By Yumna Bodiat
Edited by Imaan Moosa
Fashion model Radiyya Hajat tells us about how she went from featuring in Country Road campaigns in her home country of South Africa to grace the runways of Paris Fashion Week.
Recently earning her runway debut walking for renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake for their Fall 2020 Ready-To-Wear collection at the Lycée Carnot, the 23-year-old South African model speaks to To EmpowHER on her journey within the fashion industry.
Craving a much-needed change and having always taken a keen interest in the fashion world, then 21-year-old Radiyya Hajat approached modelling agency Boss Models in Johannesburg who were happy to represent her as her mother agency.
Part of their job meant building her modelling career locally and internationally, and soon Hajat was scouted and signed by a second agency, WOMEN360 in Paris.
She describes the casting process for fashion week as a "crazy" period for everyone involved in the fashion industry, and for models, there are many "really long, gruelling days, where most days are filled with anywhere between 6-8 castings".
Walking her runway debut for Issey Miyake on March 1, 2020, was an especially exciting time for her.
I had really gotten to know the collection and I grew an immense respect for the creative process and craftsmanship that went into every aspect of the show.
Pictured: Radiyya walking for Issey Miyake. Photos: @radiyyahajat
When asked about the fashion industry and challenges of diversity, Hajat says that the market in each country differs.
Despite the larger demographic of Indian women in South Africa, there is not much of a market for her to get work. However, in the fashion capital of Paris, she's happy to see more women across race, size and ability making their way onto runways and editorials.
While she's been fortunate to have found space as a woman of colour in Paris' fashion industry, there have been a few disappointing times. She says she knows she's going to lose out on an opportunity because the casting teams have picked enough women of colour.
"I have found that everyone is respectful and accepting of what I am willing to do based on my religious views and comfort zone and I’m so appreciative of this."
Photos: @aartverrips_official
Hajat discusses the stereotypes and the stigmas against models in the profession, such as narcissistic, unintelligent or a perfect rendition of 'beauty'. She says that being a model has taught her that there is no cookie-cutter idea of the ideal woman.
Growing up, she often felt judged by her weight and height. She says that it was damaging to her sense of self as these were physicalities she couldn't control.
Similarly, when I’ve been reduced to a stereotypical gender role or I’ve been made to notice that my skin is a different colour to the next person’s, I didn’t feel confident. I wouldn’t say that I’ve completely overcome this discrimination because it’s something that myself, and others, still face.
However, Hajat says there is much support and encouragement offered by other women when they feel put down by the industry.
A large part of my self confidence has come from being around other women who have shown me that I’m more than my appearance, my thoughts are always welcomed and I can take up as much space as I want.
Photo: @hovansarok
A note from Radiyya Hajat:
My advice to the young girls and women in South Africa is to own your skin colour, own your body size and own everything that you are and want to be. So many people are going to tell you that you are too much or too little of something but that’s just their opinion. Your opinion of yourself should always be the most important, so remember to be kind to yourself because this world and this industry isn’t always kind.
You can follow Radiyya's journey on her Instagram: @radiyyahajat
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