Controversial male model Denrele Edun has disclosed the rejection and embarrassment he faced when he was starting out his career. He said that the designer called him a malnourished refugee and will never walk in his runway.
No one knows tomorrow.
1999.
Shola Creative Studios, SuruLere.
An (Androgynous) Male Model has to be psychologically strong; there’s a lot of rejection!
In the spirit of FashionWeek, allow me dig out my dusty portfolios and throwback my first ever professional modeling shot!
Despite d disgusted looks from passers by, I walked with my defiant confidence to d local bus-stop to board a Molue that’ll take me to another Designer’s showroom.
I had developed a knack for appearing at Fashion Designer showrooms and their houses to present my pictures & my overwhelming personality. All in a bid to convince them to walk in their shows.
Mind you; I was the shortest, skinniest Male Model at that time, but that didn’t deter me. The Hustle was real!
I got to a designer’s house and saw a cluster of top models. They all burst into laughter when I walked past but then, who cared? Sighting a familiar face, I ran up to her and was told fittings had begun. In my usual bravado, i saw the designer & walked up to him.
Moment i introduced myself & my intentions, he stared me down and asked,
“Are you a Refugee?”.
“No Sir, but I’m the model with a unique look who’ll love to walk for u,” I threw back confidently.
He looked me up and down and said, “U can never walk on my runway. U look like a malnourished Somalian refugee”, and with that he faced his tailors & continued giving directives. “I’ll wait in d Showroom Sir, till u’r ready to fit me”, I answered bk & walked in to the reception.
This designer actually hissed & went in. Came out, dismissed all d other models without me noticing and left the building.
Wit all d bravado I could muster, I waited for an agonizing 12 hours. I was scared to go get something to eat cos i didn’t want to miss his entrance.
At bout 11pm, he strolled in wit some other models. They obviously had finished a shoot & he seemed to be in a light mood.
Seein my chance, I walked up to him.
This time, he lost his cool.
But that didnt stop me from walking his show weeks after.
He refused to pay me & not only was I stranded but had to walk from V/I to Yaba wher Vigilantes made me frog jump on the express!
The Designer? We’re friends till date!
Why? Denrele get clean mind!
