by Seyi Lawal

 

Top Model of Colour Season 6 in conjunction with PLAY had a fabulous ‘meet and greet’ evening yesterday at the Rev Bar in London.  YNaija had a one on one exclusive with finalists as well as partied hard with them afterwards till the early hours.

 
Meeting YNaija editor, model and contestant, Bali Lawal admitted for the first time in her life that she was Nigerian. She grew up as an adopted child in Italy and she said being a Nigerian girl in Italy was very difficult. Tall and gorgeous Bali got all emotional talking about life as a black model but anyone could tell that this beauty would have an amazing career in the fashion world.

 
Claudette Dior Edigin, another contestant at the event is not new to competitions, the last time YNaija editor met her, she was a runner up at the Miss African Spirit beauty pageant in Buckinghamshire last year. Edigin who is also Nigerian from Benin to be precise has been busy since then, doing a lot of casting work while training to become a lawyer. She also acts and plans to use the TMC platform to inspire young women.

 

 
Nelly Defaut from France is not a novice in the fashion industry either. She has been modelling in the UK for about a year as there is a better market for black models here. Although she currently works in finance, she loves African designers “I’m originally from Cameroun and would love to see African designs in mainstream fashion. I love pretty things with  a princess theme and would love to one day walk the runway in an African design,” she said.

 

 
Sarah Newman, 30, is from Tottenham in North London. She made quite a huge impression at the event in her strapless mini dress but her main aim was to represent to North London and re-brand its image after the recent London riots that began in the area. Newman whose dream has always been to become a professional model is set on her way.

 

 
Contestant-Lisette Mibo, 23, came to the event in her own signature design from her ‘LyClass’ collection. She told YNaija that being 5’8 with a really strong walk puts her ahead in the competition. “Women of Colour are not fully represented in the fashion industry, top model, Naomi Campbell has commented on this before and I believe this is the right platform for us,” she said. Mibo who had a baby early this year looks fit and ready to take on the competition.

 

 
There are a few guys who would also compete for the ultimate prize and title as Top Model of Colour, 2011. Black/Caribbean 6’5- fire fighter, Darren had the entire hall shrieking when he walked down the runway.

 
It was a spectacular event, past TMC winner, Nana Afua, and UK girl band -ShiiKane were present at the hip event to support the girls. ShiiKane made up of British born sisters from South London told YNaija all the girls looked really classy and professional. As a successful group, they encouraged the girls to be confident but do a lot of practising and study professional models while learning their angles. ShiiKane would also be performing live at the show which takes place  later in the year, December 3.

 

 

 

The winners will receive a modelling contract and personal representation with Mahogany Model Management. They will also be on the front cover of Tropics and Shiloh Magazines. Sankofa Beauty is offering a prize of £1000 worth of accessories to the female winner of TMC and more.