Letlole braves the modelling industry
Maureen Odubeng | Friday May 2, 2014 14:34
Letlole is the only male model representing Botswana in the Face of Southern African Designers Community (SADC) Fashion Week, billed for Harare, Zimbabwe in June.
While this will be his big break, the 20-year-old from Mankgodi is adamant that he can make it in the modelling industry. He is also hopeful that he will impress enough to clench the title of Face of SADC Fashion Week.
He said although this will be his first modelling assignment at professional level, he has worked with designers before. He feels he is ready to compete.
While he is passionate about modelling, he said, he did not set out to be one, explaining that people kept pushing him to try his hand at it.
He said his biggest inspiration is Teshwan Miller.
With a lot of support from friends and family, he explained that his mother leads the pack of believers that he can go far in the modelling industry.
He said a friend of his who has also been shortlisted for the Face of SADC Fashion Week, Refilwe Mosala encouraged him to enter.
Letlole is currently not registered with any agency. He is well aware that he needs to be careful and smart when entering a contractual agreement with an agency.
He said that he is open about being signed, but said that it has to be a legit agency, which can help him grow and build his brand.
He said he is aware that there are some people who make negative comments about male models, and paint certain stereotypes about them. Letlole explained he does not dwell too much on negativity.
“I am inspired to become one of the best models in the country, with plans of later penetrating the international market,” he said.
He added that his dream is to later become a global brand, with modelling opportunities on big stages, and being the face of big brands.
“I wouldn’t mind working in South Africa or America,” he said.
Letlole urged people to take modelling seriously, explaining that it is a career just like any other. He said that with determination and hard work, modelling can be rewarding.
Letlole said he appreciates the support he has gotten from people who voted him into the top 23 of the contest, urging Batswana to keep voting for him.
He aims to represent the country well at the fashion week. Voting for contestants is still open on the SADC Fashion Week Facebook page.
He is studying sign language at Botswana Society for the Deaf.