What incredible entries received this year, a huge thank you to all the entrants, you really upped your game!
The third adidas and Studio 88 #IamOriginals88 campaign was a great success. Although 2021 has been a year filled with challenges, at least for our winners – a highlight.
The Face of adidas & Studio 88 has yet again discovered two fresh talents to represent both the brand and the retailer. Each winner walked away with R25 000 cash, R25 000 adidas shopping vouchers, R5 000 Takealot shopping voucher, R15 000 holiday voucher, clothing and footwear as well as a formidable portfolio.
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Behind the Scenes
As always, part of the winner’s prize included a photoshoot experience and portfolio.
To top it off, the winners worked with a highly talented young and inspired team of creatives, making for a fun experience all-round. Studio 88 and adidas will be running this competition annually so follow Studio 88 on Facebook to ensure you don’t miss out in 2022.
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The Team
- Creative Director: Nkuley Masemola
- Production: Baby Mogul
- Producer: Binwe Adebayo
- DOP: Kwanda MacPherson
- Art Director: Tamara Moeng
- Lighting: Black Material Production
- Music: Sundae Beats
- Wardrobe: Tamara Moeng, Mziyanda & Glen Guilherme
- Hairstylist: Khomotso Moloto
- MUA: Palesa Mkhwanazi
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Munashe Samaneka
Is a 27 year old Business Accountant who uses social media as a channel to express her passion for modelling, natural hair and skincare.
Munashe focuses on offering practical tips on how to grow healthy natural hair, the maintenance and styling thereof. In 2017, Munashe decided to change her career path to follow this passion fulltime and focus building her social media presence. Munashe made some game changing decisions, the most effective one was that of having professional photos taken of hair. Munashe’s focus was to change the perception and narrative behind natural hair. This new path offered a spinoff that gave birth to her modelling career which she is pursuing with gusto.
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THE COMPETITION As a nano-influencer, Munashe has under 10K following on her Instagram page @the.blackspot. As an aspiring influencer, it’s tough to approach big brands to collaborate with you. Munashe knew that potentially, this competition was her golden ticket to get access to brands, grow her network and add to her portfolio. Munashe also entered the competition to show others that second chances do exist and to never give up. In 2019, she entered the #IamOriginal88 competition on the closing date for entries, not giving herself sufficient opportunity for exposure. Recognising this was a missed opportunity, she vowed to enter again, this time, in time!
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THE FUTURE Munashe is focused on building her online presence with a focus on YouTube. She believes she has so much value to share with her online community. This year, Munashe has been working on her new business venture Mufaro Essentials. The company is set to manufacture and supply organic hair products to help people struggling to reach their hair goals. The company will also offer online courses to educate people on ways to grow healthy long hair. Munashe plans to leverage her experience in winning the #IamOriginal88 competition in the future and now has an incredible portfolio to show potential clients. Munashe was thrilled at having had the experience a professional photoshoot as part of her prize. Working with the team of highly skilled make-up and hair artists, stylists, photographer, videographer and the supporting team members was an eye opener. The future is bright!
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Aramé Fa-dechia Van der Vindt
Hails from the small town of George in the Western Cape.
Aramé recently moved to Cape Town to live with his aunt and is currently pursuing a triple major in Psychology, Politics, Language and Communication Studies at the University of the Western Cape. Aramé is acutely aware of being blessed with exotic features. This definitely worked in his favour in regards the #IamOriginal88 competition. There is no doubt that Aramés heritage had a hand in his diverse features and skin tone. A blend of Coloured and Senegalese cultures, his dark eyes and a strong jawbone set him apart and give .
Fun Fact: Aramé is also known for his barber skills on campus, and it helps being the only one available!
THE COMPETITION Aramé entered the #IamOriginal88 competition as his dream was to gain access into the modelling industry and to work with well-known brands. Aramé recognised this opportunity when he saw the competition advertised. Aramé lived on the edge somewhat by only entering the competition on the second last day due to study commitments, his trust in his gut instinct paid off. What makes Aramés win so significant is that he did not campaign for votes when he made the Top 20 as he was too busy with his side-job. Being a part-time barber on campus generated much needed income to help support himself and provide for necessities. Aramé was determined not to panic and to trust in the process. He is convinced that this experience has provided him with more insight into the power of self-belief. Essentially, if you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything. Aramé is still astounded by the astonishing support he received throughout the competition, it has both inspired and motivated him to future possibilities. Aramé expresses his gratitude to everyone who voted for him and the Brands that in turn have trusted him to represent them.
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THE FUTURE As Aramés dreams become more vivid by the day, being a firm believer in the value of having dreams of aspiration and setting goals of achievement, without having these, a person limits their true potential. His short-term goal is to complete his degree next year and to then embark on a fulltime modelling career, working with prominent Brands. Concurrent to modelling, Aramé will be following his passion in the pursuit of building an acting career. Aramé believes that what sets him apart is his comfort in the fluidity of his sexuality. Being a masculine-presenting woman, he is open to attempting new opportunities in the modelling industry, willing to step outside of his comfort zone. Aramé believes strongly in his ability to do anything he sets his mind to, he refuses to be placed in a box. He believes that one should constantly work on themself to ensure that they move away from their comfort zones. This mindset of being dedicated, and working hard, will help one to realise their full potential by discovering their passion.