Black is Beautiful

By UAN

The media always depicts Port-au-Prince as a chaotic and dirty city, the country without a doubt faces many socio-economic challenges but I am a Creole woman and today a lot of young people like me are working for change. Haitian history, art, culture, music, and literature contribute to Haiti’s richness…

Tell us something about growing up - teenage dreams, some things that you like to do back then.

Angel: I’ve been fascinated by the world of fashion from a young age, I would make clothes for my dolls (laughs). As a teen I sang in a choir, singing has always been a passion of mine. I wanted to be a doctor and I wanted to launch my own clothing collection… I was very ambitious!

Interest in modeling - when did you realize that you wanna be a model? How did it start?

When I was preparing my baccalaureate, I was often called on to do small modeling jobs; my friends would always tell me I had the looks of a top model. A designer approached me one day and I signed on with her modeling agency. She was convinced of my potential and with her, I made my debut in the world of fashion.

Did you have an interest in some other form of art except modeling?

Angel: I love music and cinema.

Any hobby?

Angel: I focus all of my energy on studying and developing my career as a model. When I have some free time, I like to read books on psychology and human behavior. Music rejuvenates me and I do sports for my wellbeing.

What kind of music and movies do you like?

Angel: I have an eclectic taste in music I think. I like world music, pop, alternative rock… Groups like Evanescence and Thirty Seconds to Mars have had a big influence on my life…
I really like indie films, films that are strange and unusual… But I must admit to also appreciating a good animation movie from time to time (laughs)

How do you stay in shape for photo sessions?

I live a simple life! I take care of my body by exercising, but that is about it.

What kind of modeling do you prefer?

I really admire Chanel Iman, the American actress, and model, she’s one of Victoria’s Secret’s angels. She represents for me the essence of black beauty, “Black is beautiful”.

Your first photo session. Can you recall that experience?

It happened 4 years ago, it was a shoot promoting a fashion event. It was my first time working with a professional photographer… It took me some time to adapt but I did pretty well in the end (smiles).

When it comes to making photos, do you tell some of your ideas to the photographer or do you leave everything to him/her?

I usually follow directions but if I have an idea, I share it with the photographer.

Your ordinary day looks like ...?

I rise early and follow the news while drinking my morning cup of coffee, then I go to the gym to tone my body. Once I get back home, I eat lunch then I go to my classes on campus, I am currently completing a Bachelor in International trading. After classes I focus on my modeling career, I schedule meetings, photo shoots and work on my social media presence.

What can you tell us about your city, Port-Au- Prince? What do you like there, what would you recommend to the visitors?

What does "Black is Beautiful" means to you?

I often use this catch phrase on social media, it’s a call to end discrimination, I’m proud of my skin color and many black models assert this pride. Today although still, a minority of the industry black women are more and more visible.

How do you see yourself in 5 yrs?

In 5 years I’d like to have become the face of a popular brand and to have developed my career as a true business woman.

Links where people can find your work and contact you.

As of now I can mainly be found on Facebook Laurore Francillon but I am now working on my own website and on building a presence on other popular social media. I will also soon be represented by agents in Paris, Milan and the United States.

Posted in Lifestyle