Iman & Oluchi to judge M-Net Face Of Africa 2010 finale

Staff Writer | Tuesday February 2, 2010 00:00

 

She will share the enviable task of selecting Africa's next catwalk superstar with a team of experienced judges from across the continent, including inaugural Face of Africa winner Oluchi.

Iman began her career in 1975 as a model. The daughter of an African diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. She studied political science at Nairobi University where she was discovered by legendary photographer Peter Beard.She is muse to fashion designers including YVES. St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. During her 14 years as a model, she worked with top photographers Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Annie Liebovitz.

Iman is founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances, a beauty company that created the first cosmetics and skincare collection designed for women of all skin colours. IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances are sold throughout the world including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom (UK), France, Brazil, Africa and Caribbean countries. In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including The Childrens Defence Fund, For all Kids Foundation, and Action Against Hunger.

Being named as M-Net's inaugural Face of Africa established Oluchi as one of the most sought after faces in the business and she remains one of the busiest New York-based female models in fashion today. Within a year of winning Face of Africa, Oluchi achieved what few African models before her had done - she moved to New York and made an immediate connection with the world of art and beauty.

Renowned photographer Steven Meisel captured her image for powerhouse publications Vogue and Elle and before long, the young Nigerian beauty was gracing international catwalks for the likes of John Galliano, Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani. 

Her current portfolio includes work for Clinique and L'Oral make-up, Victoria's Secret, H&M, Lancome, Cadillac, Macy's, Gianfranco Ferre, Bergdorf Goodman, Banana Republic and Gap, to name but a few.Oluchi is an inspiration to many women in Africa and across the globe, a fashion icon, a mother to 2-year- old Ugo, wife to top New York-based designer Luca Orlandi and Director of her own model agency, O Model Africa.

Other judges will include Josie Borain, Megan Kruger, John Kaveke, David Tlale, Nduka Obaigbena, and Helen Jennings. Botswana's Kaone Kario, will share the stage with Kenya's Fareed Khimani as presenters of the live finale. The finale will be broadcast on DStv's M-Net channel at  19:00 CAT.