World Class Models Magazine would like to welcome amazing Filipina model Madelyn Afripina Smith.
Name: Madelyn Afripina Smith
Height: 5'7"
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Medium Brown
Bust (in inches): 30
Waist: 24
Hips: 34
Shoe size: 9
Age: 17
Zodiac sign: Libra
Hobbies: Dancing, painting, playing sports, reading
Years modeling: 2 years
Countries visited: Philippines
Likes: Adventures, Modeling, Swimming, Jazz Music, Painting
Dislikes: Racism, Bullies
Status: Single
World Class Models Magazine: Please tell us about yourself.
Hello everyone! I am Afri, my nationality is African-American-Filipina born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. I will be taking Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and with patience and determination, I will soon accomplish getting a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. I started modeling when I was 15 years old and I was balancing my education and my modeling career.
World Class Models Magazine: You have also a prestigious Beauty Queen title. Please tell us all about it.
I haven't won and prestigious Beauty Queen title yet, but I will tell you about my experience with the first and only beauty contest I have joined so far. I joined the audition for Miss Teen Philippines Cebu Region in 2019, and I was shock when I found out that they chose me as one of their candidates. I didn’t win that contest but I got the Most Photogenic award and I am very proud of myself. Even though I didn't win in that beauty contest, I believed that it was an opportunity for me to show what I can do and to have an advocacy with my platform.
World Class Models Magazine: Please tell us about the amazing designer Melbeth Froilan you modeling in this issue.
I felt so happy to be wearing some of the brand designs of Melbeth Froilan Atelier. It was one of the best brands I’ve worked with. All of designs were unique and beautiful from each other. The designer of the brand Melbeth Froilan Atelier focuses on the style and the theme that matches and connects together that results to a wonderful masterpiece. Philippine-based Melbeth Froilan Atelier is a Fashion Brand focused on a custom-made design pieces with one goal in mind: for that piece to be your favorite. The pieces are designed and handmade with love by Melbeth, a Sustainable Fashion Designer that believes and supports locally made and hand-weaving craftsmanship. Melbeth is changing the way the consumer looks at how garments are made from Fast Fashion to Slow Fashion. The Brand was established in 2018 and has presented in the Philippine’s best Fashion Magazine, MEGA September 2018, Fashion Institute of the Philippines Fashion Week 2018, and many other shows and events. The Brand was recognized in the Top 10 Designers 2018 during the Fashion Institute of the Philippines Graduation Show held in Manila and was also included in the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Candidate Photoshoots. Melbeth Froilan opened a design studio in 2019 and started selling in the heart of Cebu City. The team Melbeth wants you to celebrate your body in any and all forms. We are creating high-quality garments for the modern, creative wo/men with its stunning silhouettes and timeless classics, from flirty dresses to practical classics in all your favorite seasonal colors of body-positive wo/men apparel and from formal wear to bridal wear to ready to wear. Melbeth Froilan Atelier is specializing in environmentally friendly sustainable fabrics and shipped with you in recycled packaging. These pieces will be your most well-loved staples for years to come. https://www.instagram.com/melbethfroilanatelier/ , Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/THEMelbethFroilan, and email us @ themelbethfroilan@gmail.com
World Class Models Magazine: Tell us about the experience and the team behind this photoshoot.
I was excited and overwhelm to be part of the photoshoot. It was my first photoshoot but I didn't act like it was my first time, I projected my pose like it was for a high fashion magazine. The team were working professionally. They were all talented and focused for their project and I am glad that we were working together. All in all, the experience was great and I had fun working with them as a team. I would never forget that experience. All I can say is, thank you!
Photographer: Wildfolks Studios
Styled by: Style Like Ai
Accessories: Floreia Accessories
Make up by: Maria Faizel Tan
Hair: Reysan Ornopia
Ensembles: Melbeth Froilan
World Class Models Magazine: Please tell us about your modeling experience.
I started joining modeling workshops in Shutter Model and Talent Management at the age of 15. They gave me tips on how to handle myself, doing cat walks, and proper posture. I had a lot of modeling journeys at a very young age. I was published in Southwall Magazine wearing casual fashion for fall fashion from Rustan’s and Topshop, I also had a chance to work with Designers Philipp Tampus, Mel Maria, Mikhail Achas,Melbeth Yvonne A Froilan, and many more creative and successful designers in Cebu. I am also one of the ambassador of Beauty and Beyond.
World Class Models Magazine: How were you discovered?
I wanted to explore and learn more about modeling, and so I joined a modeling workshop in Cebu handled by Shutter Models & Talent Management. The manager of that modeling workshop, Rabie Ian Pogoy, also handled a lot of well-known models and he thinks that I would fit to be part of the modeling team and invited me in Go-Sees for models, runway projects, and photoshoots for more opportunities for me. Doors were opened after I joined the modeling workshop and the rest was history.
World Class Models Magazine: What made you decide to become a model?
I used to remember myself as a kid watching Asia’s Next Top Model and I was like “I want to be in their position to really know what it feels like to be enjoying and at the same time having unexpected projects.” and so I did become a model. Modeling has been my passion ever since I was a kid and I realized that people of color wasn’t common in fashion industry, commercials, and in many platforms, and so I see potential in myself to experience things, and break stereotypes in fashion industry. I look at it as an opportunity for me to learn new things and to meet talented people along my journey.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your favorite style of modeling and why?
Runway modeling is my favorite style of modeling because it is a great exposure for me to be witnessed by clients that would like to have a project with me. I know some people are afraid to fall and trip on stage by accident, that is why we should practice with our heels and so on. It also a great experience for me to show my skills and talent in doing runway modeling, such as the proper way to handle the design and accessories while doing runway modeling, proper posture, and many more. Traveling would also be part of my favorite experiences in doing projects in runway modeling.
World Class Models Magazine: Who's your mother agency and why did you choose them. Or why do you freelance?
I am a model in Shutter Models and Talent Management. Before being part of a management, I research the reviews, and achievements from models in different agencies, and the agency that was really captivating was Shutter Models and Talent Management, that is why I chose Shutter Models and Talent Management. After being officially part of their management, they improved my strengths and taught me proper posture, different ways to walk to capture the eyes of people or the watcher during a runway, improved my facial projection, communication skills, and ability to look decent all the time.
World Class Models Magazine: Which designers did had a chance to model for?
The designers I had a chance to model for are listed in the following: Kandaya’s Anniversary featuring the Resort Collection of Claudia Bezza Yeung was a great experience for me to travel out of town and I am very delighted to be wearing her collection. I was wearing Hanz Coquilla designs for a photoshoot associated with Shutter Models & Talent Management along with the designs of Yoko Sato Li’s. Pink Exodus Fashion Show by Philipp Tampus was the first charity pink ball in Cebu. The designs were outstanding and I was in love with the design I wore during the fashion show.
During Miss Manduaue Talent Program, I was one of the backup talent performers for Nicole Borromeo’s presentation and I was wearing the beautiful designs of Mel Maria. I was wearing Melbeth Yvonne A Froilan unique collection for a photoshoot that is now featured in this magazine.
During the 4th of July Freedom Expression Fashion Show, I was lucky to be wearing one of the designs of Mikhail Achas.
During the ISTILO “Moderno Kultura” fashion show, I was wearing the designs of Peewee Rodney Senining, Dexter Alazas, Danny Booc, and Alejandro Godinez Jr. The fashion shows present different kinds of cultural ideas expressed by the designers and the whole team.
World Class Models Magazine: Which designer was your favorite and why?
Designer Melbeth Yvonne A Froilan of Melbeth Froilan Atelier is my favorite designer. I remembered the time when we were having a shoot and I was wearing one of her designs to showcase her creativity in her work, she wants everything to look unique in every angle during the photoshoot, she works professionally with the whole team. And I am beyond grateful to be wearing some of her designs.
World Class Models Magazine: Which major fashion shows have you modeled in?
ISTILO “Moderno Kultura”, Jun 2018 4th of July Freedom Expression Fashion Show, July 2018
Pink Exodus Fashion Show, September 2018
Kandaya’s Anniversary Featuring the Resort Collection of Claudia Yeung, November 2019
World Class Models Magazine: Which fashion show was your favorite and why?
My favorite fashion show was in Kandaya Beach Resort doing a fashion show for Kandaya’s Anniversary Featuring the Resort Collection of Claudia Yeung. It was my first time to travel out of town for a fashion show. The models and the rest of the teams stayed overnight in Kandaya Resort for 3 days. During the day of the fashion show, we weren't panicking at all, we were all focused on and enjoying the show. After the fashion show, the models and the teams were hanging out, had a party, and we were just having a chat together and it was enjoyable.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your biggest success as a model so far?
My biggest success as a model is improving my skills and turning my weaknesses into my strength. I was able to explore in some locations due to having projects and experience projects that I will never forget. I was also able to use my platform for people to gain confidence within themselves that we should not be insecure about our skin color, and accept it because each and every one of us are unique in different ways.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your secret to scoring runway jobs?
Honesty and confidence is always my secret in scoring runway jobs. I’m also mindful of my time to avoid coming up late during runway shows. I would also present my model comp card if needed. I avoid getting my hair done in a salons, I am well-aware of my body measurements and so on I take my diet seriously before the actual runway show. I also practice proper posture and my walk at home before the actual day of the fashion show.
World Class Models Magazine: Tell us about your upcoming fashion shows.
Due to this unexpected pandemic that we are currently facing right now, there are no upcoming fashion shows for me. Hopefully, Coronavirus would just disappear so that people would live peacefully and so that we could be able to do things we usually.
World Class Models Magazine: Tell us about some of your favorite photoshoots.
One of my favorite photoshoots was at Philosophia Library Cafe for Southwall Magazine. It was my first time to be in a magazine, and I felt overwhelmed by that opportunity. I also had a photoshoot that was featured in Cebu Daily News wearing the amazing design of Philipp Tampus for the charity fashion ball “Pink Exodus” which also is one of my favorite photoshoot.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your secret to finding the right photographers to work with and why?
I always make sure that I am working with a professional photographer that presents proper behavior. The right photographer should know the right angles, lighting, and many more aspect in-camera techniques. I want to connect with my photographers while doing photo shoots. Being connected with my photographer would let me gain confidence during photoshoots because if I don't connect with photographers, the image would probably turn out below expectation standard and would not satisfy the client.
World Class Models Magazine: How do you prepare for a photoshoot?
Proper hygiene is a must and this includes, keeping my face fresh, waxing body hair, nails should be trimmed, and deep conditioned my hair is how I prepare myself for a photoshoot. Before having a photoshoot, I practice my posture in mirrors that goes along the theme of the designers choice. I also bring with me extra clothes, undergarments, heels, and stilettos.
World Class Models Magazine: Tell us about your publishing success so far.
As for now, I have just had one publishing success in magazine which is Southwall Magazine. That was my first time getting featured in a magazine. I remembered the time when the team didn't believe that I was 15 years old because I was good at posing, handling the clothes and the accessories I was wearing.
World Class Models Magazine: Any modeling tips for up and coming models?
Don’t put to much pressure on yourself, and enjoy the show. Every project is an opportunity, always be ready all the time and prepare before the day of modeling interviews, go-sees, and fashion projects.
World Class Models Magazine: Any video commercial or film experience?
I haven’t had any experience with video commercial or film yet, but I am hoping to be part of some video commercials and films one day because I know that it would be fun and challenging.
World Class Models Magazine: Do you volunteer for any cause?
I haven’t volunteered for any causes yet, but I will be volunteering and I am seeking to have a foundation program for unfortunate people who were affected by natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, people with disability, senior citizen, awareness for children with mental health and many more.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your personal fashion style?
My personal fashion style actually depends on an event I am going. I like to express my sense of fashion by choosing appropriate clothing and the personal fashion style that best describes me is vintage fashion.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your secret to success.
Confidence is my secret to success. I have the confidence inside of me to build up strength and to never neglect opportunities near me. I trust myself and never look down on myself. Self-confidence helped me be in this place where I am right now, it also helped me know my worth in life.
World Class Models Magazine: What would you like to accomplish as a model in 2020.
I have a lot of ideas in mind to accomplish as a model in 2020 but unfortunately, COVID-19 surfaced and is still not over but not my will to give up. I am still seeking for more experiences in different model styles and for more projects to come in this year 2020. I will still accept fashion projects because each and every projects is a journey for me to establish myself for the future.
World Class Models Magazine: What would be your ultimate modeling dream job?
I want to see myself having a fashion show project internationally. One of my ultimate modeling dream job is to be in a billboard post and to explore different countries and having a project with famous models and celebrities around the world.
World Class Models Magazine: What is your overall modeling goal?
My overall modeling goal is to experience more modeling projects and to work with some of my favorite fashion models like Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner. I would also want to be part of a film or any commercials.
World Class Models Magazine: What legacy as a model would you like to leave behind?
I would want to start my own business with an advocacy of empowering people of color. Since I am will to be part of a medical field, I would start helping unfortunate people by making a foundation, and I would also like to start a clothing company and my models would be local and international models because I am all about diversity and so as my clothing company.
World Class Models Magazine: Where can we learn more about your work?
I am active in social media platforms. I post my projects, modeling experiences on Instagram, and in Facebook to get to know more about me and the things that I enjoy in modeling. You can also contact my Model and Talent Manager, Rabie Ian Pogoy via Facebook, Instagram, and also in Twitter at Shutter Models & Talent Management.
World Class Models Magazine: How can someone hire you for modeling jobs?
They can connect me with some of my social media accounts throught Instagram and in Facebook
Instagram: Afrieyy
Facebook: Afrieyy (Afri Smith)
World Class Models Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Model: Madelyn Afripina Smith, World Class Models Magazine, Designer: Melbeth Froilan, Photographer: Wildfolks Studios
Styled by: Style Like Ai
Accessories: Floreia Accessories
Make up by: Maria Faizel Tan
Hair: Reysan Ornopia
Ensembles: Melbeth Froilan Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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