Namibian agency jets in to find Zimbabwe’s next top model

THE local ramp business is set to get a dose of Namibian touch as modeling agency Jinels Models and Chico Fashions are set to scout for talent in Harare and Bulawayo.

In Harare, the search was conducted yesterday (Friday) at Robinson House while in Bulawayo, registration for models will be done tomorrow (Sunday) at Bliss Hair Salon.

Jinels Models, founded by Jenny Shipanga will join forces with Reason “Chico” Chiyangwa’s Chico Fashions for this expedition of the finest models within Zimbabwe so as to foster relations with their Namibian counterparts.

This marriage of fashion and pageantry dubbed, “The season of glamour and transformation” is a three months project running from October till December that will help models become the best version of themselves and jump-start their modelling career.

Saturday Leisure caught up with the brains behind the talent identification and nurturing drive, Chiyangwa and Shipanga who arrived in the country last Sunday.

“I am super excited to be here (in Zimbabwe). I’ve noticed that Zimbabwean models are so excited for this as well and all of this makes this worthwhile. So, last December, I brought seven of my Namibian models to take part in a fashion show and it just happened that Chico Fashions was showcasing at the show.

“As a fashion lover, I then thought of a fashion show with Chico in Namibia but at the same time with my observation from last year with the Zimbabwean models, I thought I’d first want to polish them more and get them involved in the fashion show. That’s when I spoke to Chico about, “The Season of Glamour and Transformation” came about,” shared Shipanga.

According to Shipanga, “The Season of Glamour and Transformation” will focus on turning Zimbabwean aspiring models into professional ones with focal point being on elegance and etiquette, and boosting confidence.

Shipanga also said short-listed candidates will then be taken through their paces with regards to elegance and etiquette lessons, catwalk and pageantry training, makeup lessons, personality upgrade, and promo training.

The initiative open to individuals within the seven to 30 years age range will culminate in a grand finale fashion show at the end of the first season of “Glamour and Transformation” followed by Season Two that will be taking place in Namibia as a reality television show.

Zimbabwe has been home to some of the finest models including Brita Masalethulini, Samantha Tshuma, Malaika Mashandu, Angeline Musasiwa, and Vanessa Sibanda.

Chiyangwa implored lovers of fashion and modelling to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Zimbabwe has a lot of promise in this business and we need to identify and nurture talent from a tender age. I urge both males and female to take part in this as we take pageantry to the next level. We are excited to be coming to Bulawayo to register models,” he said. –@MbuleloMpofu