Vanilla Black

Being a person whose very life revolves around the fashion industry and ultimately, Hollywood, I am no stranger to the controversy around what is perceived as the ultimate ‘beauty’. When one is faced with that topic, the usual thoughts pop out: thin, tall, long neck, high cheekbones, etc.

What lights my heart up is the fact that everyday there are those special individuals who work to break that status quo! I admire them, and strive to be as daring and strong as they are. You are probably thinking this is going in the direction of plus-size models, and it will, one day. Today I am blogging about an inherited condition that causes a lack of pigment that affects the eyes, hair and skin. Albinism is a condition that has been the unfortunate cause of a lot of discrimination, superstitions (and I mean, crazy superstitions) and even death all across the globe. Besides all the negativity around albinos, I came across a few models who decided to chase their dreams and prove to the world, that yes, albinos can too be beautiful!

Before I whip out the obvious international superstars, I am going to first brag about our local golden girls! Thando Hopa was discovered by South African fashion designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee in a shopping mall. An article from mediablackberry.com praised her saying that ‘recently all eyes were on Hopa again. This time she was striding confidently down the catwalk and earning newspaper accolades as South Africa’s "the new face of fashion" and "fashion's new colour".’

(http://mediablackberry.com/index.php?oid=13736,Aug 2014)

My next model was the first South African albino to walk the runway for fashion designer, David Tlale in 2005. Personally I just love the fact that when you search her on Google her images are mostly of her giving the biggest and most friendly smile! She made me smile by just smiling. Refilwe Modiselle started her modelling career at the age of 13 and is still going strong.

Now that I am done boasting about my fellow South Africans, my next two models are highly known internationally and downright sexy. The first is the ever-so-fierce Diandra Forrest. She is a 5’11’’ tall model who was born in New York, 1990. She was teased, taunted and had her ethnic background questioned while growing up in the Bronx. She's signed with the prestigious Ford Models in Paris after initially starting her career with Elite.

Lastly, Shaun Ross, a male model who was born in the Bronx, New York, 1991. Shaun was discovered as an Alvin Ailey dancer from a YouTube video and then became the first African American albino to do a big show when he walked the runway for Tim Hamilton in 2008… as yes; he is the one from Katy Perry’s awesome music video, E.T.

Here are a few photos from a photo shoot that shows Diandra and Shaun showing their stuff for West East Magazine’s October 2012 issue. Photographed by Emin Kadi:

No Matter what discrimination you are dealing with, show the world your beauty!

xx

odd fashion geek

That Odd Looking Mannequin

It has been a year since my last post on this blog. Some would expect me to say I am ashamed, however, I am quite the opposite. Taking this unbelievably long break has allowed me to focus on myself, and thus finding my true creative imagination. There it is with this revelation that I say goodbye to Betsu and hello to the new blog: That Odd Fashion Geek.

What will you find here? Well, fashion of course! Just like before, but this time I digging deep into the subject and diving into the uncomfortable. We will be looking at fashion that is unexpected, weird, fun, pretty, special and inspiring all at one go. Plus, you will know where this fashion comes from, where it is now, and where it is predicted to be in the future!

Is there better way to begin than with the formidable supermodel Naomi Campbell? As I was searching for a fashionable wallpaper for my tablet, I came across a very eye-catching picture of a futuristic, glossy Naomi Campbell. This piqued my interest not only because I am a huge fan of Naomi, but also because I have a rather creepy fascination with mannequins or, in this case, anything that resembles one. The idea of a photoshoot with human mannequins has been done before, obviously, but the glossy finish on this photoshoot is the sweetest finishing touch (and having Naomi Campbell as your model certainly gives extra points)... Has you wondering if she is a mannequin or a futuristic robot. 

Whatever it is meant to be, it is flawless!

The stylist, Clémence Cahu, did an amazing job picking garments and accessories that managed to match the model's unbelievable perfection.This is a photoshoot that was truly and perfectly done!!!!

Soon International Magazine 2011 issue
Photographer: Seb Janiak
Stylist: Clemence Cahu

xx