Modelland: Audrey the Runway Queen

Audrey is a runway queen. When she steps on the runway, she owns it and walks like its all she depends on. With the longest most beautiful legs and a body to die for, she’s one of the most sought after runway models in Kampala. She has walked for almost every local designer; done work with Navio; shot ads for Sylvia Owori and has her eyes on Mercedes Benz fashion week.

We had a chat with her on life modeling and making money.

With the kind of body you have I wonder why you wear clothes. Why hide it in those jeans?

LOL!!! I’ve never had a photographer or designer ask me that. But I think I would do a net or a sheer rather than walk down right nude. Its better to give an idea and people keep people guessing.

When did u find out that you could make a good model?

I found out that my height was good for modelling when I was around 13. Then I started to aspire at that time but I only realized I could make a good model at around 17. I started like everybody else – school shows and stuff like that.

In terms of poise and catwalk . Modeling is a whole package. It is more than just height. It is about how you captivate the audience and sell the clothes. This is by how you walk .

Did you learn this? u seem to have your own style. Models such as Cara delevigne and Naomi Campbell have signature walks too.

I’ll tell you what worked for me. I watched a cat walk. The first time I truly understood where the term catwalk stems from. And I got to see the catwalk in it’s un altered style.I copied. lol

I was 14 then. But I learnt to apply it and add on a few of my own stunts. A lot of my walk reflects part of my personality. Its who I am.

Sylvia Owori’s ads

When did u first make money off this cat walking?

The first time I ever got paid about was 3 4 years ago. It was exciting seeing money come out of what I really loved.

Tell me about the pay? how good is the business here in Uganda?

It depends on how frequent you get gigs and the kind of gigs you get. Commercial or catwalk. If a model does commercials and Billboard ads frequently in a year. That means good money. If she does only catwalk , it may not be the same…

More money is in the promotions, billboards ,videos and commercials. With catwalk, our designer base is still multiplying..hopefully there will be a time when a model can have 4 runway shows in a day..or more. Most models supplement their income as getting the gigs can be kinda unpredictable

What could be the problem with the modelling industry is there is any?

It is attitude of the general public towards modelling. Most people do not regard it as a profession. Its only done for fun and as a hobby. This has made professionalizing the industry very difficult..

And also modelling is associated to bad behaviour. Stigma is the the word. So many would be models don’t join the industry for fear of society stigma. Modelling is associated with things like prostitution and stripping and the like. The image is not that good.

Is your family supporting you and your profession?

My mum is! My brothers and the rest of the family. It’s when I joined that she told me how she had wanted to be a model when she was younger. I guess that helps a lot.

With the longest most beautiful legs and a body to die for, she’s one of the most sought after runway models in Kampala.

I guess your mother is hot!

Very..still is…!!! She looks 40 yet shes 53 and has no wrinkles.

So going back to work.. do you have a side job? If so what is it?

I’m an Assistant Manager at Wind Wood Apartments, in Bugolobi. Most modelling gigs are at night and on weekends…so that takes into my off work hours..

In a situation where an opportunity that involves Louis Vuitton comes and they ask u to pose with pythons or take nude shots. What do you do?

I am sure their nude photos would be look able. I would definitely. It’s Louis Vuitton we are talking about. Still wit the pythons I would play with them if work dictates that. I even find their noses cute so the python and I would get a long so easily.

What are your future prospects?

mhmhm. That is like asking what is the number of stars are in the sky? Be BIGG Be BIIGG Be BIGGG..!!! That’s iit… Make a name for myself in Fashion…!!

What agency are you signed to?

I worked Free lance for sometime before I joined Joram Model Management. Joram is one of the people who have made me who I am today.

What are some of the biggest projects you’ve worked on?

I’ve worked with Stella Atal, Xenson, Mustafa Hassanali. I have worked with Sylvia Owori, Radio and Weasel, Navio and many more. However the biggest catwalk shows have been Forever Love by Sylvia Owori and Mustafa Hassanali’s show.Then Navio’s cover shoots for his latest Album.

audrey5

Doing her thing

Please tell us 10 things people do not know about you.

I have to know what the y know about me first..LOL

I love cats,

I sing…and compose music.

I sometimes use my left hand.

I am sensitive. I hate to see people suffer

I love with all my Heart.

I value my friends very much

I don’t like taking people for Granted

Most people think I am sooo tough but its the opposite.

I dislike mean people.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I like a mix.. edgy and calm..R n B, Rock, Reggae and on the calmer side…ENYA uhmm…West African music..Ismael Lo , Youssr Ndour. Dido. Oliver Mtukudzi and the like..Not forgetting Our UG Beats…lol!!!

I love Good lyfe and Cindy…(she just has this…uhmhmphh about her that makes me dance myself to sleep)

Dance to sleep, interesting. In that case I have to let you go. Thanks for making time for us.

My pleasure. I love your blog to bits. I’m your number one fan.

Photo Credit: Giulio Molfese/ Photo4Fashion & Sylvia Owori’s facebook page

sastisfashionug@gmail.com