Give it up for these stunning four local models who walked the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan for autumn/winter 2017!
Nina Milner
Androgynous style, wit and smarts make for a standout.
In the last 10 years, Ice Models’ Nina Milner, 29, has divided her time between Cape Town and the US. During her first international fashion week season, Nina walked for Alexander Wang, Fendi, Moschino, Versace and Lanvin.
What was your Fashion Week experience like?
I didn’t expect to walk in the shows, because I was only meant to be in the US to do some admin. I’m grateful to have seen inside the workings and the architecture of operations on that level.
What were the other models like?
Some are open-hearted, some are guarded, but many of them are doing great things, like Hanne Odiele’s intersex awareness campaign and Adwoa Aboahs ‘GURLS’ initiative for educating young people about mental health.
What was the best moment?
Alexander Wang’s kind and gentle manner at the fitting helped me feel more grounded.
Patricia Akello
A dazzling smile and a fierce walk, are just two of the reasons New York City is loving this Ugandan beauty, and she’s here to stay.
Patricia Akello, 24, had just moved from Kampala, Uganda, to Cape Town in 2014 when she was signed to Fusion Models. After numerous local campaigns and editorials, she was placed with the prestigious Muse Models in New York City. Most recently, she strutted her stuff at Georgine, Zero + Maria Cornejo and Tadashi Shoji.
What was your favourite show?
Thom Browne featured a lot of models, but it was so organised and his designs were amazing!
What really happens backstage?
Imagine teams checking that models have arrived, hair and makeup artists, photographers taking beauty pics – often when I’m trying to eat!
What was your worst moment?
Walking down a long runway in super high heels that were too small for me. I’d been called in at the last minute and my shoe size wasn’t available.
Ansolet Rossouw
After walking in Paris, Ansolet has her sights set on New York.
Bloemfontein-born Ansolet, 17, was discovered on Instagram by the director of FanJam Model Management. This year, she turned heads at Miu Miu and Valentino.
What was your Fashion Week experience like?
Busy, successful and pure excitement!
What was the best moment?
Booking Valentino on a semi-exclusive basis.
And the worst moment?
When I didn’t book Balmain. I feel alright about it now, but it motivated me to work harder.
Chane Husselmann
This fresh face is taking the fashion world by storm.
Chane, 16, hails from Bloemfontein and was discovered on Instagram by FanJam Model Management. After turning 16, she took her first trip overseas, and landed a coveted Versace gig in Milan.
What was your favourite show?
Chanel is an inspirational brand and I got to model with Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and many models I look up to.
What were your favourite trends?
The rocket-shaped Chanel clutch bag.
What was the best moment?
When I heard that I was confirmed for the Versace show in Milan.
From airports to bus stops, find out how our favourite supermodels got scouted here!
