BE-U | Qs&As with East Africa’s bright, bold and beautiful.

Dawn is a young, bright, bold and beautiful model from Uganda. With her modeling career just taking flight, she hopes to showcase her beauty and passions through her modeling journey. 

WHICH BRAND WOULD YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH?

I would love to work with Pyer Moss one day. The fusion of personal and political is truly inspired. Kerby Jean-Raymond’s work sheds light on the controversial issues that the public has had some resistance to talk about in the past. I would be honored to be a part of his vision one day.

WHO’S YOUR STYLE INSPIRATION?

A lot of my personal favourite clothing items are things that my parents used to wear. I am a huge fan of vintage pieces.

WHICH MODEL DO YOU LOOK UP TO?

There are so many amazing models, I don’t think I could pick just one. Although I am a huge fan of Adut Aketch. We are similar in age and I am just in awe of her level of success over such a short period of time and her ability to remain humble.

FAVOURITE DESIGNER/TEAM YOU’VE WORKED WITH?

I have worked with Banji Bagwana for fashion designer Kongoliro and Mshona and I really enjoyed the experience. I also had the opportunity to work with Dian Artistry and Giulio Molfese which was a great pleasure. I also have a lot of fun with casually photo shoots with friends.

FAVOURITE UGANDAN FASHION BRAND?

I am a huge fan of Sylvia Owori’s designs. I think her elegant designs are artistic and inspired.

TALK A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FIRST SHOOT.

My first shoot was with Banji Bagwana for fashion designer Kongoliro and Mshona. The designs were incredibly beautiful and intricate. I received a lot of direction during the photoshoot and learned how to relax and just enjoy the process.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR HAIR DONE?

I usually do my own hair and experiment with different styles that I find on the internet.

WHAT RUNWAY WOULD YOU LOVE TO WALK?

I am a huge fan of Savage X Fenty lingerie fashion and how diverse and inclusive the brand is and I would love to walk for her brand. I would love to do one of the major cities fashion weeks and hopefully as my career develops I will be able to achieve this goal.

WHAT ROLE DO AFRICAN MODELS HAVE IN THE GLOBAL FASHION INDUSTRY?

I think African models are getting a lot more recognition in recent years. They represent a new era of modeling that has diversified the industry and given more of us great opportunities.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF SHOOTS? STUDIO OR OUTDOOR?

I enjoy both because it all depends on how creative and confident you choose to be with the shoot and I really enjoy the overall process.

WHAT MAKES KAMPALA SO SPECIAL IN YOUR OPINION?

I think Kampala has a lot of undiscovered gems and interesting activities to explore.

WHAT’S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. It is an incredible book that describes our evolution and the various factors that have affected it.

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE YOU’VE READ/HEARD?

“If you weren’t capable, the opportunity would never have come you’re way. You belong.”

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN A YEAR?

I hope to be established in the industry in Toronto and possibly further. I am also pursuing a Psychology degree and I hope to have a greater understanding of my passion within the subject in the next year.

BEYOND MODELING, WHAT ARE THREE THINGS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am very passionate about social justice and mental health awareness   especially in Uganda.

I enjoy writing poems.

I love travelling and exploring different countries. I think I have the travel bug.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE OUTFIT IN YOUR CLOSET?

Biker shorts and an oversized t-shirt. Its comfortable and convenient for a number of occasions.