Its a dream for every model to catwalk at SA Mens Wear week ramp.
Jimmy Mhlanga (JM) who is regarded as one of the most handsome men in Bulawayo which is the second capital city of Zimbabwe shares to Bantu Magazine the experience that he had during the SA Menswear Fashion week held this year in February.
TR: Jimmy can you tell us who is Jimmy Mhlanga?
JM: Jimmy T Mhlanga is a 22-year-old man.born and raised in Bulawayo in a family of three boys. He’s the last born. He’s an ambitious and hungry young man.Focused on his life and a go-getter at anything he wants. He’s a Christian and a perfectionist.
TR: Why did you think of venturing into the modelling industry and how did you manage to be where you are today?
JM: It’s a really long story but I’ll try to cut it. I have a cousin sister who is a model. One day I was standing next to her and my aunt looked at us for quite a long time,, then started giving me tips on how to keep clean and (because of my height) encouraged me to join the industry and said I’ll do really well. I’ didn’t think I had it but because of my characteristics I grabbed the chance given to me by Clix clothing and Chantel Fraser (Zimbabwean designers) for my first show and i “I did well” according to them. I DIDN’T LOOK BACK FROM THEN*AND NOW LOOKING BACK,,, IT’S HUGE THANKS TO GILMORE TEE HUNNAR AGENCY AND AMANDA MUTANGADURA*FACE OF AM for further helping the dream and helping in a lot of modelling areas. which started as nothing but a mere thought and suggestion from my aunt.
TR: Can you state some of the fashion runways and modelling events you have participated as a model?
JM: House of WAL fashion show
Face of AM pageant (Which I won and became the face In 2017 from December 2016)
Zim fashion and Style Awards (which I became 2nd runner-up)
Edgars Charity show for homeless children (under Gilmore Tee
iFashion fest17 (under Gilmore tee
Model of the year Zimbabwe pageant
South African Mens Wear Week AW18, Cape town (under Gilmore Tee).
TR: A local magazine from your area listed you as one of the most handsome man in your city in Bulawayo.What did it mean to you?
JM: It really still means a whole lot to me, it shows how much recognition of this hard work I’m getting now. It’s always big being recognized at home before out there for sure. I’d say I’m probably in the right direction.
TR: Recently you participated at SA Men’s wear fashion week as a model.Kindly tell us how did you manage to be part of the Zim models team?
JM: I’m now under Gilmore Tee Moyo who was this year’s MC and Voice over at the show. He kindly slotted me in to represent Zimbabwe.
TR: Whose designs where you wearing during the show and what words can you use to describe the designs?
JM: I wore ,League of Rebels (USA),Arakani (Zimbabwe),
Kid Hunta (Zimbabwe),(Chuwlaap /Chusuwanapha(CHINA.
TR: How was your experience at SA Menswear week?
JM: It was a great experience to be honest. ‘HEAVENLY’.I got eye opened as to how the Modelling and fashion industry really is .As compared to what’s happening back at home .It’s huge out here.
TR: Back at your home, what do you think Fashion show organizers and models respectively can learn from SA Menswear fashion week?
JM: Fashion show organizers should actually be diverse and expand their relationships with the outside fashion world and put more heart and positivity into shows people here take the fashion world serious, however models of all race and ethnicity should be appreciated. Models, on the other hand, should be more professional. Be cleaner with more professional portfolios.
TR: Jimmy one trick question.SA fashion week was taking place at Capetown which is currently facing a water crisis.How did you guys manage to survive?
JM: To be honest media can make an ant turn into a giant.Yes, the water is low but it’s not really a crazy crisis. We were bathing twice a day (before and after shows) drinking water normally. Although there were alerts here and there that water should be used Wisely.
TR: From the Capetown Water Crisis what lessons did you learn?
JM: Nothing really to be honest.We’ve been through such situations at home way back in the past its nothing new.
TR: Lastly what is next from Jimmy.
JM: JIMMY IS Going BIG. ‘BELIEVE THAT’ When it comes to his work he’s choosing to be an introvert. Too much hating out here so it’s better ‘bezwe ngento ithi gqi’.
Facebook – Jimmy t Mhlanga
Instagram – Jimmy_t_Mhlanga
Email – Jimmymhlanga74@gmail.com
