I Say NO to Fashion Rules (are there such things?) – Everyone can be a Model: Women’s Day Fashion Show (Hong Kong) Backstage

I do not reach the height of 175cm, but so what? I do not need to look up to the petite editor Myroslava Duma to feel better about myself either. The high-end fashion world, however, is full of contradictions. If you ask “America’s Next Top Modeljudges what makes a female supermodel, they will probably give you personality, individuality, uniqueness and more professional sounding clichés while still conforming to the same rigid impeccable standards of beauty same height (175cm or above), same body shape (skinnier than skinny) and same hairstyle (long silky straight) which are not meant to be subverted. Such beauty standards which are almost unattainable for most real women are good for nothing but fostering selfloathing which hurts self-esteem. Being one of the very few in fashion to advocate diversity of beauty, Hong Kong-based French-African designer Amina Lamarre Delafoulhouse, who has just recently named her brand The Original People Design, has always been enthusiastic and determined to carve out a niche against the norm. She took the opportunity of International Women’s Day to throw a fashion show seeking to empower women of different beauty types. Amina’s models were not to portray the fake ideal beauty image on stage, but to convey to every single female audience the concept of real, strong and powerful beauty coming from having our own style, living our own way and having our own mind and kick away those feelings of inadequacy and shame about our bodies, making them realize that each woman is beautiful in her own special way and deserves to be celebrated and respected. Who still needs to be a supermodel when in fact we can all be the heroines of our lives to rock our stage?

May every woman bloom; show the world your best. If I can, anyone can.

In many people’s eyes, a performance by an unprofessional model like me is nothing worth mentioning but I insisted on doing it the professional way because I have faith that if I seize every opportunity that comes my way, and take every assigned fashion task seriously, whether it be blogging or modeling, over time people will see my passion and my effort will pay off eventually.

Perfection is another word for fashion. What inspired me about modeling during this extraordinary experience was the pursuit of perfection through continuous improvement and an unwillingness to settle for second best. From the moment I walked out on stage, I reminded myself that I could show the guests only the best of myself despite the hectic and crazy backstage and the resultant inevitable stress and frustrations. Practice makes perfect is the ultimate solution to reaching perfection. My try at modeling (this was my third time walking the runway for Amina’s show) has left me with a longing for more chances to walk in fashion shows. Let’s keep them coming! I’m up for taking on a double role as blogger and model. The more exposure and insight the better, why not?!

For the sake of professionalism and pursuit of excellence (isn’t it the right way to work in fashion?), I seeked sponsorship from Angel Wong, the talented and creative make-up artist/designer and founder of Angel Wong Image who designed and hand made a few head-turning colorful headpieces to go with Amina’s exotic tribal collection rich in bold prints in addition to creating a fabulous makeup look and hairstyle for me, which let me steal the spotlight. I could not possibly do it without your support. Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude, appreciation and thanks for your sincere help, amazing Angel.

Call me an unprofessional professional fashion worker, you may say I do not really have the professional knowledge but my professional attitude counts! Follow your passion, rewards will come I share my uplifting spirit with those women who have been striving for recognition and self-realization. Lift your head up high, sisters!

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (1)

Braids are so hot right now! A combination of a celebrity braided hairstyle with wavy locks hanging down gracefully on one side embellished with a crystal floral tiara handcrafted by Angel gave me a sexy and gorgeous look to stun the runway.

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (2)

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (3)

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (4)

The hue Angel picked for my skin tone was spot on. Warm orange makeup perfectly highlighted my facial features and brightened up my skin.

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (5)

Angel Wong (right), make-up artist/designer and founder of Angel Wong Image and Tammy Lee (left), hair stylist at Angel Wong Image

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (6)

Angel hand made a few head-turning colorful headpieces including a whimsical tri-colored sphere headband decorated with a beautiful peacock feather and a Japanese style origami headband to go with Amina’s exotic tribal collection rich in bold prints.

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (7)

Women's Day Fashion Show Backstage (8)

In fact, this was my third time walking the runway for Amina’s show. Here below I showed you more of my backstage shots taken at the previous show before the Women’s Day fashion show.

African Fashion Show Backstage (1)

Make-up artist/hair stylist Vanilla W.

African Fashion Show Backstage (2)

African Fashion Show Backstage (3)

African Fashion Show Backstage (4)

African Fashion Show Backstage (5)

Vanilla’s three steps to get me ready to go on stage: did a purple smokey eye, then applied red lipstick and weaved braids; ladies, don’t underestimate yourself. If I can, you can!

African Fashion Show Backstage (6)

African Fashion Show Backstage (7)

African Fashion Show Backstage (8)

La Mode by GV Miao

My complete runway album and videos are coming soon, please stay tuned for the next post.

2 Responses to I Say NO to Fashion Rules (are there such things?) – Everyone can be a Model: Women’s Day Fashion Show (Hong Kong) Backstage

    • Hi Carsla,
      It just makes life more meaningful to be able to share my belief and value with someone on the same wavelength such as yourself ^_^ I’ll put up the full runway album plus videos in my next post soon. Hope you’ll like it 🙂 Let’s stay in touch xoxo

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