SCOTS-AFRICAN MODEL
Nata sha than spot s ever more in your fashi oppo r colou on.. tunit r, no ies shap matter eor size
From war- torn Burundi to international supermodel – Natasha Luwedde is the name on the lips of the world’s top designers and brands.
The striking 28-year-old has been the toast of the fashion world for nearly a decade, with global brands such as Jasper Conran, Dior, Calvin Klein and Hermès queueing up to book her for shows and shoots.
She has also starred in campaigns for Pandora, House Of Fraser, Harvey Nichols and Debenhams and appeared on the covers of countless magazines including Tatler.
Natasha, who has featured in editorials in Vogue, Grazia, Stella, Glamour and Red, said: “I am simply amazed at how far I have come and I am humbled by my progress. I find it flattering that I’m referred to as a top model now.
“I’ve done shoots all over the globe, posed for some of the world’s most famous photographers, walked for top designers and become the face of a number of big brands. I have to pinch myself sometimes. It’s a dream come true.
“I thought my career would end at 25 but I’m 28 and I’m still here and busier than ever. Life is good. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough career – but I am loving every moment.”
The 5ft 10in beauty, who was born in Burundi, grew up in Uganda and moved to Paisley when she was 16, has landed campaigns for clothing giants Banana Republic and Anthropologie.
Natasha, who has walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria Beckham and Amelia Wickstead, is signed to Scotland’s No1 agency Colours, One Management in New York and LA and
London- based
Select, who represent
David Gandy and Pixie
Lott.
As our search Scoutmescotland continues for the country’s next top model, Natasha hopes her modelling success will encourage women of all colours, shapes and sizes to follow in her footsteps.
She was only two years old when she fled troubled Burundi with her family to nearby Uganda.
After the death of her father, her mother got a job with the Scottish NHS, moving her and her two younger brothers 6500 miles to Paisley.
Natasha was signed on the spot when she walked into Colours aged 18.
After graduating in 2017 with a 2:1 in pharmacology from Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, Natasha took a gamble and passed up jobs in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue modelling.
She said: “It was the best decision I ever made. I feel very lucky and grateful to have been signed to such caring and passionate agents who have been booking me job after job.
“Like all models, I struggled badly during the pandemic when all the work dried up but in the past 12 months everything has taken off again. I came out of lockdown making and eating bread and straight into a job for Hermès.”
Natasha, who won a New Wave gong at the British Fashion Awards in 2019, would now love to be the face of a global beauty skincare campaign. She said: “I’m in
demand in the States, where I’ve done campaigns for Banana Republic and Anthropologie and a shoot for Vogue.
“I’m in New York at the moment meeting clients, so who knows what will come out of that? It’s all go but I adore being busy.”
Natasha told how the industry has embraced diversity since she began her modelling journey a decade ago when very few women of colour were gracing the catwalks.
She sa id : “It ha s changed dramatically since I started out. There is much more diversity when it comes to race, colour, size, gender and disabilities. There is still a way to go but it is a marathon, not a sprint, and for a marathon I think we have made lots of progress, especially in e-comm.
“As a woman or man, it is good to see someone who reflects you as you get older in adverts. With the move to online shopping, it is more important than ever that people feel represented.
“Scoutme scotland is a fantastic opportunity and, if you are a passionate person with an interest in modelling who is not afraid of hard work, definitely apply. Select and Colours will help you grow.
“I’m living my dream and I’m hoping to continue in the business for as long as I can. I am excited to go to work every morning and that is the biggest reward of all.”
Colours director Alison Bruce said: “Natasha was born to model. It’s been wonderful to manage her journey from schoolgirl to top international model. Her grace, kindness, infectious smile, amazing energy and strong work ethic have played a huge part in her success.”
The Sunday Mail has teamed up with Colours and Select to find a Caledonian beauty who could grace the catwalks with Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
This year there is no upper age limit and the agencies are looking to take on women of all shapes and sizes.
Up for grabs is the opportunity for exclusive representation with both agencies, along with free haircare for a year with Jason Hall Hairdressing and a portfolio shoot with top international photographer Mark K Seager.
Five finalists will get the chance to take part in a photoshoot styled by Colours and Select, with make-up artists from Colours, award-winning hairdresser Jason Hall and leading photographer Ifro Thomas. All finalists will also receive a goody bag from L’Oréal.