Fashion
Valentine Rontez shares knowledge
Who is Valentine Rontez?
My full name is Valentine Rontez. I identified myself as African-America for most of my life, until I did some soul searching. My Ancestors are from Benin-Togo Africa. I was born and raised in Queens, New York, United States.
How did you become a model?
After getting fired from my Doorman job at the Gucci Store on 5th avenue New York I went through a depression and felt lost. My sister took some of my Facebook photos and posted them on Modelmayhem.com, I then received a message from Jahn Hall (photographer) who was interested in shooting me. We took “Beauty shots” in his stairwell & his warehouse studio. After working with Jahn I rushed to New Jersey to shoot with my good friend Christopher Horne.
While there Jahn contacted me and told me Sean Bennett from Specimen Model Management wanted to represent me. I sent Sean my polaroids and from there he scheduled meetings all around NYC to meet with different agencies. I was declined, but Sean had saved the best for last.
I met the casting director Michelle Lee who was casting for Calvin Klein, there she trained me and taught me how to walk the runway. I found a side gig doing catering incase the door for modeling did not open. Later that day at work, Sean called me with surprising news that I was confirmed for a Calvin Klein exclusive contract in Milan Italy for fashion week. IMG was then interested in signing me.
If you had to describe your road to success in 5 steps, which 5 steps would that be?
Firstly, I found God & built my faith & courage with his promises as my meditation.
I needed to love & accept myself, to embrace the fact that I am a perfect imperfection.
Develop perseverance & a hard work ethic.
Practicing good sleep and eating healthy was a major culprit for my mindfulness.
Remain humble in balance with knowing your self worth.
How did you get the idea to make a video about showing people how to model?
I get countless of direct messages from people all over the world young boys & girls 15 – 40 asking for advice. Most have the dream but do not know where to get started. I replied to as many as I could on a daily. Then I decided to make a video because visuals work better then words.
How is life living as a model?
Modeling allowed me to focus on what my soul desires and visit places in the world I would have never imagined I would be. I have had the opportunity to meet so many inspirations that expand my mind to new dimensions. Although I am not much of a night life person parties overseas are extremely fun.
What are some of the downsides of being a model that people never talk about?
The uncertainty of anything. Anything could happen and if your looks a re not desired in the business that means business stops for you as well.
Would you ever design your own clothes?
Yes! I am currently manifesting that. It would be great to have an own fashion collection.
We are obsessed with YOU-TUBE what are some of your favorite You-tubers to watch?
Haha I LOVE youtube after midnight. I watch comedy to inspirational videos. All-def-digital’s dad jokes are dry but hilarious to me. Jimmy Kimmel, Infinite waters (mindfulness), I listen to Jim Rohn, Les Brown, Gary V, & The Art of improvement for motivation. I am obsessed with lions and kitty cats weirdly so sometimes I wander there and get lost.
What are some of your favorite artists and songs u listen to?
I love any and all classical music. My favorite artist right now are Jay-Z, Peter Collins, A-Boogie, Kodak Black, J cole, Alicia Keys & Amine.
Where can we find you?
I can be found & reached on IG @x.valentine & Facebook “Valentine Rontez”
Fashion
Apply for Face of Melain Wonder 2020
Geef je nu op voor ‘Face of Melanin Wonder 2020’!
Apply for ‘Face of Melanin Wonder 2020’ contest!
Sign up here / Hier aanmelden: https://lnkd.in/e2dAUcR
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)
