Ms Hildah Mulenga Speaks To The Fashion Police

1)For those not familiar with you who are you and what do you do?

My  name is Hildah Mulenga the Director of a UK  registered charity called Mumba Children's Project and promoter of Miss Malaika UK 'Beauty of African Origin' 

2)What word best describe you as a person?

Down to earth person and can relate to people of all standards

3)Their are so many charities out there what make yours any different?

Our charity is very close to heart in that it is a small charity with no overheads and what is donated is received by the intended recepients, from the donor to the disadvantaged children, the youth and the women. Our charity is operated in the villages where there is abject poverty. We have a centre called Mumba Day care centre in rural Mpongwe village where children come every morning to learn, play, and eat one square meal a day before they go back to their various homes. The idea is not separate them from their families but to offer them an opportunity of a better future while maintaining family ties. Most of the children are orphans looked after by their old grandmothers who have absolutely no means of supporting these children materially, financially but there for the children's emotional support and maintaining their family ties.

Future plans are a full fledged school up to secondary, a health center as we already promote the homebased care team within the 'Kabya' community as the nearest services like the mission hospital, government schools an shops are a good 10kilometers away.

So we need every support we can get out there

4)Tell us in a few words the history of your charity?

The idea of forming a charity started after losing one of my children a son called Mumba Brian Mulenga in a tragic accident, putting the tragedy into something positive to benefit the underpriviledged. Losing a child at the tender age of thirteen left a very traumatic gap in one's life and it does not get any easier as time passes. So to put a loss into something positive the charity was formed called Mumba Children's Project and Miss Malaika UK became 'a child' of the charity to offer the youth in the diaspora keep links with their roots and do something positive in their lives be it here in the UK or world wide

5)Is this charity only for the children in africa or is it world wide as kids are in need world wide?

The charity is for the underpriviledged children meaning it is not limited to Zambian children only but worldwide. Under Miss Malaika every delegate that participates identifies their own line of charity that they want to undertake and the organisation acts as a platform to realise the potential of every candidate.

A child in the western world has a totally different form of suffering as to those in the developing world so identifying what a child's needs are at the point of us assisting plays a pivotal role in our assistance. 

6)Do you think your a true representation of a today's woman if yes/no explain

I feel i am a true inspiration and representation of a today's woman in that I am a career woman with a full time job, a mother, a wife and an active charity campaigner, knowing how to balance all these attributes without neglecting the other and still have time to yourself.

7)Name one thing you just cant leave the house without?

I can not leave my house without my lip gloss as people will always look at your face when identifying you and always ready to listen to you and i feel my lips are a shining true representation of me.

8)How can anyone from the other side of the world learn more about you and what you stand for?

Our activities are well documented in whatever we do and transparency has got us to where we are. We are on facebook as Mumba Children's project, twitter and Linked in and our website is undergoing a redevelopment and will soon be up for everyone to follow and read up on all our activities. 

9)Describe your fashion sense?

A true compatriot will always theme her dressing according to occassion so my fashion sense  goes with the occassion but otherwise very smart casual

10)If you had the power to change one thing in this world what would it be and why?

One thing i would love to change would be to let governments especially in the third world provide just basic needs to their citizens: housing,clean water, atleast able to afford basic foods, proper medical facilities and basic education to every child. These are fundamental to ones's well being

11)What music would bring you on the dance floor to shake your booty?

I am a traditional but modern woman so African music gives me back the groove and some pop music too Alexandra Burke gets me on the dance floor in a flash

12)Do you think enough is being done toward to assist 3 world countries?

Yes and no. Yes the help is done and you can see some improvement but you hear of most of this donated fund ending up in people's pockets and there is a chain of people to pay before the theintended recepients get it.

So if smaller charities could also be given enough grants to do most of the projects instead of giving it to governments there would be a remarkable improvement in the societies.

My other worry is there are some very rich people in the third world that do not want to share with the under priviledged. Should we leave this to the west only? We should cultivate the culture of giving us people in the diaspora too. If you can afford to change your wardrobe every season then there are charities like us that collect second hand clothing and give it to the under priviledged. Let us know and we will come and collect -you will be doing your bit by clearing your wardrobe to give room to your new wardrobe

13)If you was given £1 million pounds to give to 3 charities which ones would you give to and why?

I would give it  to under priviledged children's charities and children's hospitals. Children are very vulnerable in that they are helpless and cannot fend for themselves. The children's hospitals so children can access better services and reduce mortality rate and thirdly i would give it to Breast and cervical cancer charities for more research in how to combat the dreaded cancers and also offer support to the cancer victims/survivors

14)How can we learn if a charity is real or fake?

A charity should be properly registered, transparent and invite everyone to come and see what they do and participate in the charity's activities. They should show exactly what they do if not then it is a fake.

15)If you were to walk the red carpet at an event which designer would you love to wear and why?

Kosibah designs he knows how to sculpt every woman's figure in his gowns secondly it would be Stella's designs in Africa her work is bespoke, authentic hand done sequins and beads in her designs is her speciality.

16)If you had to prepare a meal for the Fashion Police Reporters what would you prepare for them?

Grilled spicy chicken with greens and mealie pap called 'nsima' with gravy and desert would be fresh mangoes and water melon to wash your palates

17)If you was given 2 tickets to attend any event in the uk which 2 would you be attending and why?

It will have to be a Leona Lewis concert her modulated voice is out of this world and she is down to earth with a good personality

Secondly it would be Dancing on Ice -the skill of mixing skating and dancing at the same time just does it for me and keeps me glued to the chair watching.

18)What makes a man a true gentleman in your own words?

A man who can never lay a finger on the woman, a true confidante who will not betray your emotions and 'keeps the toilet seat down'

19)What are a few things you see some women do that is just not lady like?

-Who in their right minds wants to show their bits to public it is unpalatable we all have them so cover up and you will still look sexy 

-Chewing gum in public and oh no asking for lip gloss from a friend!

20)What are your thoughts on the Fashion Police News Report Blog?

Have always been a 'secret admirer of Professor's' work so the Fashion police blog  just is worth visiting and reading as it keeps you in shape on what /what not to do or wear. 

21)Any last words to our blog

Be real and true to yourself people will respect you for that. Politeness and being respectful never killed anyone. Thanks for featuring me.

Hildah Mulenga

Director of Mumba Children's project

 

 

Ambassador to all Make up Artist Ms Maria Foster Tells it all to the Police

1) Please tell us who you are and what you do for those not familiar with you?

 My name is Maria Foster, I am a professional makeup Artist, beauty specialist and Entrepreneur

2)What word best describe you as a person?

 Oh gosh what word best describes me as a person ?...hmm... Grounded

3)There are so many make up artist out there what makes you any different?

 For me, having the ability to listen, knowing what works and what doesn't, keeping up with current trends and never taking anything for granted, working with people and not for them...Being persistent and never failing on being the best i can be...

4)When not working what do you enjoy doing?

 I like to spend time with my family, my husband and toy yorkshire terrier Lilly..Although i do spend a lot of my time meeting new people as i do have other businesses too, so relaxing is generally a luxury...

5)Are you married/single/divorce/relationship?

 I am second time married to Ian for 11 years, we have just celebrated our anniversay on New years eve in the Lake District , he is my soulmate and without him i wouldn't be whole

6)Are you a true representation of a today's woman?

Ans( I like to think so, I think women today do have a hard time in the way we look, what we do, and where we fit in in the corporate world, but i do think that we are a force to be reckoned with now as we too want the career and the lifestyle, if you are talking more of the fashion industry then no i am not as i am a full figured woman and not a size zero that is just wrong on all levels...From the earliest moment in time, women have been represented in the world of magazines. During the pre-revolutionary era women were represented in the press. The world of magazines is known for the social changes that are made. When you consider the role of the media and its representation concerning women, today we have a serious problem with not only fashion models, but also women in every walk of life. Why? The representation of thin women leads to serious eating disorders ranging from anorexia or bulimia. Many teenagers starve themselves to have the "thin" bodies they want. Certainly, the representation of women in magazines affects teenagers and woman of all ages.

7)Which other make up artist in the uk do you look up to?if any

 Lisa Eldridge, she has what we say in the industry 'Made it" working for vogue, elle and top editorials and celebrities..I certainly think that she was in the right place at the right time, and that her work i very much the style that i follow...

8)What do you love most of the job you do?

 Seeing the transformations that occurs right before your eyes, and knowing that when you see your work in editorials and on the big screen that it is you that has been partly responsible for how it evolved...i also love the buzz and the hectic shenanigans that come hand in hand with this industry..

9)If you had the chance to do the make up of 3 people who would they be and why?

 Princess Kate, I just love her simplicity and down to earth personality, and boy would that look good on my CV.  I would have loved to have worked on Marilyn Monroe, not only do i love the fifties era, but she was a true icon for the beautiful voluptuous woman, and boy would she have a story to tell..One of my favorite actresses is Julia Roberts and i don't want it to seem a cliche, and i know that sometimes when you are asked a question like this you are really put on the spot because there are hundreds of women that i would like to and have liked to work with so yes Julia Roberts is one of them..

10)Please save 4 tips for women when buying make up?

 Oh Boy the makeup industry is a mind-field now, so much choice and variety, and there are some great brands out there from prestige to economy, but if i was to offer any advice when buying makeup is, 
Tip one, always check the ingredients list as many economy brands have some terrible nasties in them from animal and human bi-products, yes that is so true..
Second tip, When looking for best makeup brands, don’t just take it because the product description sounds good and expensive. Remember that not all that glitters are gold. Sometimes, they just produce enticing ads to market their products. 
Tip no 3 Search for a tested or renowned make up brand that is compatible with your skin type. 
Tip no 4, Search for the right makeup based on your allotted budget

11)What music makes you run to the dance floor to shake your booty?

 I love lots of music, from ballads to rock and dance, so anything with a great beat....Oh i do like a smooch too..!

12)What are your thoughts on Fashion Police Blog?

 I think its great , we need variations on what people like and dislike, tips and trick's, this is what makes our industry so diverse as we all see thing from a different perspective, so a big up for Fashion Police...

13)What makes a man a real man?

, His ability to make us laugh, and a man that is in touch with his feminine side is so attractive to women, also i always look at his shoes that says a lot about his style and that is also important to me as a woman

14)What goes through your mind at times when you see some women make up have them looking like chucky?

 Well let me tell you i have seen plenty of women that i have felt the urge to take a wet wipe to lol, But being the diplomat sometimes it is best left alone as no matter what you say would fall on deaf ears..

15)Describe your fashion sense?

 Comfortable haha, Long gone are the days of squeezing into an outfit because the label says size 14...I love to dress in what makes me feel god and comfortable at the same time, i do tend to stick to black and that can sometimes be a little boring, but you can always gurantee being safe so when all else fails, black and simple is the winner for me.

16)Do you think your sexy?

 Yes of course, truth be known every woman is sexy in her own right, we have so much to offer.

17)What are your best assets you think was given to you from birth?

 My Brown eyes, they have got me into trouble a few times in my younger years lol !

18)What to you think is more hotter a man in a police uniform...........a man in construction working gear........are a man in a suite?

 A man in a suit every time for me..

19)If you had the Fashion Police over at your home for dinner what would you prepare them?

 My own recipe of turkey casserole with home made chunky chips, full of flavour with something to get your teeth into, really delicious and wholesome northern cooking..

20)What words would you have for anyone who wants to be a mua

 Do your research, be prepared, that this is an industry not for the weak hearted, make sure you are ready to put in the hrs and test with the best and never give up on your dream, do not have all your eggs in one basket, make sure you have a safety net, a plan B, that is why i decided to have my own netwrok marketing business, I am able to work full time on my job and part time on my fortune.

21)If you was given £100 to shop in 2 stores where would you go and why?

Ans) Before i had my own network marketing business with my own products i would have shopped in Mac, one because it is considered to be what the professionals use and i can say they do have some great products and with being a pro i do get a pro discount, the second would have to be sally's hair & beauty supplies for all my consumables....

22)What is one thing people may say about you that you have heard and its not true?

 I can't really say that i have had anyone say anything bad about me..I suppose i have been very fortunate in that way, my motto is keep your head down, do good job, be nice and you will not acquire many enemies, only the ones that wish they were as good as you.. 

23)How do you keep up with all the trends?

With the internet it is merely impossible not to keep up with the recent trends, Media is full of it and if you keep tuned in you will never fail to know whats in and whats so last year, trends & style has a habit of repeating itself and re-inventing itself too, so if you look back over the years many looks are a repeat of what was in style back then and we have many resources and guru's that we can follow. 

24)How can someone from the other side of the world view your work and learn more about you

Ans) You can find my website www.mariafoster.co.uk, i am also on facebook, My network marketing website ismariafoster.myarbonne.co.uk. I also have a blog that you can follow caled, MyWorldMyFace, so i have multiple sites that you can find me on.

Top Talented Linton Clarke Speaks to the Fashion Police

1)For those who are not familiar with you who are you and what do you do?

Hi I’m Linton Clarke and I’m a Model, Dancer and Creative Director

2)What 4 words best describe you as a person?

It’s absolutely impossible to choose just 4 words to describe myself in a holistic sense but I can offer 4 words that describe parts of me. Gentleman, rambunctious, peculiar, witty.

3)When not working what do you enjoy doing?

When I’m not at work (which is virtually never) I tend to do nothing really… Hang out with friends, maybe get a facial, Host movie night at my place or just parading around my house next to no clothes. I don’t really wear clothes at home… I don’t really get people that do [he laughes]

4)Which male models do you look up to based in the uk?

Gosh that’s an interesting question to have to answer. Given that I grew up in London I’m really proud of all of the guys from the UK that I see working consistently through the fashion seasons but I don’t know if I would say I look up to any them and that’s not me being a dismissive. Being a 6ft 6 model means I don’t typically fit the criteria for a fashion model per say. Our industry’s criteria banding favours guys between 5ft 11 and 6ft 2 which usually puts me in a category all by my myself. For that reason my tendency is to look inwards for inspiration as oppose to outwards. Most male models simply are not 6ft6 x-gymnasts. That said I’ve always has great respect for Anthony Kaye. He is daring and dynamic. I just remember being aware of him long long before I ever dared to dream that I would some day be a model. I think he is as recognised as a dancer as he is for modelling. That speaks well of his work ethic and that  is inspiring.

5)There are so many models what makes you different?

What makes me different is that I have a unique set of skills to use to my advantage, but even more to the point the thing that’s sets me apart from other models is my approach. I see modelling as an art form. I study it daily and dovote most of my time to my craft. I don’t think people become models. I think you either are or you’re not. It’s a part of what makes you, youand it defiantly defines a large part of who/what I am.

6)Are you a full time model are part time?

It depends on what you mean by full time model. For the most part ‘full time model’ is actually a myth. It doesn’t exist. Even world renowned super models will have other areas of interest and means of income. Work is seasonal so there will always be prolonged periods off nothingness and so in that sense I suppose no I’m not a full time model I’m a part timer. 

7)What music would bring you to the dance floor?

I just love dancing in general and I have a really unclassifiable taste in music so almost anything will get me dancing, it just depends on my mood. I have been known to clear dance floors and shut down clubs when I hear 80s Soul and 90s RnB.  I like pop in the naughtiest too. Anything with some nice texture and a bumping baseline. Oh yeah, and I’m loving some of the ‘Afrobeat’ stuff I’m hearing recently. I don’t know most the artist names and I don’t speak any African languages but I can sing the lyrics sound for sound. [He laughs]

8)Are you single/married/relationship?

I can confirm that I’m not married as for the other two options… I’m going to have to plea the fifth.

9)If you had the chance to do a photo shoot with anyone who would it be and why?

I’d have to say. I’d love to shoot with Coco Rocha. The girl is simply fire. She has oodles of personality and emotes effortlessly. I think we’d have a really good time on set together

10)What are your 4 fashion tips to our many readers?

4 tips ok

1.    This one is for guys. If you want the expensive bespoke look and you’re on a tight budget, get your suit off the peg 1 size too big and take to a good dry cleaners to get it tailored perfectly to fit you. It makes all the difference.

2.    Don’t smoke… its really not fashionable or sexy in anyway.

3.    When putting on outfit together always bear in mind “contrast” it’s the easiest way to look stylish. If you have something dramatic on top, keep the bottom simple. You never want step out in gold sequence head to toe.

4.    This goes for both guys and girls. “Get feature shoes” if your busy or lazy like me and don’t want to always have to think too hard about what to wear get shoes that stand out and wear with plain simple outfits. All black and a pair of feature shoes will always draw and hold attention. And ladies avoid fish-net tights at ALL costs. They are horrid ghastly things.  Men only think one thing when we see those however I am not at liberty to so what that is [he laughs].

I know that’s 5 tips but I couldn’t help myself.

11)What do you love most about being a model?

What I like most about being a model is “being a model” it’s a great thing to be and I hold it in very high esteem.

                  

12)Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’m not sure if I can think 5 years into the future I can barely remember what’s on my itinerary for next week. Thank God for blackberry reminders…

I do know that I want to do a lot more work behind the scenes, because creatively if you have a vision, you need your eyes to be behind the camera to see if what is being captured satisfies you’re your idea in a true sense. I’d also like to think that I’d be in a position to share more my acquired knowledge.  I guess in a nutshell I want to do exactly what I’m doing now but get paid more for it. [He laughs again]

13)Is it easy being a model your height? As we know the standard height for male models?

I touched on this before, but no it’s not at all easy for models my height. In fact its virtually impossible for models my height to get any work period. That is unless you are incredibly savvy and business minded. Every casting, fitting, meeting etc has to be approached with a Dragons’ Den-like focus. You have to be equipped to walk into a room and convince the casting director who has probably been in the industry for years and subscribes fully the widely respected standards in terms of height, that he/she is wrong. Above that you have to then back up your claim with evidence of work that proves it to be true.  It is the equivalent of insisting on driving on the wrong side of the road despite the obvious law.  But for me I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love my height and I’m proud to say that I have broken down boundaries even if only in a small way.  Anyone who knows me will know that I feel strongly about seeing ‘potential in individuals’ and not options in collectives. I believe every man should be asses to his own merit. Is he capable? Has he proven his abilities? What is his motivation?  This could go into a entire discourse but I will spare you the lecture until another time. I am just very happy that I do get work and I am starting to get recognition… and I say starting to because I have such a very very long way to go yet.

14)If you was given a ticket to travel to any where in the world where would you go and why?

I would travel anywhere with loads of sun and a private beach.  I love water, and I love the ocean. I envisage many romantic nights with by the sea side

15)What message do you have for aspiring models?

My message is a simple one. ‘EDUCATE YOURSEVES’ I cant stress that enough. Anything you choose to do in life, if you are to do well, you MUST be well informed about it.

16)What do you think when you don't see much models of colour on catwalks/bill boards?

I actually feel that at this stage in 2012 there is a fair enough representation of models of colour currently gracing catwalks on a whole. Not FAIR representation but ‘fir enough.’ The penny seems to have dropped that we’re pretty darn good at walking. My problem is the lack of coloured campaign models.  This is where the ratio is grossly negatively skewed I believe. I do not however see it as a negative however. I don’t believe in complaining. As a model of colour it is my job to ensure that I do everything in my power over the lifespan of my career to get my ‘coloured face’ on those billboards. Each success opens the door for countless others. It’s just a challenge like everything else in life. It means when I go to work and I’m on set for a photo-shoot, I have to bear in mind that I’m not just modelling for me or just for the client but for everything that my presence represents. But no it doesn’t anger me, it just reminds me to be thankful for my opportunity to take positive steps.  

17)What attracts you to someone?

What attract me to someone… I like a person who free spirited with integrity and a wicked sense of humour. I’m also a sucker for nice plump lips.

18)If you could change one thing in the fashion world what would it be?

If I could change one thing about fashion I would clean-up some of the ‘unnecessary’ sexual provocativeness. I think we should focus on selling quality brands, labels, concepts and ideas, not ‘sex.’ Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that there isn’t a place fore sexuality in fashion but I think sometimes it is just done ‘just because’ and not for any particular reasoned definition other than, ‘it is ‘commercially viable’

I would also like a link to my fan page on Facebook and twitter to be posted alongside the interview.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lintonclarkeofficial

Twitter: @LintonClarke

N.B ...On behalf of Fashion Police thank you for the interview Mr Clarke to the readers any wrong spelling you may see in the questions ask.......yes yes it was made by Fashion Police.XX

Morena Ignacio taking event Decorating where it needs to be taken

1)Tell us briefly who you are and what you do for those not familiar with you?

I’m Morena Ignacio born June 5th, 1975, motherland Aruba, foster home Curacao, St.Maarten is where my heart/home at. My offspring are Shandrika en De Shawn Chittick, I’m a member of JCI St.Maarten (Jaycees) en presently a circulation clerk at Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL)

2)What makes you different from the many interior designers out there?

I will not title myself as an interior designer! I’m an “Event Decorator” that have giving ideas to persons requested it...lol...I know my limit “Never carry a title than you can’t execute”!

What makes me different in what I do...”I see all I do in colors en feelings” it’s an Art to me as I have Fun doing it! (Explain: You see a dead tree as trash, I see it as Art that can be use in a decoration...so in other word it all depend on how you view Nature)      

3)What words best describe you as a person?

Quite, Observant, Contributor, Loving    

4)How can someone from the other side of the world view your work and learn more about you?

They will view it a Fun, colorful en beautiful, if the truly are observant they will see that I express the inner me in my work! “Please take a look at my facebook photos and give me your feedback”.

5)Where do you get your inspirations from?

Definitely from Jehovah’s creation...every day I view it here on St.Maater its hills, pond, plants, animals, culture.  At times conversations with family or friend that are having an event inspire ideas.    

6)If you could interior design the home of one person of your choice who would it be and why?

I will like to design my own home, as the saying goes the carpenter create for everyone but leave his undone! That’s why I will like to.

7)Please share with us 4 tips when trying to make our home look good?

1. If you have something that you really like an object like (vase, fabric and photo frame ext.) let that be your inspiration to your design.

2. If those items have more than one color, bring them back into your design focusing on two or three of them.

3. If it a festive event add gold or silver as a complementary assent.  

4. Have fun and “feel your work” have a friend or two to get there feedback creative process. 

8)How is the competion in what you do on St maarten (Caribbean)?

I don’t compete, I go with the flow It’s my hobby as I’ve teamed up with many friends that are Artist in Balloon work, Event Planners, Interior Designer en other Decorators.      

9)When your not working what do you enjoy doing?

Play and be crazy with my kids...now that they becoming teenagers they hangout less with mommy…lol… reading, crafting, surfing the net “Google” for me!!!

10)Are you single/married/relationship?

In an Relationship.

11)Describe your fashion sense?

I like old style, but to be frank I don’t use fashion to my own temple but you will see it in my projects.

12)Name a few projects you have interior design for?

I have decorated several events for JCI St.Maarten (Jaycees) en at Philipsburg Jubilee Library, Nehesi House, friends Weddings, team up with Catwalk Proffesor, Albert Groeneveldt, Linda Carty, Raquel Carty Lbb event planner.

13)What advice do you have for anyone wanting to do what you do?

I will advise you to research if it something you will truly love to do! If so invest in how to do book, DVD en look at such program that will enhance your talent.

Team up with friends or others that share your passion.  

14)How do you stay updated in all the different styles in what’s happening?

I don’t but I say Old inspires new!!!…you put an antique singer sewing machine add an arrangement of flowers en a large photo frame around. You have an Art display. If I do get a chance I look at the wedding channel, Preston Bailey, David Tutera, Martha Steward. As well I get craft and decoration Books at PJL Library. 

15)If  someone was looking for an interior designer how would you convince them you’re the person for the job not using pictures, only using words what would you say to them to convince you have what it takes?

“I’m like a coal, provided an opportunity I will give you an brilliant Gem as result”

16) Open word!

I will like to Thank Fashion Police for this interview opportunity. I wish you the best in your future Goals!