R Magazine, Ex-TeenArt_Issue 1_Authenticity Mar. 2015 | Page 58

8. What experience models derive of their foray into the
world of fashion?
Foremost, they see themselves as normal people and accept their difference. The fashion shows restore
their trust and they, in turn, become ambassadors of fashion.

9. One of the themes of your shows focused on the search
for identity, does albinism make it more difficult to
ensure a sense of belonging?
The sense of belonging depends on where albinos are from. On the African continent, it’s the African
themselves who reject us because of our white colour. Consequently, some psychologically fragile albinos
develop identity issues. Black people reject us because we are white and white people reject us because we
have Negroid features. The most important, is to accept ourselves as we are and to love ourselves above all.

10. Beauty icons increasingly differ from the established
standard; modelling agencies are launching new faces
including Thando Hopa or Shaun Ross. Is it a fashion trend
or an awareness of our diversity?
It’s the latest fad. Modelling agencies primarily seek to diversify their work in order to meet the trend. Even
as albinos, it is necessary to meet all the criteria for the selection of a standard model otherwise agencies
will not hire us.

11. What impact does the success of these new figures
have on your organization?
No impact, models with albinism initially work only for themselves in order to earn a living. But the fact
that they manage to make a place in the world of fashion is a good thing because we are still a minority in
this sector.

ADRIENNE NTANKEU//SOCIETy