New pageant, Supermodel Zimbabwe launched

A new pageant, Supermodel Zimbabwe, has been introduced with its first round of auditions scheduled to take place in Bulawayo on Saturday. The auditions will be held at Cotton Kraal, starting at 10am, with those having no modelling experience set to be trained.

Supermodel Zimbabwe was officially launched in Harare last month and focuses on honing the beauty, talent, and personalities that can be showcased at a world-class standard. Talent will be identified across the nation regardless of race, background, size, or age as a contribution to building the fashion design industry. The grand finale is scheduled for March 1, 2025.

In an interview, Paidamoyo Chideya, the pageant’s chief executive officer, revealed that they are not particularly looking for beauty, but rather, models who can represent international brands. “The competition is not about beauty. We want to see all shapes, colours, and sizes, even the curvy ones. We are not looking for a beauty queen.

We’re looking for supermodels who’ll be offered contracts with international modelling agencies to pursue careers in modelling. Models who can represent international brands,” she said. “International models earn up to six-figure salaries. Beauty queens do not earn salaries; they do not represent big brands, and they do not walk fashion runways.”

Chideya said the pageant is open to anyone who is above 16 years of age. “Contestants who are under 175cm for ladies and 180cm for gents will be put forward to the Face of Supermodel as a photographic model. The contest is open to both genders, and there are no specific academic qualifications needed. We do not have any other requirements,” she said.

Chideya further explained that winners will receive brand ambassador contracts among other benefits. “Supermodel is a competition where winners will get international contracts and opportunities with prizes from our big brands. The winners will also be offered contracts with international modelling agencies and get a chance to start a career in modelling. Additionally, they will receive brand ambassador contracts.” Those attending auditions are expected to wear black clothing.

“We expect everyone to wear black — black trousers and a black top with heels. Nice hair and minimal makeup. Gentlemen should not come in shorts, slippers, or sliders. Contestants are to bring proof of identification such as a birth certificate, national ID, or passport,” she added.
Chideya also mentioned that those who miss the opportunity to model in their town can still send their entries online. “All contestants will participate free of charge,” she said.

Ultimately, about 20 finalists will be selected and signed by the Supermodel agency to work with international brands and agencies. Other than modelling, the event seeks to highlight and showcase Zimbabwe’s diverse talent in various fields such as film, skill training programmes, fashion design, makeup artistry, photography, and more. “Additionally, it aims to promote the ‘Wear Zimbabwe’ campaign, which encourages wearing locally-made clothing and supporting the Zimbabwe fashion design industry.”