How fabulous! Catwalk cousins living their dream
What you see is nearly not as half as interesting when you learn some more. Two models on the Vogue runway for London Fashion Week. One’s Karima, the other’s Robert. They’re cousins — the sort that act like bros and sis when they meet up.
Both, quite coincidentally and accidentally, could have been on the same runway. They were unaware until they spotted each other’s photo. I can’t imagine they’d be able to keep a straight face had they bumped into each other on the same catwalk.
Luck and fortune
Karima first. What a darling. Months back, her job as a recruitment consultant wound up. She’d graduated from Oxford Brookes uni in graphic design. Like a typical uncle I had her concept design an idea for the ultimate VR experience for those who want to experience what conflict reporting is like. I’ve had a few scrapes in my career.
Karima is mad about footy, still plays and played for her Uni team.
One evening, she’s coming back from a festival and is accosted on the train by someone claiming to be a model scout. She does an imitation of a man peering up at her from different angles. Yep, Model Scout? You know pull the other one. He asked for her insta, but instead asks him to give her his.
Days later, she checks out the insta. It’s legit and more days later rings. She’s invited to meet the agency. This normally shy lass who’d rather be in football boots than high heels is made to walk in heels. Hilarious, if you know Karima. However she’s signed up. Apparently the model scout did his job and her latest campaign is a global one for an international high street clothes brand that originated in the East.
It’s all a bit surreal, but it’s a journey she’s enjoying. Hint she doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
Rob her cousin a few months back went for an open casting. Like his cousin there’s an air of je ne sais quoi about what he does. If it happens, it does, but don’t stress it. His got the call for Saul Nash.
Recently if you’re a dance fan you would have seen him on BBC 2's Finals of Young dancers 2020 in which he won an award for collaborator. He’s been teaching dance to school children for 3/4 years now.
This from his Insta page featuring his solo dance on national television.
This is a solo titled ‘even clearer’ that I performed for the final of #bbcyoungdancer2022 @roundhouseldn .
It was a therapeutic and emotional piece about my journey over the last year and trying to become a better man by the day. Everyone faces challenges and struggle, but it’s though these tough times that we grow and develop as people which I’ve been experiencing more and more.
The music is a personal piece to me by @sigurros which was suggested to me by @dillon_dance who properly introduced me to dance in the first place and I cannot describe in words how grateful I am for his mentorship.
More thanks to @theoclinkard @juliachenghoa and @alleynedance for the help and guidance they provided for this solo. And a big thank you to @rosie_whiting for the costume design
Storytelling
I was at a journalism conference yesterday and one of the attendants let out a mild yelp when she discovered the connection; we were talking about Brit school and young people. Robert tells stories with his body.
I tell these two stories for reasons, yes, the whole fam and friends are proud of them, but that the values of selflessness and experimentation has been something in both.
Karima’s mum, my sister epitomising the sort of exchanges which would keep a daughter grounded. Yep, she didn’t tell me, cuz it was no real biggie. And I know what she means. It might be a public facing role, but Karima is taking it in her stride and not missing a football match when it comes. For both of them it’s what beauty they represent inside as selfless and caring that is truly captivating.
