How to Become a Model at Joburg Fashion Week 2023

Model Casting Tips for Joburg Fashion Week 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Getting On The Joburg Fashion Week Runway 

AFI Insider

The 90s fashion trends are making a comeback, and so is the catwalk style that dominated that era. The days of models being mere anonymous mannequins are long gone. Today, models are celebrated for their unique personalities, diverse backgrounds, and influential presence on and off the runway.

At Cape Town Fashion Week 2023, we witnessed the power of the supermodels who have been dominating the African fashion scene for years. Avumile Qongqo, Jencey Foje, Matachley Salmon, Manyano Mahlakata, Tshepiso Ralehlathe, Jimi Owobo Ogunlaja, Noelle Graobe and Happy Jacqueline were among the stars who strutted their stuff on the catwalk. They not only brought glamour and charisma to the shows, but also motivated the new faces who shared the spotlight with them. 

Noelle Graobe, Tshepiso Ralehlathe and Matachley Salmon strutting their iconic walks at Cape Town Fashion Week 2023. They added gravitas to the model line-up and were a joy to watch as they walked down the runway. 

But enough about Cape Town. Let’s talk about Joburg. The city that never sleeps, the city that sets the trends, the city that hosts the most prestigious fashion week in Africa.

Joburg Fashion Week 2023 is happening from 08-12 November 2023 at the forum I campus and if you’re a model who wants to be part of this epic event, you need to know what it takes to impress the casting panel.  

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If you're hoping to be cast as a model at Joburg Fashion Week, you'll need to make a good impression on casting director Andiswa Manxiwa. 

The supermodel-turned-casting director and show producer, is known for taking being strict and wants models to be dedicated, hard-working and take direction well.  

In today's fast-paced fashion industry, models are often expected to hit the runway or pose for a photo shoot without any prior warning or preparation. It may look easy when you see the professional models do it, however without the proper guidance, models can easily become overwhelmed and make mistakes that could jeopardise their careers.  

“I just feel that the younger models today, are not ambitious as the older models used to be. They just think that if they look good, they will book the show. But they don’t actually understand what is expected of them, hence I feel like the standard of runway modelling is dropping because of that,” she said during an interview with AFI ahead of Joburg Fashion Week 2022.  

Ahead of the Joburg Fashion Week casting, we went back to our conversation with the model legend on what it takes for one to make an impression to model at any AFI Fashion Week.

CONFIDENCE 

Model, Cindy Lee Joseph walking down the runway at Kreyaan's show at Joburg Fashion Week 2019. She's a model who exudes confidence and always makes sure she makes an impact while on the runway. 

The runway at Joburg Fashion Week 2023  is set to be the biggest stage yet for an AFI fashion show and models need all the help they can get in order to stand out from the crowd. Confidence is key when walking into any casting call, but especially so for Joburg Fashion Week.

The panel is looking for models who are not only comfortable in their own skin but also have the ability to own the runway. It's important that models understand that they are there for a reason and that they have something special that casting directors are looking for. 

PERSONALITY

Model, Jencey Foje, during at the Malondie show at Cape Town Fashion Week 2023. She had the audience applauding because of how much she infused personality in her walk to make the garments unforgettable. 

As the world of fashion continues to evolve, the models who walk the runway have to keep up with the demands of the fashion industry.  

“What I have in mind is a model with personality. Most of the time models think that just because I’m tall and “leggy”, I’ll make it. But if you don’t have the right personality in the right proportions and the right attitude to sell the outfit, I can already tell from the casting. So, I am always looking for models who’ll carry the garments best,” says Manxiwa. 

PROFESSIONALISM 

Model, Millen Magese, at the David Tlale show during Joburg Fashion Week 2019. She has built her name as one of the most professional models and became a muse of many designers. 

Models need to be professional at all times. This means they should be punctual, have a positive attitude and be willing to work diligently to make sure the show comes together successfully. Casting directors look for models who are confident and can take direction well. Ask questions and know exactly what is expected of you.

“When I started modelling about 20 years ago, one of my favourite things was the runway. I immediately got into it and luckily, I was groomed by Jan Malan. He quickly taught me what a runway model should look like, and I immediately put my act together and I knew exactly what was expected of me.”

How to Become a Model at Joburg Fashion Week 2023

 

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For the first time in a long time, AFI will do an Open Model Casting for Joburg Fashion Week 2023. That means models or aspirant models, who are either not currently signed with an agency, or have never been signed with an agency, will have an equal opportunity to walk the runway at Joburg Fashion Week 2023.

On Thursday, September 21, AFI will hold a model casting for Joburg Fashion Week at the forum I campus in Bryanston, from 10h00 to 14h00.

If you think you've got what it takes, go ahead, and attend the Joburg Fashion Week casting – we might just see you strutting your stuff on the runway.

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