4 minute read
Ruan Potgieter: Namibia's rising runway star
You cannot miss him. With his piercing stare, tousled brunette mane and rock-solid abs, Ruan commands attention on and off the runway.
Judging by his confident stride, one could be forgiven for thinking he has been modelling for a long time. However, Ruan only came into the spotlight in 2019 when a friend asked him to model his garments.
“I had a great connection with the photographer, so we did an editorial afterwards. He and the make-up artist believed I had a lot of potential, shared my contact details with people looking for models and that’s how my professional career took off in Windhoek,” he recalls.
Fast-forward a few years later, Ruan remains a regular at the biggest fashion event in the country, the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week. In fact, he has been a constant feature since his debut at the event in 2021. “Windhoek Fashion Week is like a community for me. From the fitting selections to the model bootcamp, they take the initiative to create a full experience for models. There’s a lot of learning, laughing and joyous moments. I am extremely grateful for what Namibia’s biggest fashion event has taught and shown me,” he says while pointing out that Rundu-based designer Santia Poroto was his favourite designer during his first year at the fashion week.
Ruan advises young aspiring male models to find their “vibe” and strive to be expressive and authentic, and to put themselves out there.
Ruan has big dreams for his career, listing getting booked for corporate shoots in Namibia as a short-term goal and walking for American designer Calvin Klein as a longer-term goal. “I would love to dip my toes in the high-fashion industry!” he proclaims matter-of-factly.
And while he loves being in front of the camera and acting as a muse, Ruan also dreams of launching his very own brand – RA by Ruan. While still in the incubation phase, Ruan envisions the brand coming to life and making its mark.
So how does one of Namibia’s “it boys” of fashion get into the zone before a big job? This focused young man believes in caring for the body that works for him. “I prepare physically for modelling jobs by incorporating callisthenics and cardio into my routine.”
Asked what his preferred type of modelling work is, Ruan says he would choose editorial shoots any day. “Editorials allow me to express my individuality. I shot my first editorial in the thendry Avis Dam. It was cold and windy, and the sticks went into my shoes, but it was worth the experience,” he recalls.
Ruan describes his style as grungy and flamboyant, with a dose of elegance. “As a male model, I enjoy expressing the polarity within each of us. You can see that in my desired style, editorials and on the runway, I tend to break down the boundaries of male and female expression,” he says.
He is determined to grow as a model and see the industry thrive. He acknowledges that the Namibian fashion industry has evolved and that models have increased opportunities today. He further notes how the sector has consistently provided better representation of the Namibian population, saying, “We are moving away from using international ad campaigns to being more inclusive with locals, thereby improving familiarity and connection with the end customer”.
Currently, the brand Ruan admires the most is Zuriel by Luis Munana. He has worked with Zuriel on multiple occasions, including the recent Zuriel x Chivas Regal collaboration. Still on his radar of brands to work with is Sitwala, the menswear brand that Ruan describes as “very elegant”.
Ruan advises young aspiring male models to find their “vibe” and strive to be expressive and authentic, and to put themselves out there.
His parting words ring true to his passion and drive to make it on the big stage: “Climb out of your comfort zone, attend fashion meets and events, and network!”
