Sky is the limit for Natasha after winning gong at fashion awards
She’s already one of the UK’s top supermodels but Natasha Luwedde is set to become a global superstar after a win at the British Fashion Awards.
The striking 24-year- old from Paisley was named as one of the fashion world’s top new talents at last week’s ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Natasha was the only Scot to be recognised in the British Fashion Council ’s list of 100 NEW WAVE: Creatives, which also includes Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber, supermodel Fran Summers and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Aquaria.
The 5ft 10in beauty, who lit up the red carpet in a bronze sequin and lace gown by Thornton Bregazzi, is still in shock about being named as an international fashion mover and shaker.
Natasha, who was born in Burundi, grew up in Uganda and moved to Scotland when she was 16, said: “I got the call a couple of weeks ago late at night and it took a minute for it to sink in. I couldn’t believe it.
“It ’ s such an honour to be recognised alongside some of the biggest young names in the business.
“From models, photographers and stylists to fashion designers, bloggers and influencers – it’s such talented company to be in and I feel very proud.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up on the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards. It’s just insane.”
Natasha, who rubbed shoulders with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the star-studded ceremony, added: “It was my first red-carpet event and I had a ball. I felt like Cinderella on the night.
“I ha d the mos t unbelievable gown and I got to mingle with the who’s who of the international fashion world. It was a night I will never forget.”
In the last few years, Natasha has become the toast of the fashion world, w ith g lobal brands such as Jasper Conran, Dior and Calvin Klein queueing to book her for shows.
She is also one of the busiest models on the catwalk at London Fashion Week and has starred in campaigns for Pandora, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.
The runway queen is the face of the Debenhams winter campaign, Zara Beauty and Gucci online. She is signed to Scotland’s No1 agency Colours and London-based Select, who represent models Agyness Deyn, Daisy Lowe and Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead.
Natasha, who has appeared in a host of magazines, including British Vogue, Grazia, Stella and Glamour, said: “I have to pinch mysel f sometimes. It’s a dream come true.
“I am so busy I’ve had to move to London and I’m in the process of getting a US visa so I can work in New York. Life could not be any more exciting.”
Af ter moving to Scotland, Natasha settled in Paisley with her mum Diana, who works for the NHS, and her two brothers. She lost her Ugandan dad Edward as a child.
When Natasha was 18, a friend suggested she try modelling so she walked into Glasgow-based Colours and they signed her on the spot.
The mod e l , who ha s a pharmacolog y degree f rom Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, is pleased to see diversity increasing in the fashion industry.
She said: “Over the past few years, the fashion industry has really embraced dark-skinned models.
“From Jourdan Dunn appearing on the cover of Vogue to more black models on the catwalk, diversity reigns.
“I like to think I’m hired because I’m Natasha, the model with the great work ethic and the positive outlook on life, rather than because I’m black.”
Mark Conlin, of Colours, said: “To be recognised by the British Fashion Council is an honour.
“This is no overnight success – it’s taken over seven years of hard work and dedication from Natasha. She has an incredible star quality and is already a big name in the fashion industry.”