Thando Hopa Covers Vogue Portugal April Issue 'Africa Motherland' Dedicated To Humanity's Home
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South African model Thando Hopa covers Vogue Portugal’s April issue with the awesome title ‘Africa Motherland’. The issue is "dedicated to origins and Africa, as the cradle of humanity".
This reality of human existence is the very ‘blood and guts’ of Anne of Carversville and our GlamTribal Jewelry collection.
No — it’s not a case of cultural appropriation that fashion is claiming Africa as the homeland of humanity. It’s a much-needed recognition of a scientific reality and one that is controversial.
A 29-year-old international model, lawyer and activist, Thando Hopa also makes history as the first woman with albinism to grace the cover of Vogue.
She was also the first black South African grace a Pirelli calendar, appearing in the ‘Alice in Wonderland’-themed 2018 edition.
Thando took to her Instagram page to celebrate the big news on Tuesday, 2 April 2019, with a lengthy post, stating:
“I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a Vogue Cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me. We are the ones we have been waiting for. I’m emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough.”
Hopa is a member of the BBC’s 2018 list of the 100 most influential and inspiring women around the world. BBC women described the women as “leaders, trailblazers and everyday heroes”, chosen from 60 countries and ranging in age from 15 to a 94 years old. The cover star thanks everyone who has helped her to this moment including the BBC, Tim Walker and Edward Enninful.
Thando was the first black South African to appear in a Pirelli calendar, joining the all-black ‘Alice in Wonderland’ 2018 edition, lensed by Walker with British Vogue Editor-in-Chief- Edward Enninful in charge of styling.
Thando Hopa ‘The Queen of Hearts’ and Whoopi Goldberg ‘The Royal Duchess’’ by Tim Walker for the all-black ‘The Pirelli Calendar’ 2018
Hopa did not become a model for the glamor of it but because she wants to represent young women who, like her, do not see themselves represented in the media.
“A lot of people don’t understand that if you are a young girl and you don’t see your image anywhere … it’s difficult to understand how invisible you become in that society, that community. Your sense of belonging is not recognised,” she said.
Read on Thando Hopa on Tolerance, Acceptance and Defying Stereotypes Wanted Wanted Magazine
