Golden Chance for Zimbabwean models

A number of local models might break onto the international scene through an initiative by United States-based model Yolanda Yona, who is linking beauty queens with top agencies from the US and France. Popularly known as Nana Simz, the model is currently in the country for the first casting session that will be held shortly before the Zimbabwe Fashion week at Harare City Library on September 27.

One of the agencies that will engage local models is Ford Models of New York.

"The initiative came upon the realisation that our country does not have many international models despite having beautiful people.  With this platform, I'm aiming to sign them with top agencies in the US and Paris," she said.

Nana Simz, is a renowned model in her right whose name has grown while in Ukraine before her recent move to the US.

She is now using her contacts in the trade to link fellow Zimbabwean models who wish to take up international runway modelling despite race and background.

With her partners from the Zimbabwe Fashion Week, they are looking for models who are aged between 13 to 25 and are over 1,65 metres tall.

"One does not need any experience but simply striking runway model features. Both male and female aspiring models are welcome to try out. The ones that would have made it will have their portfolios sent to the agencies abroad and if they impress then arrangements are made to travel to the agencies," she said.

Nana Simz has assured interested people that their project was above board as they were free to cross check references.

"My job as a scout is to identify the people that have potential and agencies interested will contact models and make travel arrangements. They are welcome to check with local embassies if the agencies are legit. If one is still in school they can be rest assured that they can still proceed with their education overseas as their agencies will facilitate it," she said.