Fashion
Stephanie Omogun co-founder Melanin Wonder in Miss World NL!
Miss World what does it mean?
A sit down with Stephanie Omogun who tells us all! ⇓
Founders
The Miss World Organisation was founded on the 29th of July in 1951 by the late Eric Morley.
Julia Morley is the current president of the Miss World organisation and Brand. It was the first pageant ever and right after followed by Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth. It is a first tier beauty pageant.
The main slogan of the pageant is:
Beauty with a Purpose!
Which simply means that you should not only be beautiful but you should also be involved in society, stand strong for a cause and have a beautiful mind as well.
What should you be involved with as a pageant contender?
This is usually a good cause or any other humanitarian act or cause.
Stephanie Omogun Finalist of the Miss World Netherlands pageant posing at the Royal Delft Factory
Miss World Netherlands supports The Phillippines!
Miss World Nederland supports the the AETA tribe in the Philippines. These AETA tribe people keep getting pushed into a corner. This is because they live in the Jungle. The major corporations keep cutting jungle trees to build sky scrapers and companies.
Which leaves little to no room to the AETA tribe who still wish to live in the bush.
Besides the harsh discrimination (mostly color-ism) that they face they now also have to deal with corporations.
The corporation keep disturbing their natural habitat too! Which is inhumane and unfair.
Miss World Netherlands will stand strong for them and strive to change their situation.
The indigenous people in the Phillippines. The original tribe and one of the first tribes to inhabit the land.
All Miss World winners around the world will compete in China which will host about 120 misses from around the globe in the as they call it ‘little piece of Hawai in China’ the city: SANYA.
Stephanie in her all-white outfit after catwalk lessons
Stephanie is currently competing in the competition with 16 other contenders.
“The finale will be at Koning Events at Isolatorweg 29 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
It will be hosted in a Royal and beautiful hall.
Important guests and prominent people from the pageant world will be joining us at the GRAND FINALE ON JUNE 10TH! So you should all get tickets and be there!” Stephanie says.
Last week I payed the ticket of a refugee that was stranded.
Stephanie at De Wittenburg Castle – Dress from www.dasonia.com
The license holder of this awesome competition is: Katia Maes. She is originally from Belgium but she currently resides in Holland.
She sent a lot of girls to international pageants during her career. To big international pageants such as Miss Tourism International, Miss Earth, Miss International, Miss Supernational and now also to Miss World.
Left: Rachelle Reijnders – Miss World Nederland 2016 | right: Katia Maes PhotoCredit: Hans Lachman
Katia Maes is currently the president of ‘Miss Word Nederland’ the most prominent pageant in the Netherlands which is quite an accomplishment. This year is her third year organizing this pageant.
Stephanie by Sacha van Manen
Stephanie: “How I am and contribute to the competition is to stay close to myself. Many contenders do charity for others or visit an elderly home etc.
But if you finish the competition or if you end up not winning the title would you still visit the elderly home on a weekly basis?”
Like I said I decided to stay close to myself and would love to uplift upcoming talents.
I write about them on Melanin Wonder of course which I am the owner of together with the co-founder of melaninwonder.com Janet Dara.
Janet and Stephanie founders of Melanin Wonder
What have you personally done in this competition so far?
Last week I payed the ticket of a refugee that was stranded. He could not go anywhere and only had a chip card but no money for transport.
I really felt compelled to help him. He told me that they had deported him out of the country.
It was like I saw him at just the right moment and I was also in a very good mood. As if it was meant to be actually amazing. You couldn’t make this up.
Dutch Trains, NS an abbreviation of Nederlandse Spoorwegen meaning Dutch Railway
I put 20 euros on his OV chipcard out of free will. It was way out of my comfortzone but I just felt like doing it at the moment.
Also do I make video blogs (VLOGS) about the Miss World Journey to show who we are. It is not only about the Grand Finale but also about the journey every week.
sponsored by JIMMORE
We are all different, we all have our different personalities. We all have our seperate lives while we compete for the Crown!
So people can follow what we actually do besides taking Pictures, LOL.
Miss World Netherlands gives back to the country
If you put it in the bigger picture. This pageant also contributes to the social conversations we have in this country.
You clearly see that women from different backgrounds get a long with each other. Multicultural and getting along does actually exist.
Stephanie at a Ti-CHi workshop by Tai Chi Sifu Patrick Wolters.
Why compete?
You get a platform and you get the chance to tell your story and tell people why you decided to wear the sash. It gives you a voice, a platform and most of all. People will actually listen to what you have to say. It sounds a bit weird but it actually does give you a BIGGER voice.
Miss World Finalist 2018 Stephanie – Dress by www.dasonia.com
I will have a much bigger impact on the world and in the Netherlands. Also will the media and many others give you a platform to do much more for your fellow people. I love helping people to get where they want to be. Literally and Figuratively! Just like America, The Netherlands has become one big melting pot of culture, religions and heritages. look at Amsterdam and many other big cities.
source: www.missworldnederland.nl
All these different people calling themselves a Dutchman and go to school. They all contribute to the welfare of the Netherlands as a WHOLE. I am one of them actually. The world must see that I too am a reflection of how a Dutch person could look like in 2018.
Stephanie at De Wittenburg Castle | Dress by www.dasonia.com
My favorite song at the moment is: All For you by Janet Jackson
Fashion
George Adegite Nigerian Allround Designer Keep an EYE on him!
Who is George Adegite?
You may wonder who this guy is. All fashion enthusiasts may have heard of his clothing brand. AGEORGE the brand that focuses on quality, latest trends and impeccable design.
George Adegite Nigerian based in Amsterdam
George has been drawing, designing and scribbling down images and cartoons ever since he discovered he could draw. He is Nigerian, specifically from the Yoruba tribe. One of the biggest tribes today in Nigeria. He stays in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where he also works. Catch him at the store at Zeedijk 54, Amsterdam!
Pidgin English socks made in Nigeria
In 2017 George surprised us all with a Look Book. This Look Book contained statement pieces sweaters with Nigerian Pidgin English slang words which has never been done before in this way.
Samuel Kingsley wearing Ageorge 2017
Only God can George me! Clever!
The orange sweater seems simple but has been a real trend in Fashion, just plain orange just gives you a type of swag! George saw this ahead of time and it has been a fashion item ever since.
Lagos, Nigeria is were the talented designer gets his inspiration from. Also does his personal experience in life influence him a lot!
In Lagos you are built to withstand a lot; traffic, drought, NEPA (electricity going out) and more of these type of adversities. People in and from Lagos are highly motivated by the hustle, getting the job done and getting cash. Get what is yours before anyone else does.
Lagosian Athletes Collection 2018
His most recent collection has been a particularly unique one. He designed it in Amsterdam. But all shirts in this collection have been handmade in Lagos, Nigeria. Which is rare, because most designers go-to areas are countries such as China and Malaysia. They get their merchandise made for a ridiculously cheap prize. He works with local tailors in Nigeria and he brings us amazing quality pieces to wear during sports but also on your daily grind. You can even rock these at great fashion events or just on a regular day at work.
George Adegite is clearly a fashion mogul to watch! Mark our words, we said it first!
Get your GEAR on AGEORGE!!
Fashion
Primark embraces Melanin Wonder cuteness autmn and winter range
Beautiful 9-month-old Jeremiah is the model of Primark’s autumn and winter range. Brands all over the world have customers of different backgrounds and faiths and therefore some brands try to be more inclusive in their supply as well as their marketing. So did Primark!
(Picture: https://www.mellzphotography.co.uk)
Mother Gabrielle Louise was overjoyed when they picked her baby to front the Primark’s autumn and winter range. Not only is this a win for her and the family, but it is also a win for the dark skin culture she says. She wants her son to continue modeling to represent the dark skin culture.
Mum Gabrielle with Jeremiah (Picture: https://www.mellzphotography.co.uk)
Gabrielle told Metro.co.uk
“I think diversity is important in modelling as I don’t think there is much representation of dark-skinned people’ Jeremiah is from Nigerian and Ghanaian descent and I got him into modelling by signing him up to an agency. ‘My son is quite rare as he has dark skin and I really wanted people to know you can be dark but still so beautiful”
(Picture: Gabrielle Louise)
Fashion
Ornella about her life and modelling – Past, Present and Future
Where are you from ?
I’m a Tutsi from Burundi , born and raised!
Who was Ornella before she became a model. Can you tell us more about that period?
The Nella before I was a party animal (still am to a certain extend tho). I move to den Bosch from Burundi about 10+ years ago With my parents. I moved out by the age of 18 to live on my own in Amsterdam . I studied to be a flight attendant but I ended up dropping out because I couldn’t get an internship due to my tattoos.
Ornella
“The change is not happening fast enough but it is happening petit-a-petit”
Ornella ‘fresh from the boat’ as she jokingly says
I then went on to study marketing and communication, whilst studying I started working as a waitress. Cz life is tough and expensive lol! I also went on to work at bars and clubs in Amsterdam which was an amazing experience. I was attracted to the night life, I think that’s what I miss the most. There is a massive throwback picture when I was just fresh off the boat. Doesn’t get better than this lol.
The modelling industry can be cut throat with diet rules and maybe even racism or color-ism. What keeps you in the modelling game?
The change is not happening fast enough but it is happening petit-a-petit. Seeing beautiful black models killing the game motivates me. Seeing models that look different finally on covers and billboards motivates me .But what motivates me more is when I hear that I inspired someone to become a model or to embrace being themselves.
“You will need to work twice as hard to get half the opportunity!”
What was one of your most favorite photoshoot and runway show you did?
I did a show in Tokyo where they had set up a bar in the 80’s and the models had to party and dance and even order drinks during the show. It was amazing to be able to completely let go and be whoever u want to be and get paid for it.
Ornella modeling – In Tokyo
What makes You different than any other model in the scene?
My tomboyish style plays a big part I think. Not to mention I’m pretty inked up lol. My crooked teeth that differentiates my smile. My bald Head and also my personality. I am pretty outspoken and I will always share my opinion
Do you have any advice for people of color that want to start to model that are based in a non melanated or melanin deprived country?
Slay at all times! And work twice as hard! You will need to work twice as hard to get half the opportunity!
What other dreams do you have that you wish to do someday besides modelling?
I have too many! I want to know how to play most instruments (working on it ). I’m working on creating space for ppl of color where they can find education they won’t find in a school system that is not designed for them to succeed. Where POC can have discussion on issues that we face daily and where they can give workshops and dance and sing at the same time. (Also currently working on this) . I also happen to want to be a police officer some day.
Ornella
Do you have a partner?
She is not just my girlfriend, she is the serotonin to my brain. Sandra Lambeck.
Ornella & Sandra Lambeck
You’re a Vegan, when did u decide to become Vegan and why?
I became a vegan a little over 2 years ago. I was at a stage in my life where I was starting my spiritual growth and being more conscious about pretty much everything and an animal cruelty free diet only makes sense.
What are your favorite Vegan places to go to worldwide and in Holland and our favorite Vegan dish!
My favorite vegan restaurant in Amsterdam is this Jamaican-Japanese little restaurant called Terrazen center. It’s owned by a family the dad is Jamaican and the mom is Japanese and together they make delishious vegan soul food.
Ornella
What are some of your favorite songs at the moment? We have seen u share multiple songs on instastory.
Mura masa – move me.
Lykke li new album is fire & 070shake new album is also fire!
Would you like your son or daughter to model in the future?
I never thought about having kids. If for some strange reason that changes. I would love for my son or daughter to be anything they want to be.
