Nyasha Matonhodze
It’s hard to believe that she’s only 16 and has been chosen as one of the new faces of Louis Vuitton. Let’s not forget that she’s been in Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and V magazine. Her resume goes on and on, not to mention she is ranked number 38 in the top 50 models category. Zimbabwe-born, English-bred model Nyasha Matonhodze is definitely not your average girl from the block.
Matonhodze was born and raised in Zimbabwe by her grandmother until she was 8-years-old.
“I was raised in a very cultural, traditional household. It’s very different to the British culture where my mom lived. I moved to England when I was eight, so I do still have memories of Zimbabwe – like falling asleep in the sand, bathing outside, the warmth of the sun and just the way of living,” she said.
She’s had an interest in modeling since she was 12, after watching America’s Next Top Model. When Matonhodze was 14, she went with her mother and stepfather to Elite modeling agency and asked if she could do some modeling. A week later, she was entered into a competition and the rest is pretty much history. She credits her mother, who was an 18-year-old single mother that went to live and work in London, as her inspiration. Also, she credits her father for teaching her the Christian way of life.
Nyasha Matonhodze for Louis Vuitton
Matonhodze has walked for various fashion houses and appeared in magazines since her recruitment into Elite in 2009. In November 2010, she was the feature in Wonderland magazine and walked for Louis Gray, Loewe, Jonathan Saunders, Ungaro, and Louis Vuitton. So far in 2011, she has walked for Halston, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ungaro, Loewe, and Louis Vuitton. Matonhodze proves that you have to have thick skin in this industry.
Nyasha Matonhodze for Topshop
“If you’re not strong-minded, modeling can knock your confidence quite harshly. Every day you’re judged on your looks, and more so today you’re judged on your personality,” she said.
Some of Matonhodze’s most recent campaigns include both Fall/Winter 2011 collections for Louis Vuitton and Topshop. This young lady definitely has a promising future in store for her.
