Neetasha Singh was dressed by Nigerian designer Trish O’ Couture for her first red carpet appearance at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Image: Supplied
FROM walking to school in Phoenix to now strutting across the red carpet at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, has been a whirlwind experience for Durban’s Neetasha Singh.
Singh, a local and international model, was invited to attend this year’s film festival which took place at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès from May 12 to 23.
The iconic venue is located on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, France.
Singh said there were no words that could truly express her experience.
“It was an unexplainable experience, one that I will never forget. I was invited by Women in Film and Television (WIFT) Africa, and then officially invited by Cannes Film festivals and Marché du Film.
“The festival enables you to network and put yourself in rooms that give you an opportunity to propel your vision. It is also about education and of course, there is the glamour of it,” she said.
Singh, who is also a businesswoman and women empowerment activist, said she walked the red carpet for two film premieres.
“The first premiere I attended was for the film, Full Phil, with Hollywood stars Woody Harrelson, Kristen Stewart, Emma Mackey, Charlotte Le Bon. The second was Palme d'Or contender The Birthday Party (Histoires De La Nuit) starring Monica Bellucci.
“It was an absolute highlight as I walked the same red carpet for the second premier as Bollywood icon, Aishwarya Rai. I also got to meet and interact with her as we were both doing photoshoots at the same hotel - which I was also staying at. I also met supermodel, Coca Rocha, who was also doing her photoshoot - right to me,” she said.
Singh said she believed being in the industry and her experiences were written in her destiny.
“I feel as if I was meant to do this. I was meant to live the life I am living right.”
In respect of her attire, Singh said her goal was to represent Africa.
“I believe I achieved this. My first red carpet dress was designed by Nigerian designer, Trish O’ Couture. We created the look completely online - and it took her about six weeks to complete. The corset was hand-stitched. My second dress was created by South African designer, Laryne Jefferies.”
Singh was dressed by South African designer Laryne Jefferies for her second red carpet appearance.
Image: Supplied
Singh added that attending the festival has been a highlight in her career.
“I had the opportunity to meet amazing, successful and powerful pioneers in the industry. The most important industry influence was seated in one place for the festival, and I was in the same room and in the same conversations. I am definitely going to do this over and over again,” she said.
Singh, who was born and grew up in Phoenix, said she was also thankful for the support she has received.
“I come from humble beginnings. I used to walk to school and now I am walking runaways and red carpets. I feel it is because of the supportive and beautiful community I grew up in. They always supported me, even till this very day. I pray that I make it big just to thank the people who are still rooting for me.”
Her advice to others is to always believe in themselves.
“Anything in this world is possible if you just believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to take up space - your background or whatever curveballs life may have thrown at you, does not define who you are and what you can achieve.
“I also run Model Camp SA, which is a women and youth empowerment programme, and I always tell the girls about the power of the tongue. You need to speak your dreams into existence and think positive. Don’t listen to the noise around you. If God has given you a dream he will give you the ability to fulfill it,” she said.