Shanelle Nyasiase

Where are you from originally and how were you discovered?
I have South Sudan citizenship, was born in Ethiopia (Gambella) and grew up in Kenya. I was already modeling in Kenya when I was found by the photographer Daniele Tamagni, who immediately introduced me to Ingrid Tamborin, my manager. She then came back to Nairobi to meet me and everything started.

Who do you look up to in the industry?
I look up to everybody because they all have interesting ideas and are working hard for their dreams. Designers and photographers are doing amazing jobs and models now are living in one of the best times to make it big. We are so many though so at the same time, it’s also the hardest time to make it through.

What is one thing no one would ever guess about you?
My background and my story because in the fashion industry people often know just about the problematic refugee issue about my region but not the other cultural and existing stories which make our life there.

What has been your proudest moment so far in your modeling career? And why? Were you nervous or excited going into the show?
Working for Alexander McQueen still remains my best moment. When I was a teenager it was always Alexander McQueen that I was watching and I always saw myself in his work (everything was looking like an “alien”). Then working for McQueen was so emotional because I couldn’t believe I was actually doing it, especially my two campaigns. When Sarah [Burton] told me “if Alexander was still alive you were the girl he was waiting to meet” it felt like family and not simply work. I believe it’s important to feel like a “muse” and not just a model sometimes. Doing the show always feels like the first time.

When it comes to race do you think fashion is hitting the mark in terms of inclusion? Is there anything more that you think could be done?
I think today in the industry they’re starting to include everybody so it’s a good moment and I’m proud to see all these African models doing big things. I wouldn’t change the whole industry but I’m just hoping that all these new faces will last. I really hope that this is not just a trend but a real change. I see fashion as a career and not just an experience especially when you’re a young girl coming from far away like Africa and you have to leave your family, school, everything behind for such a big dream. It is important to give them a real chance.

Do you remember your first show? How was the experience and what were your feelings?
Giorgio Armani. It was a very happy time because I did not know who Giorgio Armani was and he came to me to try something on and I thought he was just a guy. Later on, I felt embarrassed when I discovered it was him. I loved how humble he was with everyone because he doesn’t see any difference and I respect him very much and love him for that. I would love to work for him again and again.

What advice would you give to aspiring models wanting to follow in your footsteps?
First, they need to be ready, and to make sure to focus on what they love and never change. Always be you and never fake the reality. No matter who you become, stay humble. Even if you become famous or rich, always take life easy and remember where you come from.

Do you have any experience with criticism in the industry and do you have any advice for others who are just getting started with modeling on how to deal?
We are all learning every day so every experience counts.

What is one thing you would like to do next? A dream job, if you will.
I have a lot of plans and projects but I can’t mention them now – until next 😉