By Selma Neshiko
WINDHOEK– Local model Albertina Peter is poised for a fashion industry takeover with an outstanding portfolio. She is determined that even the everyday challenges will not stop her big hopes and aspirations for the future.
Aside from being signed with one of own fast growing modeling agency the Zambezi Modeling Academy for two years, posing for some of Namibia’s top designers like Hem Matsi, Cathy Tshikesho, Shakira Classen and the list goes on, the 23 year-old fashion model has a pocket full of dreams to take her modeling career further. “My dream is to work with the world’s top class designer and sharing the ramp with my fellow Namibian born super model, Bahati Prinsloo and Meriam Kaxuxwena. I would love to see myself on Vogue, FHM and Play Boy magazine, as well as be ranked as the world’s top fast rising model,” says Albertina.
Even with the determination and attitude necessary to achieve what she dreams of, Albertina admits to disappointments. “There is a lack of professionalism in this industry and favouritism that’s why it’s hard for potential models to break through. There are a few investors willing to invest in the modeling industry because some of these academies are no legit. There are money making schemes also that have no connections to the modeling world and that’s why most of our models don’t go far,” she says. She adds that it’s better to put studies first, and modelling can follow later but at the same time stay updated with fashion trends. “Keep up to date with the modeling/fashion world, get a reputable and well connected agent that can help you break through this industry but also, most importantly, make studies your first priority because modeling is not a life time career,”
She also calls on the business investors and the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture to get involved in the modelling industry. “They should help sponsor potential models to take part in international pageants and go for castings and local designers need to connect with the international fashion world and not only focus on the local industry. As for models we need to boycott free shows or gigs because that’s the only way to stop organisers and agents from exploiting us,” says Albertina.
Albertina is currently studying towards a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations at the University of Namibia (Unam) and hopes to pursue her modelling career on an international level one day.