IF you know in your guts that you have it in you to be a model, then don’t just sit and wish, get up and go to the next auditions, says Pearl Koni, a 27 year old from Western Highlands Province.
Pearl said modelling in PNG is a very good opportunity for young people to get engaged in and be a part of.
“It’s a matter of trying, you’ve got nothing to lose,” she said.
Born and raised in Mt. Hagen, Pearl first came to Port Moresby for school, graduated in 2022 and currently lives and works in Port Moresby.
“I’ve always wanted to be a model since I was in high school, because I was slim back then and loved to dress up,” she said.
“Back then, I thought it was just, every girls dream to be model because in places like Hagen we didn’t really have a fashion platform.”
Pearl said when she first heard of PNG Fashion Week, she figured she could turn her dreams into reality.
“After the auditions, I was surprised that I made the cut, who says big girls cannot be models aye?”
Pearl was first inspired after seeing top international models like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner on the runway.
“So I started modelling in 2023 and now this is my second year,” she said.
“My goal is to build my confidence and get exposure while I’m here with PNGFW.
“I want to learn more about the industry, especially the designers.
“I want to learn the underlying stories behind their beautiful work of art or their garments and really get to understand what pushes them forward to do what they love to do, because, I hope to one day become a designer,” Pearl said.
The 27-year model said her journey was not that easy as she faced challenges along the way.
“Like, I wasn’t very confident when I first started; meeting models from different backgrounds and cultures and trying to understand them was another thing.
“Modelling rehearsals every weekend was kind of hectic especially on Sundays, but I’ve overcome this and learned to be confident in my own skin.
“And so you can do it to, you got nothing to lose, take a chance and sign up,” Pearl said.
“Young people or models get exposed to different opportunities whilst being a PNGFW model and they get to work with PNG’s very own designers with their unique designs and stories.
“So, don’t be afraid, the fashion industry is young but it is filled with opportunities.”
