From fashion ramps to our beauty closet, we catch up with the gorgeous Thando Hopa.
Who is Thando?
I’m a young woman who takes herself a bit too seriously! I love working with people who have vision because I’d like to think that their energy rubs off on me. I’m growing both in my modelling and legal career which can be quite overwhelming at times. I love my free time. I write, read and go to places that resonate with creativity, because I’m a poet when my mind allows me to be.
You are a representative for Vichy, what does this mean to you?
Protecting my skin from the sun is vital to me, and I have long wanted a platform to be able to spread that message to parents who have children with albinism. Sun care is important to every South African no matter the skin colour, and it feels like a breakthrough to have the backing of a brand who takes it as seriously as I do. Being chosen as Vichy’s brand ambassador makes an important statement: we’re all different but we have the same problems even if the degrees may vary.
You became one of our favourite models after designer Gert-Johan Coetzee introduced you to the ramp. A lot of people don’t know you’re a legal prosecutor. How will being associated with a beauty brand change who you are?
I don’t think it changes who I am, I think it changes how the media and society views the image of albinism. The step Vichy has taken plays such an important role in the beauty industry as well as the media industry at large.
We know that sunscreen is a ‘must use’ for everyone. But black people still don’t feel the need to use sun protection products, how do you think this mentality can be changed?
Education is the only way, and the best way to do this is by finding ways to make it a talking point in the media. I hope that my involvement, tackling the issue of sun protection with a new and unusual angle, will help to spread the word in our communities.
You have gorgeous skin, how do you care for it?
I stay out of the sun at all costs; sun screen is a necessity for me, not a luxury. I carry a Chinese parasol (umbrella) whenever I’m outside. I apply sunscreen every two hours if I’m exposed to the sun. If I don’t, I burn badly and it takes my skin ages to recover. For me, sun damage becomes obvious more immediately than it is for other people, even though the sun has that effect on everyone. Even when the sun doesn’t shine on me directly, like when I’m in the car, I make sure to apply sun screen every two hours unless I’m indoors.
How often do you have to re-apply sunscreen and does it vary for different skin types?
I apply sunscreen every two hours if outdoors. However, it’s important to speak to a Vichy consultant with respect to your skin type so you can be advised thoroughly.
Do you use a different factor (SPF) for your face and body?
I use the maximum protection for both my face and body – Vichy has one for the face and another for the body and both have an SPF 50.
