 Anjali Lama, 26, Nepal's first transgender model |
LBD – Rs 4025
by Rags & Riches, Pearl necklace and earrings
– Stylist's Own
Cross Back Dress - Rs 4747
by Rags & Riches, Earrings
– Stylist's Own
Audrey Hepburn, the epitome of style and grace, never had it easy. Growing up during World War 2, her only escape was dancing. For many years, all she had was small insignificant screen roles. She never once gave up until a chance encounter with a film crew who thought she would be perfect for the lead role in 'Gigi'.
Who better than to represent a modern day Nepali Audrey Hepburn than Anjali Lama? They share the same story: a struggle for identity.
Anjali Lama puts some of us women to shame. We are not talking about her slim waistline, her limbs that never end or that prominent jaw line. When she speaks, she exudes poise and grace. She walks as if she owns the ground beneath her. Little do people know that behind the smile that unfolds when she talks about her favourite colour lies a character of steel with a strong need for acceptance.
"You may think in this age where most people are educated, a transgender would be less taunted, you couldn't be more wrong. We are still discriminated when it comes to jobs, accommodation and sadly, opportunities" Anjali says empathically.
Anjali left Nuwakot for Kathmandu, 10 years ago. While working at Blue Diamond Society, she is also doing her Bachelors in Humanities from Trichandra College. Passionate about modeling, she vows to never stop trying. For as she says, "With the likes of Miss Universe Canada, Lea T and Andrej Pejic rocking the runways and gracing top magazine covers, there's hope. At the end of the day I am as capable as any another model."
Here she stands, Anjali Lama, just a young woman, asking you to give her a chance.
Black Embellished Cardigan
– Rs 1990 by Mademoiselle
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
— Audrey Hepburn
Black dress
– Model's Own
I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped.
— Audrey Hepburn
I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.
Ruffled Blouse – Rs 1090 by Mademoiselle, Peach Palazzo Pants – Price on request by Cheeky, Earrings – Stylist's Own
Cheeky Retail Shop
Woodland Complex
Durba Marg
Mademoiselle
Woodland Complex
Durba Marg
Rags & Riches
Nagpokhari
Photographs: Arvin Sharma
make up: Tarana Dutt
Styling: Trisha Rai
modelling agency: MC Studios
MC Studios is a model and talent management agency and is involved in portfolio development, training and supplying of professionally groomed models to prospective clients and organisations based locally as well as international. We enroll individuals who are interested in taking up Modelling professionally as a career or on the side and work as their agent, market them and provide business opportunities. We also help them develop their commercial portfolio to enhance their chances and success in this field.
Phone 097714410608, 097714439367
Email info@mcstudios.com.np
Website: http://www.mcstudios.com.np
