dyton mupawaenda
Bonang Matheba shimmered like a disco ball on the Paris Fashion Week catwalk and she is exclusively spilling the deets of what she is calling one of the biggest moments of her 20-year career.
Matheba was one of the A-listers who strutted on the runway for the latest “Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris” showcase, with the iconic Eiffel Tower serving as the picturesque backdrop.
Joining Matheba were Thuso Mbedu, Viola Davis, Kendall Jenner, Helen Mirren, Elle Fanning, Camila Cabello, Katherine Langford, Yseult, Aja Naomi King, Andie MacDowell, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Coco Rocha, Liya Kebede, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Eva Longoria. Speaking to Sowetan on Monday morning, just before taking a lab tour with the global cosmetic giant, the former SMag cover star could not contain her excitement about the night before and was still pinching herself.
“I have been in this career for 20 years, and 20 years into my career to have one of the biggest moments happen for me signifies longevity, hard work, perseverance and just being present and consistent,” Matheba said.
“It also means allowing yourself to experience, grow and challenge yourself. When I was approached by L’Oréal it was a no brainer to be at Paris Fashion Week and sharing the runway with the biggest names in entertainment.
“It’s confirmation that hard work, staying and running the race comes with benefits. I’m so proud of myself and this is one of the biggest moments of my career.”
Matheba was offered the opportunity when she hosted Miss SA in August, as L’Oréal was one of the sponsors for the pageant. Reigning Miss SA Natasha Joubert has also been spotted out and about during Paris Fashion Week.
“It was a big yes, I packed my bags, got my visa ready and I got on a flight,” Mathebe said.
“These are the kind of things you can’t even plan or manifest. Because never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this ever happening to me. You couldn’t even dream of it. You couldn’t even put it on a mood board.”
The biggest memory Mathebe will cherish for years to come is the moments that were not captured on camera.
“It’s the moments that people didn’t see backstage. Having conversations with Aishwarya Rai and Eva Longoria, them just speaking to you like you are their friend,” she said. — sowetan
Online Reporter