Local model Ntokozo Hugo embodies the term “fashionkiller”. Evidence thereof is her mastering the art of the catwalk, which has seen her blazing her own trail at significant fashion shows on her first take.
Hugo (26), made waves at the South African Fashion Week’s (SAFW) Spring-Summer 2024 season, showcasing creations by designers from South African and Italian descent. She graced the runway in creations by South African duo Gert-Johan Coetzee and Mzukisi Mbane, and Italian designer Andrea Adamo.
Hugo revealed her success at this year’s SAFW has inspired her to take the challenge to unleash the full potential of her modelling career to become a globetrotter.
“I have not modelled outside South Africa yet. It it is a very big dream of mine to catwalk at both the New York and Paris Fashion Week. I would love to walk for more renowned fashion designers; that will be an honour,” said Hugo.
She credits a local designer for discovering her modelling qualities.
“In 2014, a designer by the name of Paballo took a chance on me with her brand called Parbie Billion Fashion House, which was my first-ever modelling gig.
“I realised I was enjoying it and I figured doing it more for Bloemfontein designers would not be that bad. Then I met my best friend, Siviwe Jeru, who was into pageantry and who always convinced me to be part of modelling events in Bloemfontein. We catwalked at the Fashion Invasion in 2017.
“I then started gaining recognition, and worked with the best fashion designers; the likes of K.O.S and ZiiApparel.
“I casted for the Free State Fashion Week (FSFW) in 2019 and catwalked for Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho), which was a very big deal. Realising I have the potential to go bigger, I started seeking more opportunities.
“In 2021, David Tlale held open casting calls for aspiring models for his Veteran’s Pursuit Autumn-Winter 2021-’22 fashion show, I made the cut. I casted for the FSFW again in 2022 and catwalked for Mantsho and Mzukisi Mbane (Imprint).
“In 2023, I casted for the Africa Fashion International (AFI) and made it through. I then walked for Essie Apparel by Enhle Mbali, and for Stadio. That was probably my biggest achievement that year.”
Exciting prospects in modelling seemed to have instinctively inspired Hugo’s decision-making for her to deviate from her career path of becoming a media guru. Hugo holds a national diploma in Language Practice and Media Studies, an advanced diploma in Media Studies, and a postgraduate diploma in Media Studies.
“Growing up I was more focused on education and sport than anything else, but I loved watching shows like America’s Next Top Model, The Face and Project Runway. I always loved fashion and modelling, I just did not think I had the confidence to match the job.”
Hugo said modelling even comes before pageantry, despite her being among the finalists for the Miss Glamorous Free State pageant back in 2018.
“The finalists were given the opportunity to be guests at the FSFW; that’s when I decided I am more of a model than pageant girl.”
