In the western modeling industry, there are several types of fashion models. Ex-fashion model Roshumba Williams in her book , “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being a Model” helped us tag some of these commonly known models: Amazon (Cindy Crawford, the late Naomi Simms), Classic beauties(Christy Turlington, Beverly Johnson), Barbie dolls ( Claudia Schiffer), Chameleons (Naomi Campbell), exotic beauties (Iman), the oddballs (Kate Moss) and athletic girl next door (Gabrielle Reese).
Nigeria like the USA and Europe has produced almost all of these model types. In this article, we focus on the Nigerian Amazon model. Why do you care to know? The answer is when you know what kind of model look you have, you can pursue the right opportunities and significantly increase your chance of booking a model gig.
Amazon Models: Amazon models typically in the modeling industry are often 6ft and above. They are strong, small-medium sized bones, have chiseled facial structures and whether its at a photoshoot or on the runway, they command your attention.
Who are examples of Nigerian Amazon models? The popular ones for an easy reference are Supermodels Oluchi and Funmi Alaiyemola. Nigerian Supermodel Bisi Sowemimo could also fall into the Amazon category although has more of a flexibility to be categorized into the exotic model category which we will talk about in future. Yours truly could also fall into that category but like Bisi can also be in the exotic category.
What kinds of gigs are strong for Amazon models? Runway and editorials. Amazon models will make you, when flipping through a fashion magazine, STOP and take a second look. They are fierce. Example is Oluchi on the cover of Surface Magazine, Funmi on cover of Elle South Africa, Oluchi’s editorial spread in the recent issue of Arise Magazine and the list goes on.
So, are you an Amazon model? If so, now you know what kinds of gigs to pursue but at the end of the day, it is just a way of understanding your body type and look so do not limit yourself!
~Uduak Oduok
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
this is a timely article…….. Uduak, keep it coming!
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