Terence Mukasa
Four Namibian models of the Jinels Modelling Agency will in April walk the runways of the São Paulo Fashion Week that will be attended by national and international designers.
As well as participating, Jinel Shipanga, the owner of Jinels Modelling Agency, will receive an award and certificate of merit along with her models, said Namib Pro Models president Maycon Silcha.
Silcha, who made it possible for them to attend through the project ‘Fashion Without Prejudice’, told VIBEZ! from his base in Brazil that he sees a lot of power in Shipanga’s work.
“I believe it’s time for her to reach the international market. I see her work through social networks and how she values culture,” he said.
Jinels Modeling Agency grooms models for the local and now international fashion industry.
On her part, Shipanga (22) told VIBEZ! they are excited, adding that the trip will be both an eye and door opener for many of the models and the agency itself.
“It’s a beautiful opportunity to meet other agents and models and learn from them,” she said.
Shipanga added that her modelling agency empowers its models to become the best versions of themselves, offering make-up tutorials and theatre acting gigs for models to gain more exposure and confidence, while also doing charity work.
One of the selected models, Natalia Rengura (26), who has been with Jinels Modelling Agency for two years, said the Fashion Week in Brazil will be an opportunity for them to showcase and develop their modelling talent on an international platform, which is very important in the fashion and beauty industry.
“Modelling on an international level will change my life for the better, because there’s always certain growth involved in every major step you take in life,” she said.
The Brazilian fashion world was jolted into doing some soul-searching last year, after the killing of George Floyd by police in the United States sparked protests and discussions over racial injustice.
This resulted in designers in Latin America’s largest fashion show being obliged to ensure 50% of their models are either black, Afro-descendant or indigenous.
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