Instead of just writing one big article on the models of 2014 (which I will do), I thought it would be interesting to really delve into the lives of each of the models that I think are the best in the local industry.
One of the girls I've really enjoyed working with is Nadia Souchon, for the PEOPLE: IN FASHION show last year. There is an elegant simplicity about her, a pure, cool wave of being. Down to earth and meticulously professional, she is everybody's sweetheart. She hails from Zimbabwe, where she lived for nine years before moving to South Africa and then to Mauritius in 2009, and has since worked with the best members of our local industry.
Nadia Souchon for Cedric Lanappe's Pigmentation (2013)
Photo: Karen Pang
Modelling was never something she thought she would be doing, however. " I arrived in Mauritius when I was 15, and I never would have dreamed or thought that I would be given such amazing opportunities that I have been. I’m still a student, doing this part-time has been a bit of a challenge but it’s well worth it! It still seems surreal to me, to think that I’ve featured in “ad-campaigns” like body and soul, Newgen, Cashmere Polo Club Mauritius, Ogem Couture and a fairly new company that is in partnership with Swarovski."
Newgen 2013 Campaign
Photo: Chloé Ip
When and why did you start getting involved in modelling? Was it difficult, as an expatriate, to easily integrate the Mauritian fashion community?
I started when I was 16, but I only really started “making a name for myself” at 17, I think. My first photoshoot was done by my sister who is a photographer in SA, we really weren’t taking it seriously but I sent those photos to Gold Models who I started working with on and off. My “big break” you could say was when I was contacted by Khatleen Minerve, Brian Dean and Karen Pang, they were doing a project to discover new faces. I can’t thank them enough, because after that was when it all started.
OGEM Jewellery Campaign.
Photo: Karen Pang
To be absolutely honest, I did find it quite difficult because English is my first language and most people here don’t speak it as voluntarily as French, but now I’ve come to a point where I can both understand and speak the language and I must say it is a lot easier. Besides that, I am very shy by nature but Mauritius really defies most of the stereotypes concerned with the fashion industry, to this day I haven’t faced a situation of “sassy models” or “cliques”, the photographers, models and teams are very supportive.
What is your opinion on the Mauritian fashion industry?
On the cover of Lifestyle Magazine, styled by Anne-lise Ramooloo.
Photo: Sachin Sagar
Like I said, Mauritius defies most of what people expect the fashion industry to be, at least that’s what I have witnessed. I still haven’t quite figured out if that is a good thing or not, but what I really would love to see is girls sticking to a brand, more editorial fashion. I think Mauritians need to open their eyes a little wider and continue to embrace the weirder side of fashion.
She has one of the most beautifully toned bodies on the island, so obviously I had to ask her how she maintains it.
Photo: Chloé Ip
I don’t fit the international requirements for modelling and I’ll be the first to admit it (she is shorter than the requirements, at 1m.65, but is so versatile and talented that it ceases to matter). I try my best to go to the gym 3 times a week. I hate cardio which I know I shouldn’t admit to, but I concentrate on toning and forcing myself to run 20 minutes each session. My eating habits are quite strict, I will only have carbs once a day, either for breakfast or lunch, never dinner, and I drink 2 litres of water a day. I try live a healthy lifestyle, but I do believe we’re allowed one cheat day a week! Haha. If I could give anyone a tip concerning skin care or cosmetics, LUSH beauty products are to die for!
What are your plans for the next five years?
Photo: Julian Morales Meletti in collaboration with Swarovski
At the moment I’m still at school, I’ll be writing my International Baccalaureate in November and after that I’m looking into studying Law or International Relations. As for modelling I don’t want to pursue it professionally but I have already looked into signing with an agency in South Africa and working part-time, just like I do now. Not so much runway, but more the other side of things. I love fashion and I love modelling so I thought why not give it another chance while I’m there?
xoxo
Alex
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email: stylemauritius@live.com
