Model Spotlight

15 November, 2009 by Jay D

Interview with Diana - IFE June Challenge Winner
Photography by Sara Shamsavari
Location Bar Cubana

It's a dull October morning, pretty warm but looks like it could throw it down any minute. I jump off the bus by Waterloo and walk straight into Bukola and the two models, Diana and Nadia Walker.

There's already been a piece of drama that morning, both make up artists can't make the shoot and the male model has disappeared from the face of the earth, or at least he's not answering his phone. Still, Bukola is not phased and explains something always happens that needs to be dealt with and we all head off to go and buy make up. I offer to help and miraculously end up becoming the make up artist. Check the girls out, I did good. So that was the first adventure, hunting for pop art make up, and we soon have it all under control.

As we head back to Bar Cubana I ask Diana what she's up to, she replies "I'm at college studying law, communication and culture, drama and Theatre studies and German." When I ask her about her aspirations she explains "I want to get into entertainment industry. Modeling or acting mainly, maybe singing as a little extra on the side" she giggles. Diana moved to England from Zimbabwe at 8 years old. "When your young it doesn't make much of a difference, I was excited to see my mum who was already here".

I asked her about winning the I Feel Experience challenge, I'd heard her round was really intense with a lot of competition. "It was! We had loads of rehearsals, I didn't think it would all come together there was loads of us, I didn't know if I would win, we had to rehearse the catwalk, everyone thinks it was easy but I wasn't I wore the heaviest dress I've ever worn and the shortest". While some of the other models were busy chatting and trying on clothes, she was practicing her walk in windows outside. "I like the catwalk, everyone's looking at you".

When she changes out of her winter coat and is ready for the shoot, it's easy to see why she won the IFE June Challenge. Her warm personality, large striking eyes and fantastic figure make her engaging. She is bright and positive.

Diana had been quiet all morning. Later she briefly explains she has a sore throat. Bukola warns us she'll turn into a diva on the shoot. As the day goes on she seems more comfortable, relaxed and happy. At 5'8, she is super slim with big hair and beautiful skin.

I asked her if at any time during the IFE challenge she felt she might not be able to do what was asked. She nods "Yea!! , A few times when they asked us to walk in heels in the really heavy dresses . At first I was like... please cant we do it without the heels... I picked the dress up when I was strutting 'cos I was so scared I would fall but I did do it gracefully. Every second counts on the catwalk, at a shoot too you could take 10 pictures and only one be chosen".

When she found out she had won the IFE challenge, she screamed. "Bukola said I had a nice walk" and she thinks this is the reason she won, plus her bubbly personality. She didn't let anything phaze her on the day.

Inspired by Jordan Dunn who was discovered in London's Westend Primark. Determined and ready for anything Diana stated "Right I'm going down the west end, getting my nice clothes on and posing" you never know when your chance will pop up. It is also very clear, she is inspired by her mum and dad, their success and positive attitude "They'll ride through anything". She seemed to have a real connection with her family. Her dad was there to support her at the IFE June Challenge.

"I was interested in what it was like hanging out with other models, and thought it might be a bit bitchy". Diana told me she's made some good friends, they all eat properly and are great people, "... it's not like you see on the telly".

When I asked her about her experiences on the shoot today, she talked about picking up new skills in all areas, make up, poses, and photography. She likes to stay sharp "If I go in thinking I've won already then I wouldn't work as hard, so I always keep myself on a level".

Diana is looking forward to a big celebrity filled fashion show in January to raise money for cancer. I wish her lots of luck, young, ambitious and focused, I'm sure she will make her dreams come true.