Hair & Fashion

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African Australian model Abang Othow ; Former Miss Australia Nalishebo Gaskell ; Supermodel Liya Kebede ; Sudanese Australian model Akuol Diing ; African Australian model Yemma Christine ; Treatment for dry hair ; South African fashion 06

Iman's Beauty Tips at Your FingerTips   Posted Nov 2007

Who can forget the stunning face of supermodel 'Iman', born in Somalia, and 'discovered' in the 1970s by a photographer, while she was studying political science at the University of Nairobi in Kenya?... The following years saw her propelled into a whirlwind modelling career in the USA, going onto become one of the most successful black models and stars in the world. She famously married musician/actor David Bowie, and by the early 1990s started her own cosmetic range for women of colour. Now the ever beautiful Iman has released The Beauty of Color (Colour) a wonderful, full-colour make-up and beauty guide that includes great advice on skin, eyes, lips, cheeks, special looks, as well as photo profiles on style icons such as Liya Kebede, Kiara Kabikuru, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys and many more! The book is one of the first to address women across the spectrum, including Latina, black, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Native American.

Iman's 'The Beauty of Color' is now available in Australia from AfricanOz Shop

For more about Iman, see Iman's cosmetics website

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

PROFILE:   A chat with model Yemma Christine

We had a chat with African Australian model Yemma Christine. For Yemma 'making it' in Australia has been not just about learning how to survive in the competitive modelling industry, but about remaining true to her roots and studying for a secure future.

Yemma Christine, originally from Congo, has seen a big transformation in Australian modelling in recent years - with girls of diverse backgrounds becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.
According to Yemma, "When I first started modeling in Australia in 1997, I was the only black (African) model on the catwalk… Then in 2000 I finally saw more black girls in the modeling industry - it was a very exciting time because we have so much to contribute to Australia."

[Continued from front page]

Despite this, Yemma concedes there are still many challenges facing 'coloured' models in Australia. Some models look for work abroad in New York or London where there is a higher demand for models of African background. Others need to work in different industries to supplement their income.

Some, like Yemma, choose to study. She is now doing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. "I love modeling," she says, "but I need to build a career in IT to fall back on in the future."

She also spends her time helping new arrivals settle into Australia - a subject passionate to her since her own difficult transition in 1997. Sponsored by her older brother, she arrived in Australia while still in high school. Even at this age, she had the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings while trying to complete her Year 12 and adjust to life in a new country. "It was quite difficult to adjust to the Australian culture," admits Yemma, "The culture here is totally different to the one we have in DRC. It was difficult shopping and finding where to get things for my younger brother and sister.

"Without enough information, new arrivals face challenges in where to get things such as clothes and food – all these challenges make it hard for them to enjoy the beauty of Australia," she says.

But luckily for Yemma (who grew up speaking French) she had learnt basic English in Kinshasa, enabling her to get by on her language skills. She also soon found her naturally tall, slim figure attracting the attention of fashion photographers and agents. This was a surprise for Yemma - who had grown up in a country where shorter, plumper women were valued as 'more attractive'.

Her 'lucky break' followed a chance meeting with a fashion photographer while she was out exploring Sydney's exclusive Double Bay area.
"Excuse me, are you a model?" the photographer asked.
"No," said Yemma.
"Well, you look like one. Let me see you walk."

Yemma walked. And from there it was just a few short steps to a local modeling agency, who were similarly impressed by her striking appearance. One of her first catwalk jobs was for designer Susie Mooradoof. But it wasn't all uphill. Yemma had some intensive training ahead of her – She worked in many shows for free in her first couple of years to gain the 'personality' and 'experience' required for the competitive world of modelling. Eventually, she landed a job in France for leading designer Gucci. In Australia she modeled for Chanel, Tigerlily, Akira Isogawa, Morrissey & DKNY. She now works with the Platform modelling agency in Sydney.

Yemma hopes to use her experience as a model to help promote African models to the world – an ambition that has already seen her meet with representatives in New York and other locations. Ultimately, Yemma hopes, people will realize the untapped modeling talent in Africa, a discovery that will benefit both the West and Africa.

In addition to promoting African modelling, Yemma saves hard to assist her family and others in her homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo. "My mind belongs to the children in Africa," she says. "When I finish my studies I'd like to return to Africa and teach other Congolese how to use and repair computers."

So, for Yemma, like many African Australian models and performers, 'making it' is as much about remembering her roots and doing good for others, as it is about personal achievement.

You can email Yemma at yemmachristine@yahoo.com

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Now available in Australia

AFRICAN HAIR LINKS

African Hair - useful site with tips, gallery, articles on African hair care

Black Hair Media - tips, styling, how tos & more.

Braids & Weaves - Looking after the health of hair & skin

links, methods, info

Shaving Avoid razor bumps, for men

Link here for listings of

AFRICAN HAIRDRESSERS
IN AUSTRALIA

Hairdressers, salons, braids, dreadlocks, extensions & more

AFROZ HAIR with Lidiya

Some Traditional African Hair Treatments
Nowadays there are a range of commercial products available to treat very dry hair or scalp. But there are also some natural formulas in use across Africa. The ingredients are rubbed into the hair, scalp and roots, wrapped under a shower cap and/or towel and left overnight or for several hours. They tend to work best if done once a week, just before shampooing/washing the hair.

- Pure olive oil is sometimes used as a good all-round treatment for the hair and scalp and can be left on overnight or for several hours.

- Egg and avacado is a nice treatment for softer African hair. Take one soft avacado, mush it up into a paste. Add the egg (both yolk and white) and beat it until creamy. Rub it over the hair and scalp and wrap it in plastic. Yes, it can be tough to wash out, but usually worth the effort! Egg is also great on its own. And the avacado paste makes a nice reviving face mask.

- In the African Horn region, women swear by the qualities of naturally made butter to provide nutrients and moisture for the hair and scalp. Although a little pungent on the nostrils, it is very effective when smeared generously over the hair and scalp and left under hot towels! But generally this is best left to the experts in Africa!

PROFILE:   Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede

It is almost two years since stunning 25-year-old Ethiopian model Liya Kebede was named the newest face of cosmetic giant Estée Lauder – joining Carolyn Murphy and Elizabeth Hurley in a universal ‘model trio’.

Liya was raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She was studying at French school when she was 'discovered' by a film director who introduced her to a French modelling agent. After finishing her studies, Liya joined an agency in France. She then moved onto New York where American Vogue named her as part of the city’s fashion elite.

Since her rise to fame, Liya has been on the covers of over 30 magazines including French Vogue, Italian Vogue, and V Magazine, and has been photographed by some of the world’s top photographers such as Ines van Lamsweede and Vinoodh, Steven Meisel, Mikael Janssen, and Bruce Weber. She walked the runways for over 40 of the Spring ’04 fashion shows for designers such as Ocsar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Narcisco Rodriguez, Michael Kors, Missoni, Gucci, Chloe, Fendi and Yves Saint Laurent.

Aerin Lauder, Vice President of Global Advertising Estée says Liya has a global appeal of interest to all ages and cultures: “Liya defines modern beauty," she says.