MODEL OF THE MONTH: SALISU ABDULAI

Ladies and gents, I present to you our Model Of The Month, Salisu Abdulai, popularly known as Sal.

Salisu Abdulai is a 24-year-old London-based model that was born in Warri Nigeria and brought up in different places, which include, Warri, Benin and Abuja. He started modelling in January 2011 and he is currently represented by Vibe International Models and Models of Diversity UK. He definitely combines good looks and brains because he has a LLB and a LLM masters degree in International Commercial Law. What I personally like about Sal is the way that he sports clothes. He is confident, got good poise and grace.

His credits of work done include: Fashion Finest shows, London Fashion Week, FashionMist, Mahogany Bridal Show, Rip the Runway UK, Styled and Frocked Show, Passion for Homeland, Brighton Fashion Week, African Fashion Week London, The Labels pre-LFW Catwalk Show, Fashion Show for Debenhams, Campaign Shoots for Models of Diversity, Pakistan Fashion Week London, I love Pacha I love Fashion, Catalogue shoot for Clifton Custom, Commercial Shoot for People Development, Editorial Shoot for Slave Magazine (Jan. 2012 issue), Zen Mag (Dec. 2011 Christmas issue), The Diversity Show/Curves in Couture.

The designers he has modelled for include: Without Prejudice, Criminal Damage, Red Mutha, Maze Couture, Beata, ODF Clothing, Clifton Custom, Bob Afrique, 310, Wide Side, Ramil Makinano, Nico Didonna, Topman, Patrick Kevin, Ingo Shanyenge, Intern Clothing, Liv Cres, Mina Evans, Kayobi Clothing, Rokit True Vintage Clothing, Sylvia Fumudoh, Bukki, Ocansey Obianchi London, Chatenya Mittal,Chester Barrie, Debenhams Fashion House, Kay Kwok, Joe Goode, Urban Outfitters, KGTKKT Couture, Hyung tae Kim for London College of Fashion BA/ Press Show, Ema Ranger for London College of Fashion BA/ Press Show, Ben Crane, Ammar Belal, Stabo, Brett le Bratt, Gunsmoke and Lavender, Hayley Kiley, A Team, Chester Barrie, Flylander Couture.

His recent achievement has been his feature on British Vogue website which covered the London College of Fashion BA/Press Show 2012.

Here is what Salisu said to MrsHustle:

MrsHustle: What do you like doing in your spare time?

Sal: Well, during my spare time and when im not modelling I’m mostly indoors at home relaxing cos im actually not the outgoing type so I just chill at home with family and do some personal stuff. Maybe once in a while hang out with good friends and have a good laugh. lolz.

MrsHustle: Why do you like modelling?

Sal:  I like modelling cos its fun. The fact that you can help a designer sell his/her outfits just by the way you carry them and showcase them makes me really feel good and I feel really great when a client I have worked with before approaches me again for another job. That just simply says you did amazingly well previously and its cool. But most importantly, why I really love to model now is because over the past year I have found out that I have inspired a lot of people in one way or the other. The feedback I get sometimes actually make me speechless. I just try to let people know that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to achieve.

MrsHustle: What do you think of Nigerian fashion and Nigerian designers?

Sal:  Nigerian fashion has certainly grown and is still growing, cos there’s always room for improvement. But over the past decade, I think the fashion industry back home is beginning to gain a lot of respect around the world. I mean with fashion shows like the Arise Magazine Fashion Week which is talked about all over the world, MTN Fashion Week and so many other great shows that have been taking place lately, I can proudly relate with the Nigerian fashion industry cos they are really keeping up to standard. Also, Nigerian designers are doing greatly. I see a lot of creativity in their collections, whilst still trying to keep the african culture and style. Some even showcase in top events around the world, so that’s a sign of growth. I don’t really know a lot of them but these names definitely ring a bell and stand out for me, Mai Atafo and Deola Sagoe.

With measurements like 6’2″ height, 30″-31″ waist, 16″ collar, 38″ chest, 10 shoe, Salisu is an ideal model for runway shows and not only! I think he is a very promising model with international career prospects. What do you think?