Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Yeharerwerk Gashaw became an inspirational figure for many young models. Yeharerwerk Gashaw is the first international model from Ethiopia.

We are celebrating February, Black History Month.
 Yeharerwerk Gashaw,Anna Getahun, Liya Kebede, Gelila Bekele, Estifanos Berta-Samuel,Sarah Nuru of Ethiopia are part of black history in America!Part 1

Posted by Norma Smith
The following historical report on Ethiopian models is a courtesy of "http://www.thereporterethiopia.com
 Go to link:
http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/pre-en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=933:ethiopian-supermodels-shine-in-global-arena&catid=115:fashion&Itemid=531http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/pre-en/index.php?
The reporter

Ethiopian supermodels shine in global arena


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By Biruk Geberemedhin


Fashion modeling is considered by many as the most prestigious class of the modeling industry, with many fashion models having achieved international celebrity status.
 
Fashion shows can be grueling, and many young women have trouble coping with the pressure related to the industry and the high standards that it demands. Growing up an orphan in her native Ethiopia, Yeharerwerk Gashaw became an inspirational figure for many young models who dreamed of reaching the maximum level. Her efforts have been a shining light for young Ethiopian models who are aiming for similar achievements. Liya Kebede is one of them.

Liya, a young Ethiopian supermodel, designer, social activist and actress has become one of the most revered models in the world as well as being one of the best paid, according to Forbes Magazine.

Liya was born and raised in Addis Ababa. After completing her studies she moved to France to pursue her modeling career which later took her on to New York. She has remarked that “the modeling industry in Ethiopia is quite different from other catwalks around the world” - on which she is now ever-present.

Liya’s new style range Lemlem has, since 2008, been a hit in numerous boutique shops. Currently she is also acting as a good will Ambassador for the WHO on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

In 2009 Sarah Nuru was crowned Germany’s Next TopModel, out of 21,000 contestants. To claim the coveted title she had to outshine a whole montage of up-and-coming models. The modest 19-year-old from Munich - whose parents emigrated from Ethiopia in the 1980’s - earned herself the nickname “Sunshine” while competing for this prestigious award.

“The title is a great door-opener but I will not lay back and enjoy the title. I have a great chance to make the very best of my situation. Since the day I became Germany’s next Top-model, I worked day and night and really enjoyed my new life as a model! That’s how I imagined it” said Sara.

“It is quite difficult to predict a career, but I have a reliable agency and already great jobs and four big campaigns to work for. Of course, it is desirable for every model to be successful in the international modeling industry but I am someone who is down to earth and I of course will work hard and be calm and serene in attending to my ways” Sara added.

Yordanos Teshager was the second runner-up for Miss World Ethiopia in 2004, and a semi-finalist for the Nokia Face of Africa in 2005. She was an unknown when a scout saw her walking outside the agency and took her upstairs, where her life as a supermodel began.

At present, Yordanos is an Ethiopian supermodel who has built herself an impressive résumé in a short time. Just recently she was referred to as one of the freshest new faces on the modeling scene, and now regularly does runways, advertisements, and magazine covers.

Estifanos Berta-Samuel, an Ethiopian male supermodel and attire stylist, lives in South Africa where he pursues his career in modeling. Being multi-talented he has also landed roles in TV and film production.

Born in the US, Estifanos studied Communication at Howard University, Wahington DC. In his ten years of modeling experience he has learnt that confidence is crucial. In his latest interview with Cosmos Magazine Estafanos said: “search within yourself for the truth through your own way. Allow God to reveal himself to you, towards unique purpose in life.”

Gete Haile a.k.a. Maya, is another rising Ethiopian supermodel on the international scene. During her early days, she loved reading Fashion magazines. At the age 12 she moved to Holland where her modeling career began.

One beautiful morning she was spotted by a modeling agency while she shopped in a mall. That same day she signed her first contract for First Professional Modeling, in Paris. Modeling is definitely Maya’s career of choice and she has studied the business with absolute dedication, spending time in Paris and Boston, USA.

At present, she is one of the world’s most sought after models and she earns good money. Maya claims that “to be successful a model needs discipline, confidence, good looks and luck.”

The fashion modeling industry is not open to everyone; with its strict height, weight and age requirements. Anastasia Halldin, in her new book How to be a Successful Model, emphasizes that “if you really want to be a supermodel, you are likely to eventually find your niche in that business. “And remember,” said Anastasia “…the most important qualities that make a good model, regardless of the category she or he chooses to work in, are confidence, patience, persistence, and punctuality.”