Getting to know Sofee Nadine EXCLUSIVE

Display Image photographers: topleft-Andrzej Lepka, right-Kate Murrell,

A couple of weeks ago we were introduced to the Face of Brighton Fashion Week Present in the form of Sofee Nadine, and Face of Brighton Fashion Week Past with Bethany Webb. This week we get to know a little bit more about the current Face, Sofee.  She moved to Brighton in 2009 from the seaside town of Hastings predominantly for the music scene, hoping to indulge her passion for singing. Sofee fell into modelling by accident when she was approached by Director Lizzy Bishop to model for us last year.  Describing her personal style as “granny-chic” with a penchant for cardigans, we talk shopping, style and all-things Brighton with the flame-haired beauty.

Brighton Fashion Week: How would you describe your look?
Sofee Nadine: Most people comment on how I apparently dress like a Granny, which I only take as a compliment. I mainly shop in charity shops and the odd vintage shop. I love knitwear and brooches, so I guess I would describe myself as ‘granny-chic’.
"There is something infectious about how creative and passionate people are here"

BFW: How would you describe the Brighton fashion scene and what about it appeals to you?
SN: The Brighton fashion scene is one that's not scared to experiment and be proud of it. The people of Brighton thrive on being unique and will take something that one person may see as junk and turn it into fashion. In Brighton I can be myself and wear what I want without anyone batting an eyelid.

BFW: What do you love about Brighton and what brought you here?
SN: I came to Brighton because of the music scene to pursue my career as a singer. Music is my passion and by being in Brighton I have met many talented musicians and developed as an artist. Brighton is a city of talent and everyone in it is willing to share their knowledge. There is something infectious about how creative and passionate people are here, which only stimulates my creativity more. I can't imagine living anywhere else at this time in my life.

BFW: What part of Brighton would you say you represent style-wise? Do you think your look encapsulates the essence of Brighton?
SN: I wear what I want to wear, so I represent the freedom that Brighton expresses; the freedom to be who you want to be. I'm not sure about encapsulating the essence of Brighton; to me it’s the different characters and the individuality that make up the essence of Brighton. I can't say that I personally encapsulate the essence of Brighton but am proud to be part of it.
"In Brighton I can be myself and wear what I want without anyone batting an eyelid"

BFW: What has your involvement been in BFW this year and in previous years?
SN: BFW was something I was unaware of until I moved to Brighton.  I had never thought of pursuing a career in Fashion, so when Liz approached me last year and asked me to model for her I thought it would be a good experience. It was the first time I had done catwalk and can honestly say I really enjoyed myself.  Liz and her team create a very relaxed and fun atmosphere which for me is what makes BFW different. My involvement last year was to model and is the same this year and I have been involved in promotional shoots towards the run up to this year’s BFW.

BFW: Why do you think you were chosen to represent BFW?
SN: After my involvement in BFW last year my career as a model seemed to come from nowhere. BFW gave me the opportunity to do something I didn't realize I could do. For me this is what BFW is all about; giving people the opportunity to progress in a career in the fashion industry. I represent BFW as someone that was given the opportunity by BFW and succeeded. I still have so far to go with modelling, but BFW was where I started my modelling career.  BFW is also about representing the unique people of Brighton. I think Liz saw something in me that captures a part of Brighton that she thinks best represents what BFW is about.

"BFW is all about giving people the opportunity to progress in a career in the fashion industry"
 

BFW: Where do you see the future for BFW and is there a part of Brighton that you feel should be represented more in the coming years?
SN: I have no doubt that BFW will only become bigger and better. Liz and her team do an amazing job of keeping BFW different from all the rest and I think as long as BFW keeps its uniqueness and always represents the true Brighton, then for me there is nothing more. BFW is everything Brighton and a fun week to be involved in.

BFW: You came to Brighton for the music scene; can you tell us a little bit about your background what exciting projects you have going on music-wise?
SN: I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I started classical singing in my local church and went onto musical theatre.  I’ve performed at Disneyland Paris and Her Majesty theatre. After many years of performing arts I realized my voice wasn't made for musical theatre and tried Jazz. I immediately fell in love and started gigging with local musicians in Hastings. I was then involved in session singing with 'Chicks With Hits', who are a Brighton-based lyricist team, and decided to moved to Brighton to pursue my career.  Here I met musicians Laurie Ross and Dominic Henderson and started writing progressive rock. We are now in a band called 'NotYets' and will soon be gigging around Brighton. I'm also starting a new exciting project with Noah Sacre, who is in a Brighton band called 'boycom'. Over the next few months we will be producing music for a string quartet that i will sing and perform with.

BFW: We're very keen on promoting healthy self-image when it comes to our models. How do you take care of yourself and how do you overcome the pressure to be a certain way or weight?  Was it a difficult world for you to be suddenly thrust into?
SN: I've always been a healthy eater, but I certainly don't watch my calories, far from it. It really irritates me when I read articles about how models are too skinny and it encourages eating disorders. I do believe that there should be a far wider variety of sizes in the industry, but I have always been a thin person and I don't look unhealthy because my bone structure is tiny and I'm meant to be this size. I haven't yet once met a model that doesn't eat more than anyone else on set. As for it being a difficult world to have been thrust in to, I've always performed and for me modelling is like acting; I keep a certain element of myself in every shoot or walk, but I become a different character with every job, needing to put across the emotion or style that needs to be portrayed.

"I believe there should be a far wider variety of sizes in the fashion industry"

BFW: Do you have any products you can’t live without and what’s your favourite beauty tip?
SN: I couldn't live without moisturiser; I moisturise twice a day and exfoliate twice a week. Apart from that I always make sure I drink as much water as I can the day before a shoot to make sure my skin is well hydrated.

BFW: What advice would you give someone wanting to enter into modelling?
SN: If you want to be a model it’s not all about looks; you need the personality to go with it.  Photographers, designers or anyone you are working for will book you again if they like you. I would say just be yourself, enjoy each job you are doing and don't take yourself too seriously. If you've never modelled before, don't hold back; work with as many photographers as you can and let everyone know you want to be a model. Soon people will know who you are and will recommend you for jobs. Finally, try and find representation to help you find the clients and help you get the money you deserve.

"If you want to be a model it’s not all about looks; you need the personality to go with it"

BFW: What has been your favourite modelling job so far and why?
SN: I did a shoot for an online magazine called 'Noir' for the designer 'House of Quinn'. The clothing was based on taxidermy. I had a great day working with a fun team. I loved the outfits and the photos I got out of it. It was just a great day all in all.

BFW: Do you enjoy getting dressed up in your private life for going out?
SN: I’ve always been laid back when it comes to dressing up.  If I fancy dressing up I will, but usually I just chuck on whatever I grab first. I'm also lazy with make-up; I might wear blusher and a bit of mascara, but I usually just go plain and natural.

BFW: What is your favourite aspect of being a model?
SN: I would say my favourite aspect of modelling is helping artists to create their vision, and of course the pennies that come with it.

BFW: Who are you beauty and style icons?
SN: I would say my favourite fashion icon is Edie Sedgwick.  I love her style and work. I think she was definitely one of the best models there has ever been.

BFW: Who or what encapsulates beauty to you?
SN: I really believe beauty is in our personality.  Someone can be stunning, but if they are a horrid person then they will look ugly to me, no matter what.


Estelle Kealy: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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