Nothing pleases this African girl's heart to hear about children of this continent breaking through to acclaim internationally. And particularly in the modelling world where it is hard enough being 'of-colour', let alone from the African continent.
And this past week in Paris, a new girl has shone.
Originally a Sudanese refugee, living in Kenya, Ajak Deng eventually moved to Melbourne, Australia a few years ago. Responsible for seven of her siblings for the past couple of years since her dad returned to the Sudan (her mum passed away from malaria when Ajak was twelve), she has taken to modelling, signed in Australia and with IMG in New York and just completed a brilliant season in Paris.
As one of the four black girls to close Lanvin, she was suddenly thrust in the spotlight. She also looked amazing at Haide Ackermann. And the new autumn/winter 11 TopShop campaign that she shot has just broken to the public. Heady times for this new face.
Please let's all get behind Ajak, wish her well and do whatever we can to promote the use of African girls in international (and local) fashion.