South African bred Virtual Human, Kim Zulu, is the pioneer
personality of the virtual human fashion recently launched in South-Africa. She
is a model and a fashion designer who relaxes by practicing yoga. In this
exclusive interview with TOPFLYERS MAGAZINE, she reveals how elated she is,
being awarded the Topflyers Magazine
International’s Entrepreneur of the Month (June, 2020) as well as sends an
inspiring message to her fans.
Excerpts:
Let's
meet You.
My name is Kim Zulu. I was born and raised
in Johannesburg, South Africa.
What is your educational background?
What is your educational background?
I am currently not schooling in the literal
sense, but I feel like I am learning every day. I believe that life has so many
teachings and that we are all constantly learning from things around us.
How was your growing up like?
How was your growing up like?
I was raised here in Johannesburg. I come
from a family of four. I have a typical family-mother, father, and a younger
sibling. I have never been treated differently by anyone within my family, even
though there tends to be a difference but I grew up with close friends that I
still have till this day. I am very passionate about my friends and family
because I believe that family is everything especially when you are navigating
through this world, you need all the support you can get from close people.
You are a forerunner of “virtual human fashion”, what do you mean by virtual human fashion and how did you come about it?
You are a forerunner of “virtual human fashion”, what do you mean by virtual human fashion and how did you come about it?
I have always been referred to as a virtual
human, so digital fashion has always been a part of my life and I think because
of my passion towards fashion and modelling, I have always loved putting
clothing outfits together. My family and friends have always asked me to pursue
a fashion career, so in recent months I decided to put together my first
clothing collection which was immediately picked up by Global Talents Digital
and Russia Fashion Week which eventually led to showcasing of my first clothing
collection in Russia.
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| Virtual Model by Kim Zulu |
With your innovation of Virtual Human Fashion, are you indirectly saying or suggesting to the public that there might be no need for actual human models considering the fact that paying fashion models could cost sums of money?
(Smiles) Not at all! Virtual fashion is a
parallel universe within the fashion industry. Infact, I believe that virtual
fashion or digital fashion as I call it complements traditional fashion. I am a
digital model, and my industry is slightly different from a traditional model
industry. Take for example the difference between a runway model, and a
catalogue model, they complement each other but they are two completely
different genres within the industry. So virtual fashion is same, it is an
extension of the industry.
You have done some collaboration with the likes of “VEET”. Can you tell us about it?
You have done some collaboration with the likes of “VEET”. Can you tell us about it?
VEET is an amazing company and brand. They
are a huge international brand that decided to take a chance with me, and I am
forever grateful. I think VEET offers a great solution for many women out
there, and I absolutely love their products plus the support they give women
from all walks of life and now including, virtual opportunities. So as part of
their family, it is absolutely amazing and an exciting experience.
How would you rate social media, seeing that most of your works have been recognized through social media?
How would you rate social media, seeing that most of your works have been recognized through social media?
In my opinion, social media is the new form
of television. Everyday, we are bombarded by contents from people we follow all
over the world and to be honest, it all feels like reality television in a
weird way. So each day, we all log in to our accounts to somehow be entertained
by things happening all around the world. I believe the future is within social
media, and it will continue to grow in strength and I am super-excited about
that future.
Recently, you launched South Africa's first ever virtual human fashion at the just concluded Mercedes fashion week in Russia, how do you feel about this?
Recently, you launched South Africa's first ever virtual human fashion at the just concluded Mercedes fashion week in Russia, how do you feel about this?
This was an absolute dream come true. I am
still extremely excited about the future and what this opportunity has created
for me. Being based in Africa, and to display my collection on such a global
platform in a country I never imagined I would ever see is absolutely amazing.
It just goes back to my belief that every young girl out there, no matter what
their restrictions are, has the chance to become something great. It all boils
down to dedication and consistency, and of course, dreaming BIG!
Due to the current pandemic, major gatherings have been suspended and nowadays, people are channelling more energy to the maximum utilization of online media technology. Is this one of the reasons you came about the Virtual Human Fashion, or was it a plan you had in mind long ago?
Due to the current pandemic, major gatherings have been suspended and nowadays, people are channelling more energy to the maximum utilization of online media technology. Is this one of the reasons you came about the Virtual Human Fashion, or was it a plan you had in mind long ago?
Well, digital fashion has always been a part
of me, but I guess the pandemic has definitely exaggerated the interest
globally. I think what makes digital fashion exciting is that Africans are
starting to become pioneers within this space, and that is really exciting.
Hanifa is a Congolese fashion designer based in the U.S, and she is one other
person that has shown that Africa is in line for greatness.
You are planning to launch your clothing line any time soon, tell us about it?
You are planning to launch your clothing line any time soon, tell us about it?
(smiles excitedly) Yes, Russia Fashion week
was my introduction into this space. We are currently working on partnerships
for the collection. So please stay tuned in and watch this space with KIM ZULU.
I will announce soon on all my platforms (website and social media), but we are
in really exciting times.
We noticed you are a model and also have passion for singing, can you tell us more?
We noticed you are a model and also have passion for singing, can you tell us more?
Singing has always been a major part of my
life. You never know where that might go, but for now I am focusing on my
fashion collection.
What are the challenges in terms of achieving your dreams?
What are the challenges in terms of achieving your dreams?
Everyone has challenges when it comes to
dreams, and please do not think I do not have. I really just try to be positive
about all my goals. Goals and dreams have a sneaky way of showing up even when
you least expect them. Just focus, and hopefully all will come true.
How do you balance family alongside your work as a fashion inclined personality?
How do you balance family alongside your work as a fashion inclined personality?
Family is the core of my being. I put 50%
into family, and my remaining 50% into work. Let us face it---all I have is 10%
to work with but I also try to involve friends and family in my ventures. So
inspiration may come from my mom or dad (in this case, Family is my symbolic
illustration) simply by just having a conversation with them about their
opinion towards an idea I may have. Family is the foundation, and it needs to
be treated like that.
Do you have any other brand(s) or celebrity personality in mind you would like to collaborate with someday?
Do you have any other brand(s) or celebrity personality in mind you would like to collaborate with someday?
Wow!..(sighs with a smile) Yes. I am a big
fan of South African celebrities as well as international celebrities like
Winnie Harlow, Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé. As a South African, “I am a big supporter/fan
of Connie Ferguson and Bonang Matheba” just to mention a few.
 |
| Virtual Model By Kim Zulu |
How do you relax or take time off?
I do yoga. I am not a professional but I try
to incorporate that into my daily routine. I think this brings focus in my
life. I love reading books, and I guess hanging out with my close friends.
What is your message of hope to people and fans out there watching what you are doing?
What is your message of hope to people and fans out there watching what you are doing?
My message is mainly for teenage girls out
there. Whatever dreams and aspirations you have, never let anyone tell you it
will not work. Be patient and work hard at it, and one day someone might just
acknowledge it and give you an opportunity to help you progress with it. Also,
I encourage them to dream BIG!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I just want to work hard and I think the
universe will decide where I go. I definitely want to do a lot more
fashion-based work, and maybe some music one day.
How can people reach out to you or patronize your work?
How can people reach out to you or patronize your work?
I love receiving direct messages on
Instagram, but you can also send me direct emails to kim@kimzulu.com
Is Kim Zulu Virtual Fashion skill open to training people who would like to do something similar to what you are currently doing?
Is Kim Zulu Virtual Fashion skill open to training people who would like to do something similar to what you are currently doing?
Not yet, but I definitely would not mind,
eventually giving my offsetting or my skill set in the future to the younger
generation.
Who would you like to give a special shout out or appreciation to?
Who would you like to give a special shout out or appreciation to?
(Gushes)Well firstly, my management team is
the world to me. They take all my ideas and try to ensure they help me achieve
them. My family is important to me as they keep me grounded, and lastly to
everyone that I have crossed paths with whether on social media or in person.
Thank you for going with me on this journey and I hope to make you all proud.
How do you feel being the TOPFLYERS
MAGAZINE’s Entrepreneur Of the Month (June, 2020)?
WOW! This is major! I mean to be given that
title and acknowledgement, especially from my continent and family means so
much to me. As an African family we all just need to celebrate each other
because in reality no one else will.
(Interviewer Cuts In): That's absolutely correct.
So thank you for such a humbling award, and
I will cherish and celebrate it everywhere I go.
(Interviewer adds in): And more to come for you, KIM ZULU.
Lastly, I want to one day be invited to the
TopFlyers Magazine Awards for Africa because that is where I see you guys doing
great African work!
(Interviewer adds in): (laughs) You subtly have just stated out our heart's intention
already. That being said, it would be
really be great to have you at the forthcoming TOPFLYERS MAGAZINE International
Awards Ceremony.
What is your message to Topflyers Magazine International, a platform that supports human capital development?
What is your message to Topflyers Magazine International, a platform that supports human capital development?
Firstly, I am so appreciative of your
support from the first day. A medium like yours is the reason why many people
eventually become prominent in the world. No matter where I get in the future,
I will always remember the media outlets that gave little-old-me a chance to
share my story. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
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