We recently had a chance to interview five models from South Africa models about their experience of living and breathing fashion while traveling. Check out their interesting perspective.
Christelene V
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pretoria, South Africa. A city beautifully overwhelmed with Jacaranda Trees as well as a very interesting history. I lived there and around the province for most of my life. Pretoria serves a lot of conservatism, and I needed a change. I was in my early 20s when I decided within 2 days to move to Cape Town. I then made the move and my life legitimately changed. I started modeling only within a few months, whereas in Johannesburg & Pretoria it took me almost 8 years to try and get a kickstart in my career.
How has your upbringings in South Africa influenced your perspective on life and your career as a model?
I believe growing up in a very poverty-stricken country and city really teaches you a lot as a kid. I always remember thinking that I have so much to be grateful for. My mom was one of those who worked 4 jobs to support her & I. Growing up in that setting taught me to work as hard as I can and to not settle for anything below your worth. I love my work and I’ve always had those little kid dreams about being a model; so I constantly push myself to learn and gain as much knowledge as I can because you can always pass that on as well. I strive and stand proud to be able to say I worked hard and that I did a good job. South Africa models is one of those countries where you must stand out from the crowd otherwise you’ll get lost in it. Your perspective being positive and prosperous has a big impact on where you are in your life. Growing up here taught me that perspective.
You get to travel a lot as a model? Where have you been so far and what was your favourite destination?
I recently had the blessed opportunity of being able to travel to Milan, Italy. Which was my very first time traveling overseas, and I’m nearly 26 years old so trust that it was a big deal. To experience such rich history and culture was entirely eye-opening and regardless of its small struggles, I absolutely loved it. I’ve always dreamt of traveling far and wide and I’m excited to travel more from now on.
How has exposure to various cultures impacted your view of life? What was the biggest cultural shock you had in a place?
In Milan it was quite shocking to see how easy and well nearly everything worked. South Africa models doesn’t at all have a proficiently working public transport system… Having to start taking metros, trains, trams and buses was entirely mind-blowing. I still keep the map and about three transport apps open when I navigate around but here’s to hoping I won’t get lost as much my next trip. Another shock is just being in an entirely different language speaking nation. Let’s just say my Duolingo is working overtime.
What do you find most exciting and rewarding about being a model and traveling for work?
One point is most definitely the people I have gotten to meet and have yet to meet. From fellow models to designers and dressers and even casting directors that all had an impact on my life and career. The interesting stories shared from every possible corner of the world really adds a lot to one’s personal and working experience. Another point; being that I am quite a history, art and fashion buff, seeing some of the oldest places, with some of the most beautiful art and architecture, filled by people with amazing style within one of the biggest fashion capitals worldwide is exhilarating – this now being Milan. Just now working in the industry I am in, which I’ve also loved since I accidently found FashionTV as an eleven-year-old. It just makes you realize this world is so big and that you can constantly and consistently learn something new and to me, knowledge in this life is the most rewarding thing.
Can you share your most memorable experience as a model?
Being a model, heading to your first foreign country you don’t expect to work right off the bat, it is usual to go and simply gain experience and exposure. My second week in Milan I booked my first confirmed job, a presentation for Versace for a new collection. And I remember not breathing for a few seconds after receiving the confirmation and just smiling from ear to ear. I take my job seriously because I am passionate about what I love. This feeling and many soon after is definitely the most memorable thing as a model. Being able to say to yourself that you’re proud of yourself is important.
What are some of the challenges you face as a model while traveling internationally and how do you tackle them?
Firstly, I’d say it’s having to sit on a plane for more than 3 hours. Before my trip to Milan I had only ever flown domestically within South Africa models. As someone who loves stretching and doing yoga numerous times a day, this was a struggle. The lack of sleep is also a big thing, I do unfortunately have a taste of insomnia, but my yoga and meditation has certainly helped me tackle it.
In what ways has modelling and travel influenced your perspective on beauty, self-expression, and cultural awareness?
One thing for sure is that it’s taught me even more than before to take care of your health, your skin, and your mindset. I learned that my doing my yoga helped my mindset with being so far from home and everything I know and am comfortable with. I just kept reminding myself that my body needs to be healthy in order for all of me to be healthy, my mental health included. It’s a big culture shock to be in a foreign country so different to your own and especially for an extended time. I definitely learned a lot more about myself during this time.
What are the few most important things you never leave your house when traveling for work, apart from essentials?
I am someone who comes quite prepared. My friends like to call me the ‘mom-friend’ because I am that person that’ll have hand sanitizer, hand cream, dental floss, a pen and paper and even snacks on me at all times. I am someone who likes routine, and it brings me a big sense of structure having these things. When traveling for work, firstly is my earphones & airpods, and yes I take both with me because one never knows what mood you’ll be in. Music to me is a big relief of stress and social anxiety and so is reading and journaling. On route to a job you will always find me with my music in my ears and my book-of-the-week in my hands. And lastly a big jug of ice-water. Because I always say, ‘hydrate or die-drate’.
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What is the biggest advice you were given so far that helped you?
One of the first pieces of advice I received in this industry was “don’t take everything personally”. At the end of the day we are all human and words is how we communicate so it will obviously affect us if negative. In this industry, I have learnt to not take anything personally, at the end of the day whether you thought you were maybe perfect for that one job but learn that you weren’t chosen, it has nothing to do with you and that maybe you’re too tall or they don’t like your hair. No. I’ve learnt that at the end of the day you were just not what their brand was looking for and that’s nothing on you or how you look but also their creative input on their hard work. At the end of the day the Fashion Industry is a widely diverse and inclusive market. There will always be something out there for you if you work hard enough for it.
Do you prefer runways or editorial shoots and why?
I think and have also been told that I definitely thrive when I do runway. Runway is certainly very thrilling and I love the rush of it. With doing Menswear Week in Cape Town twice now also gave me the opportunity to improve a lot. I love the excitement of editorials and the creativity that goes into them. When I started modelling we didn’t have a big knowledge of it, and in my hometown it was definitely not the norm, pageants however were. I started doing pageants and continued for about 2 years. Within this time I learnt how to walk confidently and through that learnt that I didn’t enjoy the competitive streak to pageants, but the part of wearing beautiful clothes and strutting down a catwalk. So I would say runway.
Do you find that different countries have slightly different work ethics and if so do you find it easy to adjust?
I have thus far only experienced working in Cape Town and Milan, and I would say they definitely have different work ethics. It took me a while to adjust to the way Europe works and I feel I will forever be constantly adjusting to that, so I see it as exactly that, I can constantly be learning and adjust myself into my environment to then work more on my own work ethic. It gets a part of my business brain going seeing how different characters and people from all over create a concept.
What are your future plans? Do you want to continue with modelling or it’s something you just enjoy for now?
Having dreamt of doing modelling since age 11, I certainly want to be doing it for as long as I possibly can. In-between that I also have my own entrepreneurial plans and would love to extend into opening up my own businesses in the future. I have a few creative projects which I’m all very proud of behind my name and I will continue with those as well. My dreams and passions go quite far and wide, and I have quite a long bucket list of achievements. For now, modelling is what I certainly enjoy most, and it is my main priority.
What advice would you have for the upcoming or aspiring models?
Don’t. Give. Up! If modelling is what you seriously aspire to do in life, you will encounter a lot of rejection and criticism along the way and the only way to get through it is to rise above it. It can be a harsh industry but your confidence and passion really shines above the rest. People will notice your hard work if you put in that hard work. Your attitude has about 70% to do with the whole job, how you carry yourself, how you speak to and treat people. Constantly work on not only improving your professional stature and character but within that your personal one as well. Just never give up on yourself and you’ll never be able to give up on your aspirations.
How is it working as a model in South Africa and what are some of the challenges and perks of working here?
I have the absolute privilege of having the wonderful mother agency in Cape Town that I have, and the opportunities that have come my way has seriously been a major perk. I’ve had such fun, creative and unique jobs that I have been able to add to my book that if I had to look back in 10 years I would certainly still be proud of those projects. I didn’t find as many challenges working in South Africa models, the only I could think of is trying to break into the industry in Pretoria and Johannesburg. It was certainly a struggle and I never felt I belonged anyway. The market is more conservative and particular and I never lit that match, thankfully. Because to this day I feel that my potential was not only seen in Cape Town but definitely also reached. With the challenges came all the perks afterwards.
Dylan C
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Johannesburg South Africa, where I lived most of my life. Have a family of 4 with a cute fat cat as our number 5. I am a family oriented person who grew up in the water !
How has your upbringings in South Africa models influenced your perspective on life and your career as a model?
Growing up in South Africa teaches you how to look after yourself and to never give up hope cause anything can happen. As being a model it has taught me to be genuine and kind to new people. It’s made me very versatile you have to know a bit about all types of modeling.
You get to travel a lot as a model? Where have you been so far and what was your favourite destination?
I have traveled from South Africa to London then Milan to Paris to Tuscany and more. Tuscany was my favourite cause it reminded me of my beaches back in South Africa models. Beautiful light blue water with white sand under it with bush in the background , untouched beauty.
How has exposure to various cultures impacted your view of life? What was the biggest cultural shock you had in a place?
The Italian culture taught me how good food and wine can make anybody friends. Biggest shock was when getting to the UK and having public transport.
What do you found most exciting and rewarding about being a model and traveling for work?
Meeting new people and going to cities I would have never dreamed of and trying on the top fashion, meeting great minds behind everyday clothing.
Can you share your most memorable experience as a model?
I just signed my modeling agreement when I received an unusual phone call asking if I can fly to the UK I did not expect anything from it so quick I was on the first plane to the UK with no chance of saying goodbye, after that day my entire life changed, moving to the UK, meeting a Girl and making my own life has been the best time ever.
What are some of the challenges you face as a model while traveling internationally and how do you tackle them?
Being able to hold a relationship, when you are a people person you need a person to share all those experiences with but knowing that all the work you doing away from them makes time with them more special.
Flying alot can take it out of you but having a good pillow makes a world of difference.
In what ways has modeling and travel influenced your perspective on beauty, self-expression and cultural awareness?
That everybody is beautiful in their own way and you should never look at somebody and compare yourself cause everybody is unique. We need to be aware that nobody is better then another. You need to fully accept you for you.
What are the few most important things you never leave your house when traveling for work, apart from essentials?
Ear phones gotta have some music in your life.Sunglasses to add to the cool factor and protect my weak eyes.My own pillow cause my beauty sleep in important.
What is the biggest advice you were given so far that helped you?
“Trust the process” Everything might seem like you have no control but that’s the freeing part, you just on a ride of life.
Do you prefer runways or editorial shoots and why?
Runways they get your blood pumping you get to try on amazing clothes and you meet alot of different people from different walks of life.
Do you find that different countries have slightly different work ethics and if so do you find it easy to adjust?
Where I am from we all work hard cause South Africa is one of the hardest countries in the world to survive. Due to this I am very sort after in the market. It’s easy to adjust to any country or place due to being in a country with 12 languages you have to have good adaption skills.
What are your future plans? Do you want to continue with modeling or its something you just enjoy for now?
I want to continue to model as it has shown me so much of the world and of myself that to leave it would be a step backwards I have slot to learn still about this industry and I am keen and learning more.
What advice would you have for the upcoming or aspiring models?
Be very patient and trust your bookers but also keep pushing for new opportunities and if you don’t want to do something you don’t have to do it.
How is it working as a model in South Africa and what are some of the challenges and perks of working here?
Working in South Africa is the best we have the best locations it’s cheap to do amazing things here. Just if you not in Cape Town you will be doing a lot of flying but you wouldn’t want to be anywhere but Cape Town due to its immense beauty.
Jihoon C
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
– Hi! My name is Jihoon Choi, many people call me Ji (pronounced as alphabet “G”) for easier pronunciation. As a matter of fact, I was born in Zimbabwe and shortly after a couple of months of being born, my family and I moved to South Africa. I have a strong enthusiasm for art which drove me to learn art at school and create my own artwork during my free time.
How has your upbringings in South Africa influenced your perspective on life and your career as a model?
– South Africa is also called the “Rainbow Nation”, where a variety of people and communities of different races, religions, and principles live together. Being exposed to and raised in this environment influenced me to embrace every individual, and not differentiate myself from others that have different values. Living in South Africa also allowed me to meet and communicate with people from various occupations – one of those being a model. It was then that my interest in modeling started to ignite, and when my height drastically grew, I challenged myself to take the first step into the modeling world.
You get to travel a lot as a model? Where have you been so far and what was your favourite destination?
– Being a model opens doors to many opportunities, especially traveling. So far I have been to Italy, UK, France and Sweden with my favourite destination being Italy.
How has exposure to various cultures impacted your view of life? What was the biggest cultural shock you had in a place?
– Being exposed to various cultures made me realize that being raised in a community with certain cultures that belong in that community has a huge impact on the way one lives (such as food, fashion, body language, etc.) and views life. One of the biggest culture shock I had was in Italy and United Kingdom – when I saw how people come together and hugely celebrate when their supporting soccer team wins a league.
What do you found most exciting and rewarding about being a model and traveling for work?
– Definitely when you see a picture or a video of yourself displayed around the world. It gets even more exciting when friends and family mention that they saw me displayed.
Can you share your most memorable experience as a model?
– The most memorable experience I had was walking for luxury brands in their fashion show. The feeling of adrenaline rushing through your body when walking never gets old.
What are some of the challenges you face as a model while traveling internationally and how do you tackle them?
– Having to stay overseas and covering your own expenses such as food, transport and even accommodation, with an uncertainty that you will be able to work, is extremely challenging. I overcame these hardships by saving up as much as possible for the expenses that had to come and asking my agencies to cover some expenses for the time being until I start to work and earn income. Most important of all, was to maintain a healthy mind and body, and to remind myself that this opportunity itself, was a valuable experience.
In what ways has modeling and travel influenced your perspective on beauty, self-expression and cultural awareness?
– In the modeling world, being “handsome” and “beautiful” is not important. The most important aspect was the uniqueness and the beauty behind it that each individual possesses, which is your own personality, physical features, etc. In other words, you got to be yourself and find beauty within yourself. As a result, modeling influenced me to embrace myself, find my uniqueness, and express myself the way I am.
What are the few most important things you never leave your house when traveling for work, apart from essentials?
– I never leave my house without confidence, positivity and the desire to experience more and face what is to come ahead of me.
What is the biggest advice you were given so far that helped you?
– The biggest and most helpful advice I had was to not hope for anything and just let it go with the flow. Having hope results in discouragement. Do not hope for anything, yet stay positive and optimistic.
Do you prefer runways or editorial shoots and why?
– Runways. Runways do give more thrills and excitement, but the real reason is that runways expose you as a model to clients and runway careers are one of the most effective achievements that boost your model portfolio which leads to further potential work opportunities.
Do you find that different countries have slightly different work ethics and if so do you find it easy to adjust?
– Certain countries focus on works related to fashion, fashion shows and editorials, whereas certain countries focus on commercials. Commercials works mainly have a bright, friendly atmosphere and require skills such as acting and dancing. Works related to fashion, fashion shows, and editorials on the other hand, require and focus more on charisma and poses. However, I did not find it difficult adjusting to these different work ethics and environment.
What are your future plans? Do you want to continue with modeling or its something you just enjoy for now?
– I really do want to continue with modeling internationally.
What advice would you have for the upcoming or aspiring models?
– If you meet the standard of becoming a model, I highly recommend modeling not just for money, but for the many opportunities and experiences that await. Modeling is much harder than you think, therefore you need to prepare yourself for challenges with the right mindset, attitude and self-care.
How is it working as a model in South Africa and what are some of the challenges and perks of working here?
– Being able to work in South Africa with its beautiful nature and many locations really feels great. You get to meet so many people in this industry that are filled with wonders and their own uniqueness. Honestly, the only challenge that you could face is transportation if you do not have your own private transportation vehicle or driver’s license. Other than that, just enjoy shooting with the beautiful scenery of South Africa
Robyn S
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
So I’m born and bred in what I can say is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world, Cape Town. I’ve done my BA in English, I model of course, do some writing and I think like any South African, love being outdoors and am happiest close to a beach.
How has your upbringings in South Africa influenced your perspective on life and your career as a model?
I’d say being South African has definitely laid down strong roots in me and given me the values I have today. I’m intensely patriotic and it’s influenced my perspective on life in the way that I feel I connect with others. I embrace the concept of Ubuntu and community and have an appreciation for my life as a model and where it takes me – and the opportunity it gives me to connect with other people.
You get to travel a lot as a model? Where have you been so far and what was your favourite destination?
I think I’ve been to most of Europe, South America. I’m based in London of course which I love for how vibrant and multicultural it is. I found Kenya super beautiful but I’m so in love with Spain and would say it’s my favourite. Barcelona and also the South – Andalucia, I’d say I’m attracted most to the pace of things and the lifestyle. Would always be happy for work to take me back home though lol.
How has exposure to various cultures impacted your view of life? What was the biggest cultural shock you had in a place?
Travelling has definitely opened me up and broadened my world view. I think the biggest cultural shock was coming to London for the first time. I’d never seen such a frenzied, concentrated amount of people basically everywhere. Definitely also had to get on board with the dry humour and banter lol (I’d grown on me since)
What do you found most exciting and rewarding about being a model and traveling for work?
Meeting different, interesting people all the time and definitely the autonomy and flexibility it gives me in my day to day life.
Can you share your most memorable experience as a model?
I’d say going to Kenya and meeting the Masai. I stayed on this beautiful island called Lamu that had the best food. I think it was just how in touch and aware people were of their surroundings and of each other. They live in true harmony with their environments which I think is beautiful.
What are some of the challenges you face as a model while traveling internationally and how do you tackle them?
I’d say keeping to a routine and also missing people. Wherever I am in the world I’m missing someone who’s somewhere else. Nobody talks about how lonely it can feel sometimes being constantly on the move. I tackle this by harassing my loved ones with FaceTimes and voice notes lol, and spending QT with everyone when I can.
In what ways has modeling and travel influenced your perspective on beauty, self-expression and cultural awareness?
It’s definitely made me appreciate the vastness of our construct of beauty and be more appreciative of the fact that it really is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty to me is confidence and being beautiful in spirit. I feel like beauty standards are still quite westernised, but it’s been nice to see the industry changing slowly in that regard.
What are the few most important things you never leave your house when traveling for work, apart from essentials?
A book. I’m always reading.
Do you prefer runways or editorial shoots and why?
To not take rejection personally – in work and in life. People are generally projecting their own complex inner world onto you, and with regards to work and the modelling industry, rejection isn’t a reflection on your personality. It just means that you didn’t work for that specific thing.
Shoots always, they’re just way less intense lol.
Do you find that different countries have slightly different work ethics and if so do you find it easy to adjust?
I do yeah. I find that I’m quite adaptive in this regard and I generally actually enjoy the different ways people do things in different countries. I find generally on set that teams are quite efficient though across the board, and I have so much respect for the crew and everyone behind the scenes that make shit happen.
What are your future plans? Do you want to continue with modeling or its something you just enjoy for now?
Definitely a just for now plan lol. Gotta make hay while the sun shines and I enjoy the places and people I encounter so I’m happy. I’d like to be able to write full time some day potentially, or lecture language or just be somewhere in that space. I’m kind of figuring it all out still, which is fine.
What advice would you have for the upcoming or aspiring models?
Don’t make it your identity, as tethering that to something that’s so changeable can be tough. Know who you are at your core and just have fun with things.
How is it working as a model in South Africa and what are some of the challenges and perks of working here?
I enjoy working at home so much. It’s beautiful, and you get to see these gorgeous locations, work with local teams (I may be biased but South African crew on set work so so hard). It’s always amazing for me to get to do the work I need to, in a place that holds such meaning and value to me.
Sethu N
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
My name is Siphosethu Ncise,commonly known as Sethu Ncise, I’m a model from Cape Town in a township called Khayalitsha. I’m currently in Tokyo, Japan.
How has your upbringings in South Africa influenced your perspective on life and your career as a model?
Growing up in South Africa gave me the ability to persevere and value individuality. Furthermore, as South Africa itself is a cultural melting pot, it is crucial to be open to other cultures. That has taught me how to adjust to working in the modelling business where you get to work or live with people from all over the world
You get to travel a lot as a model? Where have you been so far and what was your favourite destination?
- Italy
- France
- Denmark
- China
- Spain
- Japan
- USA (favourite destination is definitely Los Angeles)
How has exposure to various cultures impacted your view of life? What was the biggest cultural shock you had in a place?
the biggest shock I had was here in Japan. Learning that most of Japanese people do not speak English but it was an easy adjustment
What do you found most exciting and rewarding about being a model and traveling for work?
As someone who enjoys travelling I’d say the most exciting thing would be getting to see the world and constantly being on the go. And the rewarding part would be making life long friendships with people from all over the globe that you can see or visit in any part of the world you travel to.
Can you share your most memorable experience as a model?
Gucci campaign,Los Angeles 2021. It was like a high school summer camp. The best time I’ve ever had.
What are some of the challenges you face as a model while traveling internationally and how do you tackle them?
Not being able to see family very often. But also as a model everyone goes through it so knowing you’re not alone helps. And speaking or seeing family as much as you can helps.
In what ways has modeling and travel influenced your perspective on beauty, self-expression and cultural awareness?
Ive learnt that beauty is subjective. In the modelling industry uniqueness and self-expression are highly valued. So is culture as it impacts every aspect of life including work.
What are the few most important things you never leave your house when traveling for work, apart from essentials?
My MacBook,my Bose speaker and my entire cologne/perfume collection(If im going to be living in another country)
What is the biggest advice you were given so far that helped you?
You’re not worth anything if you’re not in the right place,if you’re not appreciated don’t be mad it just means you’re in the wrong place.
Do you prefer runways or editorial shoots and why?
Runway! I enjoy being in front of thousands of people and being on stage. And it goes by so fast.
Do you find that different countries have slightly different work ethics and if so do you find it easy to adjust?
Yes! Since I started modelling +- 7 years I learnt as I went on,every city and people work differently.
What are your future plans? Do you want to continue with modelling or its something you just enjoy for now?
My plan is to eventually be a Hollywood actor
What advice would you have for the upcoming or aspiring models?
Only pursue it if you are truly passionate about fashion and modelling. Ive seen way too many talents disappear just after one fashion week season.
How is it working as a model in South Africa and what are some of the challenges and perks of working here?
The challenge that most models face in SA in not being exposed to a wide enough range of international clients – so for most models in order to make it they go and find success abroad.