THE build-up to Joburg Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2011 has begun with 100 catwalk hopefuls casting for places on the ramp
Models strutted up and down the conference hall at the Melrose Fire and Ice Hotel on Friday for casters, hoping to walk the ramp at one of the most prestigious fashion shows in Africa. Some came from as far as West Africa to find a place in one of the continent's most fashionable events.
Itseng Kgomotso, Miss Botswana 2008, was present. The 22-year-old Miss World finalist and model waited anxiously in a long queue for hours after flying in from Gaborone. She could not hold back her excitement when she was picked for her first catwalk.
"I am so excited. I flew in this morning. I hope this is the beginning of great things. Working as a ramp model has always been one of my dreams," said the political science student.
Model Louisa Phagwaya walked out of the room all smiles. The lanky model from Soweto made headlines last year when she graced the Cape Town Fashion Week a few months after being spotted at Bree taxi rank. Her real break came when she walked for top designer Marianne Fassler at the Johannesburg Fashion Week.
"I am so excited to be chosen again. I still can't believe that I made it again. My modelling CV is getting bigger and bigger," said the University of Joburg student.
Production director Jan Malan said more male models were trying to break into the industry previously dominated by women. He said they were looking for models who conformed to international standards.
"We wanted slightly bigger models. We are moving away from very skinny models because we are in Africa," Malan said.
The designers - including heavyweights such as David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Bongiwe Walaza and Malcolm Kluk - will be spoilt for choice.
Iconic locations around Joburg will host the event from February 15 to 19.
Soweto girl shines at Fashion Week casting
THE build-up to Joburg Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2011 has begun with 100 catwalk hopefuls casting for places on the ramp
Models strutted up and down the conference hall at the Melrose Fire and Ice Hotel on Friday for casters, hoping to walk the ramp at one of the most prestigious fashion shows in Africa. Some came from as far as West Africa to find a place in one of the continent's most fashionable events.
Itseng Kgomotso, Miss Botswana 2008, was present. The 22-year-old Miss World finalist and model waited anxiously in a long queue for hours after flying in from Gaborone. She could not hold back her excitement when she was picked for her first catwalk.
"I am so excited. I flew in this morning. I hope this is the beginning of great things. Working as a ramp model has always been one of my dreams," said the political science student.
Model Louisa Phagwaya walked out of the room all smiles. The lanky model from Soweto made headlines last year when she graced the Cape Town Fashion Week a few months after being spotted at Bree taxi rank. Her real break came when she walked for top designer Marianne Fassler at the Johannesburg Fashion Week.
"I am so excited to be chosen again. I still can't believe that I made it again. My modelling CV is getting bigger and bigger," said the University of Joburg student.
Production director Jan Malan said more male models were trying to break into the industry previously dominated by women. He said they were looking for models who conformed to international standards.
"We wanted slightly bigger models. We are moving away from very skinny models because we are in Africa," Malan said.
The designers - including heavyweights such as David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Bongiwe Walaza and Malcolm Kluk - will be spoilt for choice.
Iconic locations around Joburg will host the event from February 15 to 19.
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