Model enjoys UK runway exposure

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The local modelling sector might not be as vibrant as it used to be, but over the years it has produced some gems.

Elegant Fungai Charlene Majaya happens to be one of the industry’s unheralded success stories.

Her mother cast her on the runway at the age of 11 after detecting her love for modelling.

Now at 31, the model has graced local, regional and international runways where she raised the country’s flag – earning titles like the 2013 SADC Fashion Week Ambassador.

“I have always had a passion for modelling. I grew up in Harare and went to Hellenic Primary School and Peterhouse Girls School. I studied human resources at tertiary level in the UK.

“I did a deportment course in grooming and modelling – participating in runway shows in the UK always as a freelance agent,” she said.

Towering at a height of 1,73 metres, the chocolate-skinned model oozed confidence when she spoke.

Experience has been her best teacher and after seeing the best of both worlds she still believes the local modelling sector has what it takes to reclaim lost glory.

“Well, we are growing in the country and (platforms like) Zimbabwe Fashion International under Priscilla Chigariro are on the rise to provide international standards.

“This requires not compromising on criteria like height, weight and walk. In the UK, there’s fierce competition and there is a market for models. Designers are in abundance, and so is work, unlike in our country,” she said.

She added that while locals lack the financial muscle to push the sector further, they had the upper hand in terms of the vital untapped talent that was vast. Nonetheless Majaya said there was need to maintain professionalism as models were supposed to put their house in order to attract sponsors.

She spoke of keeping model “tools box” in line with a professional portfolio.

“It is true that modelling does not pay, so we need support from our community to through sponsorship and showing interest in our local designers and models to be housed in our fashion houses,” she said.

She also highlighted the need to recognise exceptional models through awards.