AFWL may be over but the buzz and excitement it created hasn’t quite died down. With mountains of press coverage for the designers, models and the event in general it’s no surprise that the hype of AFWL continues on. As the face of AFWL and obvious candidate for major coverage we thought we’d catch up with the one and only Regina Manneh to find out what she thought of the whole AFWL experience.
“Being the face of AFWL 2013 was a brand new experience for me, I had the opportunity to be involved in many of the amazing fashion designers [shows] on the runway. I was kind of the star of the event, therefore I had to do many interviews (laugh). I also had the opportunity to meet new designers and other amazing models.” And boy did she take it in her stride. Miss Manneh rocked the runway walking for almost all the designers, working her fierce walk for the likes of Ella and Gabby and Simeogieme to fun and funky for Tiannah Styling. “All the designers were amazing, but I did enjoy Tiannah Styling because I had the chance to open her show and all the models got to do whatever he/she liked. We got to have fun on the runway.”
We asked Regina how she does the whole runway thing keeping her cool and managing to perform and like a true professional Regina says “I go into [my model zone] once I hit the runway. I do not focus on the crowd or the photographers. The only thing I focus on is my walk and make sure the outfit looks amazing on the runway.” Gorgeous and professional, Regina really is an all-rounder and it’s no surprise that she’s making it big and doing well post AFWL.
“So far, it’s been the best year and the best outcome for me has been that people are starting to get to know me worldwide especially in my hometown in The Gambia. It has also opened many and is still opening doors for me in the fashion industry.” And so we wonder, will we be seeing Miss Regina Manneh again? Well… “Definitely, I would love to be part of AFWL again; it was one of the best/favourite experiences ever. During this event I learned a lot and met amazing people. And also I had the support from my fans, family and friends so I would absolutely do it again.”
Keep up with Regina via Facebook and Twitter
By: Mpona Lebajoa