Jourdan Dunn vs Kendall Jenner: Issues within the modeling industry

Now,  I am not one to follow trending mainstream media stories as half the time, they simply aren't true. Not to mention, I never watch the annual Victoria's Secret Show. However, the 'alleged' dismissal of Jourdan Dunn, to make room for Kendall Jenner brings light to a much bigger issue! The notion that white privilege is clearly prevalent in the modeling industry.

Being born a female, and a black female at that, in a world full of unfair paradigms is hard enough. Imagine, tirelessly building your career from scratch, in a world that dictates an unrealistic idea of beauty, only to have a white model, who was born rich with a career that hasn't even reached 50% of your accomplishments, unrightfully 'replace' you. I can't. The sad truth is that this isn't the first time a black model's career and/or beauty has been undermined for someone totally mediocre, and even worse, probably wont be the last. I have nothing against Kendall Jenner, but in all honesty, anyone that tries to argue the fact that her career wasn't already a success before she was even born is a liar. She was born in to wealth, born in to privilege, born in to a family, that now, has a cult-like following for reasons unknown to many. Therefore, Kendall earning her spot to walk in the Victoria's Secret show has nothing to do with hard work, and everything to do with privilege.

Similarly, in Australia, the diversity of models is seriously lacking! Although I have done some modeling here and there, I have never bothered to take it that seriously, as I know for a fact that my success story would not be in Australia. To get any type of decent castings/jobs here as a black model, you either have to be mixed (light skinned, curly-haired), or extremely dark skinned. There is no in between. I guess there is some ridiculous idea that there is only 1 type of 'black beauty'. The next time you watch a commercial, count how many black models you see. I can almost guarantee there wouldn't be more than 1 at a time. Apart from the rare 1 that's thrown in from time to time, to keep the black race happy, and feeling 'accepted'.

This may simply be my opinion based solely on experience and observation, however, I pray I see the day that the colour of one's skin doesn't automatically hinder their chance for an opportunity. Not just in modeling, but life in general. Not just in Australia, but the world.

                  

                      

~Posted by Vanessa

Interview with: MsAdjei

The gorgeous Actor, Model and Talent Director...

Maame Adjei

Instagram/Twitter: @MsAdjei

                           

1. What career direction have you taken up in Ghana?
Since moving to Ghana I’ve geared towards the arts. I’ve gone completely opposite of what I went to undergrad and grad school for which was Psychology and Healthcare Administration respectively. I really decided to follow my true interests, my passions and my heart once I got here and it’s led me to do all these things I secretly enjoyed but never thought I should or could make a living out of. I’m an actor, producer, talent director, creative artist and model. It feels kind of amazing to be able to say thats what I do cause I’m passionate about each of those jobs.

2. What was your biggest driving force in returning to the
motherland?
I would say my own growth and maturity. Some people reach a certain point in their lives when they just want more and the mundane and average is no longer good enough. I had a yearning to live my dreams and basically to be happy and I just wasn’t finding that in Philadelphia anymore. I had no idea where i was going to find it or how but Ghana being my home country was my first point of attack. All my family was back in Ghana and it just felt like the right time for me to explore the country as an adult. Above all i picked Ghana because no matter what there’s a sense of peace I get here that trumps everything.

3. We are both huge fans of 'An African City'. What was the best and
worst part of filming?
Filming an African City was such a great experience. Everything was a learning lesson for me. Everything. I think the best part was working with amazing talents and FUNNY people. Laughter is everything to me so to be able to go on set with people you like and have fun while working is huge. From my fellow cast mates to the production crew we really just had a great time shooting. This is going to sound like a complete lie but there really weren’t any “worst parts” of filming season 1. It really was such a great 4 weeks of shooting.

4. You work closely with upcoming creatives in Ghana. A notable one, being the designer label, Osei Duro. What do you love about the label and your thoughts on other upcoming African inspired designers?
Yes!! Osei­Duro is definitely one of my favorite African based labels. I love how easy and comfortable their clothes are. The cuts and styles are simple and classic but the prints are really what send it over the edge. And I love that they produce everything in Ghana. There are so many amazing African brands that i’ve found out about recently: Eki Orleans, BarkersWoode, Raffia. These are all new to me and everyday I come across more designers that are just putting the continent on the map as far as fashion.

5. You are most definitely a creative yourself! You did an amazing job at transforming wooden soda crates into functional benches at the 2014 Chale Wote Festival. When and how did you grow your love for all types of art?
For as long as I can remember i’ve loved repurposing and turning one thing into another. I was the girl who would go outside and grab some twine and turn it into a belt cause i couldn’t find a real belt. lol I started repurposing furniture about 10 years ago and I didn’t even consider it art. I had just moved into my first apartment and needed furniture on a budget. I went into a thrift store and bought some cheap side tables, painted them, put foam and fabric over them and turned them into sitting stools. From there it was just something I did as a hobby. I would scour garage sales and vintage shops, make pieces for friends then i started getting commissioned to do pieces and it just went on from there. Chalewote really has been a great way for me to indulge in my form of “art”, show that to the world and take in all these insanely talented creative artists in Accra. I love anything that engages my creative senses. That is what I consider art. It can come in a myriad of forms.

6. What is your ultimate career goal?
I dont have an ultimate career goal to be honest. My ultimate goal is to pursue my passions and be happy and fulfilled with everything I put my energy into. As long as that happens I’m meeting my ultimate goal and that’s all that matters to me.

7. You rock natural hair ever so fiercely. Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to go natural? Or any products/tips/tricks that you swear by?
Do it!!! If you’re leaning towards going natural and unsure take the leap. If you don’t like it you can always go back to however you were wearing your hair. I keep it simple. I don’t shampoo often. I cowash when the urge hits me but my hair loves water so i spritz it with water every other day or whenever it feels dry. My hair product staples are Cantu Shea Butter, regular good ol’ natural shea butter and extra virgin olive oil.    


8. It is very evident that you are somewhat an old soul, trapped in a young woman's body. Especially, in your obvious love for all things vintage. What does vintage mean to you? lol! I am so very old trapped in this not so young body. I just love old things. I love wearing something that has history­ that has a story.I’m partial to the style of past decades: 80’s jewelry, 60’s and 70s dress silhouettes. I probably got a lot of my love for vintage from my mother. She is such a hoarder and keeps everything. She still has my baby clothes! I remember in highschool when bell bottoms made a comeback I was wearing actual bell bottoms from the 70s. They smelled like mothballs but they looked fabulous darling! lol

9. What motivates and inspires you? Any specific people, places, music, books, etc.?My mother's strength is inspiring. Never met anyone with her emotional tenacity.
The beach is my haven. It settles me and reinvigorates me at the same time. There’s a place about 6 hrs outside of Accra i go to sometimes. It’s in the middle of nowhere and i literally hop on a bus and disappear there for a few days. It’s by the beach and
surrounded by trees. Love it! Women who walk in their light and take risks. I love them. I try and feed into their courage as much as I can.

10. If you could work creatively with any other woman, who would she be? Oh wow! There are so many dope female creatives I would love to work with but i’m going to stick close to home and in the film realm and say Frances Bodomo. She’s a young Ghanaian film director who I met a few months ago at the Durban International Film Festival. I love her work, her energy and vibe. Would love to work with her.

Check out her inspiration and projects here.

-Thank you so much for doing the interview with us Maame! We are excited to see more of your beautiful, creative self!

-Posted by Olympia and Vanessa

Interview with :TIA WARD

Get to know the insanely beautiful London-based model, beauty blogger and make-up artist...

TIA WARD

                

Instagram/Twitter: @misstpw

1. For those that don't know Tia Ward, describe yourself and your career path?
I am a 25 year old blogger & model from London who loves fashion and beauty. Since finishing university I began my blog, and I want to eventually have my own clothing label!

2. With over 10 years of experience, how did you get in to the beauty and fashion world?  
I got into modelling at 13 after being spotted at the bus stop and from that point on was catapulted into this new world of cosmetics and clothing! That was the starting point for me.

3. You were 1 of 26 females to have the cool opportunity to design your very own Nike sneaker, to celebrate Air Max's 27th birthday earlier this year. What was that experience like? It was so much fun! Nike are an incredible, globally recognised brand and they really made the experience fun. We got to go to the design suit in the flagship store and work on our designs. I have to say a big shout out to Jimmy for helping me finalise my colour scheme!

4. How does it make you feel to know you have such a style influence in London?

Honestly, I started my blog as a style file – a way of documenting my personal style journey with the hope of looking back at it and seeing an evolution over time. I never thought it would have any influence! To hear that it is on the radar of corporate companies and the fashion pack is a huge compliment and a great motivating force to accomplish more! I’m constantly striving for better.

5. What ethnicity are you?
I am a mix of Indian, Caribbean, European & West Indian!

6. You have been dating Ghanaian presenter/host Reggie Yates for about two years. As a Ghanaian, I'm interested to know if you have any favourite dishes, or even know how to cook any (lol) ? Haha! I love Ghanaian food and learnt to cook jollof pretty swiftly! My favourite dish to cook and eat is Kelewele – because plaintains are equally loved by Africans and Caribbeans the world over!

7.  Being female already means we have to work 10 times harder. Are there any experiences, either good or bad that you can recall in proving yourself/talents? Fortunately as far as I’m aware of, I haven’t been in any situation where my sex has determined whether or not I book the job, get the opportunity or make the cut. I have definitely had to prove my ability on numerous occasions! In this industry you can talk your way to the door, bag a meeting with the right people, but its what you say and do once you’re in that determines how long you’ll be staying or how seriously you’ll be taken. I prove myself constantly by delivering what I promise, working hard & trusting my journey.

8. It’s very clear that you have a strong sense of identity; in the way you dress, speak and overall present yourself. Where did you learn to be so self-assured? My Grandmother was definitely an example of what a strong, independent woman should be. She worked hard, always looked immaculate, spoke articulately (even with her strong West Indian accent!) and stood up for what she believed in. I think this constant female presence as well as surrounding myself with wonderfully raised, self-aware men and women has helped me develop over the years into someone with a good sense of identity. You can’t surround yourself with sheep & expect to be a lion.

9.  Speaking of fashion, your style is ALWAYS on point! Who are your style icons? What are your favourite stores? So many things influence and inspire my style. From traveling, the weather, old films – anything I lay my eyes on somehow affects my style choices! I don’t really look to other people as such, but I always check the style.com fashion show reports to keep up to date & inspired!

10. What’s the best piece of advice you have received this far in your life? You were given two ears and one mouth, so always listen twice as much as you speak!

-Thank you so much for doing the interview with us Tia. We are looking forward to seeing more of your gorgeous face in the future. All the best!

For more of Tia's amazing style and beauty secrets, check out her blog here ! 

-Posted by Olympia and Vanessa