Exceptional models bring Matka Joanna to lifes

Written by Ruby S Balthazar. Photography by Lin Vitali.

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Exceptional models bring Matka Joanna to life – Ziad Ghanem's sensational SS12 collection

"I am thinking and feeling we have a serious lack of confidence! We, who?? Well, if you just take a look at the media, from printed to visual and then to fashion and so on, there are rather closed categories formed already and if you want or wish to work in the industry you kind of have to fit into the category you are aiming for. Hmmm!? Yes, it is real, true and you might fancy being stubborn and disagree with me yet if you have worked in the industry you will know how disheartening it is to fight to fit the mould. You are brave, I say, if you insist to break the mould and continue. It does feel lonely and I am very passionate to make you feel you are not alone and give all talent a platform!"

Talking of bravery! It is a quality of a friend of mine, fashion designer Ziad Ghanem.

Ruby S Balthazar walking for Ziad Ghanem - London Fashion Week SS12. See more images of Ziad Ghanem's SS12 collection..

The title of his London Fashion Week show this seasons was MATKA JOANNA. Inspiration came from 'Mother Joan of the Angels' (in Polish: 'Matka Joanna od Aniolow', also known as 'The Devil and the Nun'), which is a 1961 drama film on demonic possession, directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz, based on a novella of the same title by Jaroslaw Iwaszkiewicz. Matka Joanna was a nun most possessed by the devil. Reason for this was the priest that has been sexually tempting the nuns for which he literally ended burning in fire.

With every show the designer gives a platform for talent to present his collection at London Fashion week, create a performance and with it bring the clothes to life.

What shape, height, colour, hair length, hip inches?? These details should not matter, am I correct? I am not saying that classic model measurements are something of a negative requirement, no! All I want to do is to encourage the rest of the fashion world to loosen the requirements and open their eyes to creativity. I personally adore the supermodels and what they stand for but fashion should not be about being stick thin. If a designer can’t design for every shape and size then the designer is simply limiting his or her reach and if a designer means to reach out to every shape and size, then they should also do so on the catwalk.

Ziad carefully picks the inspirational individuals that are passionate about him as a designer and his designs then encourages them to perform. It is entirely up to us to walk, twist, shine, pose in any way we feel like. As much as we were celebrating his current collection Matka Joanna, was Ziad celebrating our artistic spirits. He gave us the right to be confident. And it felt GREAT!

Last season I wrote about the show from a model’s point of view, bringing to you the models, who they are, what they stand for and why they modeled for Ziad Ghanem. This year we had a few new models joining us.

Here is what they said:

Youngest model JANET OUNAN, Ziad’s niece:

"I wanted to take part as the mysterious girl. I want to work with Ziad when I am 18 and also I want to design my own collection too."

Ziad Ghanem's niece and Jessica Love - London Fashion Week SS12.

JESSICA LOVE:

"I’m a fire performer, a model and a dominatrix. I sought out all my professions and enjoy them all. When I get the opportunity to do more than one at a time, that is a real treat. I hope to bring some fire to the runway next year. And if I don't I guess I'll just have to burn one of my slaves."

TANYA VALENSI:

"I'm a singer/songwriter from London. I've had support from the underground scene, legal radio stations and journalists. The main goal for me now is to get signed!"

"I love all types of music and I loooooove shoes!!! Haha"

"I enjoyed my first experience of modelling and I would love to break through for the curvy girls."

DAVID VALENSI (AMCK Models):

"I was first scouted in Camden by my agent Patrick from AMCK Models London. I have been signed for about 3 months now. I think my favourite editorial has been with New York’s Bullet Magazine. My first show was for Ziad Ghanem. My first London Fashion Week show was with Christopher Shannon. I produce music and songwrite. I have had songs on the radio. I would love to be signed in NY, Paris and Milan!!!"

ROLAND LEPP (AMCK Models):

"I modeled for Ziad Ghanem because I have never walked for someone with a design style like Ziad’s. It gave me experience, and I enjoyed it throughout."

MR PUSTRA:

"Fashion has always been something of a secret passion of mine - I simply adore the theatrics and 'art' involved. Other influences such as countertenor, Klaus Nomi, who used avant-garde creations and striking make-up to it's full effect excites me. Ziad's couture provides the perfect stage for artists, like myself, to create beauty and drama through performance and individual style. Ziad and I both adore Klaus, and can be found in both of our work."

Walking for Ziad Ghanem (from left to right): Tanya Valensi, David Valensi, Roland Lepp and Mr Pustra - London Fashion Week SS12. See more images of Ziad Ghanem's SS12 collection..

A note from Ruby:

I personally would like to thank Aiden Connor and the rest of the beautiful team and models as well. What a pleasure was to work with you!