awards and win 8 awards.
When he was asked why 8 of tgem ,Mr Noble said his profile says it all.
"I am glad you asked that question (laughing). I am hoping to win:Most
handsome,Most photogenic, Best Fashion Male;
Best Fashion Model;Model Of the Year;Most Talented Model;Outstanding
Charity Work and People Choice award,"he stated.
Mr Noble didn't rule out that there are some models who also deserve
to be awarded as they did well in the industry this year he provided
some of their names who are:Fisher;Wade;Tatenda;Ashely Morgan (Zim
Miss Toursim);Miya.
Currently Mr Noble is expected to grace a fashion event in Botswana this month.

FB:Shadel Noble

The Iconic Bomber jacket Trend

The 'Iconic Bomber Iconic Jacket ' is trending in the streets of Southern Africa.Thanks to the 'House of Hohwa' founder

Kuda Matiza (KM).Multi talented designer Kuda Matiza (KM) is interviewed by freelance  journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR).

During the interview Kuda Matiza highlights the journey that led the 'Iconic Bomber Jacket' to be part of the trend in the fashion sector.

TR:Who is Kuda Matiza?
KM:I am a designer,Creative Director,musician,filmmaker and entrepreneur to summarise it all I am an artist prenuer.Born and raised in Zimbabwe now based in SA.I am fortunate to have found my meaning as an artist and had the opportunity to study music and I am also a film graduate.
I ventured into fashion from the aspect of creation, construction -Design and the love for clothing.The interest came into the aspect of speaking many stories that Africa has put being able to fit them into constructive garments I have worked with.
Influential people in different industries including film,television and music.

TR:What keeps you going in your journey in being a designer?
KM:I am driven by the need to tell stories through design.The need to put across a message.At House of Hohwa we believe in doing things out of the box or beyond the fence as some would say.I am inspired by the richness of the diversity and culture that make up the African continent people are amazing and if I can get everyone's story in a piece of garment then we defiantly have something there.

TR:Take us to the background of 'House of Hohwa'?
KM:House of Hohwa is a personal journey that I made a public because the name 'Hohwa' initially involved everything around me as a artist.
4 years ago I sat down and decided that the brand would be named after the neighbourhood I grew up in Craneborne nicknamed 'Hohwa',but everyone and the connotation is diversity of mushrooms themselves as they come in different sizes,shapes,colour etc.

TR:What makes the designs of House of Hohwa to be unique,comparing to other fashion houses?
KM:Like I said before we think and do beyond the fence.We come up with something new and never been done before.
For example the ' Iconic Bomber Jacket' are our creation.We also try as much as we can to create brand interaction with our followers by giving them something tangible other than the garments.In a fast paced market like today it is important to always stay in contact with your market you will never know what we will do next but when you do you will be blown away.

TR:Your iconic Print Bombers are trending in the world of Fashion.What inspired you to design them?

KM:The iconic Print Bomber like I love to call it is the epitome of street ethnic ethnic,another concept we launched at our official runway launch in 2015.The bomber is a cool item that adds to trends and a look.Its seriously cool I think and that was my thought before I designed it We wanted something different so I got in and made it and it just 'mushroomed'.(laughing).

TR:What do you think has made the iconic bomber jacket to trend?
KM:The print Bomber was the first on the market I'd like to think as a new concept we owned it and gave birth to the idea.It didn't need a lot of work so we just made sure we let people wear it the way they wanted to and it trended I guess.

TR:One might ask who is entitled to wear the iconic bomber jacket?
KM:The print Iconic bomber jacket is unisex item.Anyone can wear it,its a very iconic item which means you will be wearing it in the next few years too.
You will pair it up with a nice pair of jeans,some cool sneakers and just a plain coloured tee.
For the street wear lovers its a chance to just get on fleek!

TR:Where can one buy a the  print bomber?
KM:If you want to get the Bomber for you or someone else (As a great gift) you can go to our social platforms or visit our studio in Braamfontein Jhb.We also deliver anywhere in the world.

TR:Which fashion shows has the iconic bomber jacket been showcased in and how has the out come been?
KM:The print bomber jacket was on our own runway,when we launched the 'Winds of Change' collection earlier  this year.The plan is to launch it globally in future fashion events.
People love these and some are willing to sell a kidney for it (laughing).At the launch of WOC17 we had a couple of them bought straight from runway.The response is amazing.

TR:state some celebrities who have woren the print bomber jacket?
KM:We have a few people who are celebs or influential in their own spheres that one or a couple,these are Dereck Badze an entrepreneur,Hastings Nyirenda a great musician and well known Drummer.
Rapper A-reece also owns one.The  famous Great
Moscow Circus also owns a couple for their performances.

TR:After the print bomber jacket,what's next to trend from
Kuda Matiza?
KM:The print bomber is part of the Winds Of Change Collection17 and we are pushing the rest of it this whole year.There are some really out of the box sophisticated designs featured on this collection.On what will trend?I really can't say but something will defiantly.

Ins&twitt:@houseofhohwa ;FB:House of hohwa
FB:Kuda Matiza official  email:houseofhohwa@gmail.com

David Alford Release His Autumn/Winter 17 Look Book&Campaign.

David Alford is one of the biggest fashion brands in Zimbabwe's fashion industry owned by David Alford (DV).
In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR),David Alford  shares some of his experience that he has faced since he ventured in the fashion industry,he also talks about his brand's autumn/winter 2017 look book campaign.

_I had a very strong and explosive entry onto the Zimbabwe Fashion circuit, something which was created I think by peoples intrigue into the house. I was_

TR:Define your self
DA: I make clothes with a passion for drama and emotion. 

TR:When did you  started to have a vision of becoming a fashion designer?
DA:I discovered Fashion at the age of 15, where I quickly fell in love with the avante garde/ theatrical side to Fashion. That idea of being able to make an audience go through emotions as if they were sitting in a theatre rather than a Fashion Show. Having always had an interest in music, theatre and then clothing, it seemed to be the right avenue to take to be able to combine all three in creating my own world. 

TR:What challenges that you faced when you started in the industry?
DA: A key challenge for me to begin was to break the initial ideas associated with Fashion in Zimbabwe, I found many people never took it as a serious industry/ profession, something I personally feel has changed for myself over the last two years. 

TR:Is there someone in the fashion industry you look up to? And why that person?
DA: There are several people I look up to in the Fashion Industry however I find it hard to aspire to any individual as everyones journey in this industry is so varied. My greatest influencers would have to be designers such as Galliano, Van Herpen & Mcqueen, as they have a fearless approach to their work and stay true to Fashion being an art form, something I feel very strongly about. 

TR:How has travelling influenced your work in the fashion industry?
DA: I think the biggest thing I have experienced by travelling internationally is a certainty of what we produce as a house is of good standards, but instead of relaxing into this confidence it has actually driven me to become more pedantic over every detail of our work. It is very easy to allow standards to slip and travelling has definitely reenergised me and made me a lot more confident and daring. 

TR:What is your personal relationship with Harare's fashion industry?
DA: I had a very strong and explosive entry onto the Zimbabwe Fashion circuit, something which was created I think by peoples intrigue into the house. I was certainly welcomed with open arms and Fashion in Zimbabwe will always be in my heart, sadly this year I feel we have slightly left it behind because of outside commitments but hopefully this will be put right towards the end of this year, with some exciting projects coming up. 

TR: You recently released your autumn/winter 2017 look book and campaign tell us more about it?
DA. The Autumn/Winter 17 Look Book & Campaign kind of brings the collection and the first half of 2017 to a close. The Campaign which was photographed by Mike Wall, is a billboard for the brand for the next few months, a mood setter for what clients can see in the Alford showroom etc. As the collection was inspired by the demise of the Great Barrier Reef, I wanted to create a simple yet dramatic mood for the Campaign, so we Pixelised the images to emphasis that feel of decay and destruction. 

TR:Where can your fans buy your collections?
DA: Our collections are sold exclusively through our showroom & Studio, however this collection is slightly different as all the fabric is produced individually for each garment so we are working on a pre order custom made basis. 

TR:Is there any runway which your collection hasn't been showcased in,which you dream to showcase your designs ?
DA. I never thought thatIwould make it to such an event like New York Fashion Week so in a way the dream has been reached in at least some respect. However the ultimate dream is to show in Paris, that is definitely the ultimate goal. 

TR:Next year February it will be a special month for you as you will be showcasing in New York what should your fans expect from you.
DA. I cant say too much about what we have in store for New York Fashion Week in February just yet, however all I can say is it will definitely be our biggest and most daring collection to pull off as of yet.