Remember the Fashion Photography Contest last year? The incredibly talented Max Anish Gowriah won ( I posted about it here). I remember seeing those images, revelling in the brilliance of them, and also wondering who is that girl? Why haven't I seen her before?
I introduced her as Mercy (her real name), though she goes by professionally as Sheliz.
Sheliz Wambui, from Kenya, is Mauritius' great addition to the modelling industry, bringing it up to a whole new standard. She has everything - the measurements, the height, and such ethereal grace in her pose, such power in her facial expressions. This is the model of 2012/2013.
Campaign for Obann, by Anastasia Ramlall
Photographer: Kunal Jankee
Assistant Photographer: Arvind Mattadeen
Stylist: Anastasia Ramlall
Make-up: Nadia de Robillard
The movement, the expression - radiating power - look at her face. It's like she embodies the spirit of the clothes and transcends them at the same time, she looks divine. She imbues the clothes and the campaigns with incredible energy.
Campaign: Perry Ah Why (Mauritian born designer established in Paris)
Photographer: Julien Venner (Pixel In the Box)
Sheliz Wambui was born and raised in Central Province, Kenya, twenty-six years ago.
So how did she get to Mauritius? Well lucky for us, she got married and relocated here in January 2012!
Sheliz has been modelling since July 2012 and has been an instant hit with designers and photographers, who understood immediately that she could lend enormous power to their work.
That, and from what I've understood from our email exchanges, she has been such a hit because she is an absolute sweetheart. Not in the slightest way a diva. The best type of model.
She has modelled for BeeJoos, Lionnet Fauzou, Obann, Perry Ah Why, Sanjeet Boolell amongst others, as you will see from the photos below.
She describes her life as a model in Mauritius so far as "amazing" - back home, she only used to do photoshoots, whereas here she also walks down the runway.
"I have been able to interact with different kinds of people from all walks of life, adjusting to different cultures, and staying away from home has taught me new things. Modelling in Mauritius has shaped and sharpened my career, and I’ll always be grateful for the new experience. Mauritians are lovely and their hospitality is great, even though I am miles away from home I have this feeling that this is my home too, and I’ll never regret coming here."
I told you she was a sweetheart.
Her plans for the future are to continue modelling, and to work internationally: "I know I have what it takes." There can be no doubt about that.
This is one of the photos taken by Max Gowriah for the Fashion Photography Contest:
Measurements:
Height: 1m75
Bust: 85cm
Waist: 62cm
Hips: 92cm
BeeJoos Campaign
Photographer: Kunal Jankee
Fashion Show for the opening of Festival Opera Mauritius.
Photos: Fabien Dubessay
Outfit created by Anne-lise Wong and Heidi Mucktoom
Outfit created by Insheera Ramjan
In Essentielle Magazine
Fashion House Campaign
In'Am by Llup Campaign "Sous Le Soleil Exactement"
Photographer: Kunal Jankee
Campaign for Lionnet & Fauzou
Photographer: Julien Venner
Campaign for Nokia 808 Pureview
Photographer: Kunal Jankee
Sanjeet Boolell: Aurora Borealis Fashion Show
Photographer: Fabien Dubessay
I let the pictures talk for themselves. I'm sure you understand how valuable she is to Mauritius - she will push the work produced up to a whole new level.
Talking about a whole new level, Raquel Rault has never looked as good as she has in the latest issue of Lifestyle. Shot by Sachin Sagar at Eureka, and styled by Laurent Theveneau, this is the best she has ever looked and probably ever modelled. Laurent excellently produced mood, depth and feeling in these photos which are flooded with sensuality - perfectly styled. The content of Lifestyle Magazine has improved tremendously since he joined the team as fashion editor.
And that's it for Mauritian fashion for this week! I'll probably be posting on Tuesday too, so watch out for that.
Finally, to all the Durham students out there, you should seriously buy one of Katja Garson's origami paper cranes - they bring good luck, and are such a beautiful addition to anyone's room! The proceeds will go to fund her charity trip to India. There are also other intricate origami pieces you can find here.
xoxo
Alex
Email: Stylemauritius@live.com
