Herieth Paul: Tanzania’s Radiant Trailblazer in Fashion
Defining fashion goes beyond flair and perception. It is a living tapestry woven by the distinct yet related threads of history, personal identity, and culture. Through fashion, individuals become lively storytellers of heritage.
Herieth Paul, photographed by Yossi Michaeli
Herieth Paul is one of several Africans who take up this responsibility, using the runway as a platform for cultural pride and empowerment. By being a force in the fashion world, Herieth takes full advantage of her rich Tanzanian roots and other relatable cultural narratives to redefine beauty. This is the Ekinken’s Model Spotlight featuring Tanzania’s radiant trailblazer, Herieth Paul.
Herieth Paul by Karl Lam/Vogue Hong Kong
Where It All Started
Our spotlight model was born in 1995 to a Tanzanian diplomat mother in the capital city of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam. Her mother worked in the government. This gave her citizenship in two countries – Tanzania by birth and Canada by naturalization.
Rise to Fame
Moving to Canada marked the beginning of a successful modeling career for Herieth. Arriving in Canada in 2009, she attended an open call at Angie’s Model and Talent International Agency, an Ottawa-based modeling agency. It is rumored that she was selected by Angie Sakla-Seymour for her exceptional beauty at such a young age. AMTI helped with starting her modeling career, and by the following year, she had signed a modeling deal with Women Management New York.
Portrait of Herieth Paul, photographed by Andrew Yee
Herieth has appeared in editorials for Vogue, i-D, Elle, Allure, Flare Magazine, and Teen Vogue. She was one of three cover page models for Vogue Italia and appeared on the cover of Canadian Elle. She was also one of, again, three models in the highly successful Tom Ford Winter campaign in 2013 and has appeared in ads for Tom Ford and CK One.
In 2016, she secured a long-term contract with popular cosmetics company Maybelline, based in New York, where she works as one of the international brand’s spokespeople. She is one of the few Black faces representing the global brand. Herieth has walked for prestigious fashion houses including Diane von Fürstenberg, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Prabal Gurung, Balmain, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. Currently, she is in a relationship with Deng Dharjang, a South Sudanese model, and has a baby together.
Fashion Style
Herieth is popular for being one of many Black models in the global fashion industry. With her distinctive short afro, powerful walk, and runway presence, she has been hailed as a true icon of fashion and beauty both on and off the runway. She is also known for lending her voice and platform to inclusiveness and diversity in the industry.
Herieth Paul, photographed by Dean Isidro/Daring Decadence
Herieth frequently combines Masai-inspired beadwork along with clay-red palettes that point to her Tanzanian heritage. She favors wide-leg trousers paired with statement jewelry, always bringing out her natural beauty and poise.
Conclusion
Herieth Paul’s rise in the fashion and beauty industry is marked by talent, grace, and a rich cultural heritage. From Tanzania to Paris, she has become an icon of elegance and grace. She has proven beyond a doubt that true beauty lies in being yourself and in listening to others. Credit to her family, Nsia, and Happiness in helping her navigate the tricky road of adolescent modeling; she now stands as an example to upcoming generations to hold on to their identity and use it as a background for launching into the world.