Aviwe Menze

Photographed By Jennifer Fischer

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
Right now I am in Cape Town, best city in the world. I came here last year to study and  now I'm working and have decided to settle here. I fell in love with Cape Town from day one, I always felt that it's dreamy.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED, AND WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT IN THE WORLD?
I was born in a small depressing town, Grahamstown, in South Africa. A cute and depressing town. It could just be that I am not a small town person or it could be that I have lived there all my life. I haven't travelled yet, only been to  China outside my country so I cannot really say what my favourite spot in the world is. I'd say in Cape Town it's Long Street.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES?
Childhood games with friends: hopscotch, skipping rope, etc. I'd say playing chess with my older cousins. I would say playing football with my dad although I was terrible at it. And later on my obsession with Mills and Boon books. Ah, good times.

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
I aspired to be a Victoria Secret Angel (still do). I aspired to be a teacher.  I aspired to be an accountant because  I was good with numbers. I aspired to be an air hostess because I wanted to travel (still do).  And I have always aspired to be happy.

WHAT HAS BEEN A SEMINAL EXPERIENCE?
Just my move to Cape Town has opened so many doors for me. I have met such amazing people. Had the most magical nights. Wake up everyday knowing that I'm where I wanted to be. This is actually something I need to be more grateful for.

WHY MODEL?
Modeling has always offered a place of belonging for me. I grew up being teased for being thin, people would say I was sick or something, At the time I was obsessed with "America's Next Top Model", and so I found refuge in watching girls with long legs as mine and tiny heads and abnormally big and square shoulders. I felt that it is where I belonged. That was my motivation to get into modeling. Now I am no longer feeling insecure about my body and being skinny.  Now I'm doing it because of passion and excitement. I need something to fuel my left part of the brain, and that is it. It sets my heart on fire. It's what I would describe as "my art".

DO YOU STILL REMEMBER YOUR FIRST EVER SHOOT?
Absolutely! It was beautiful. The weather was great, very sunny. I had the most amazing photographer who was very helpful. I was pretty nervous. I didn't realise I was doing the same "smize" expression. Girl! But my photographer gave me instant feedback which was really helpful.

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANY NEW DESIGNERS, THAT YOU'VE TAKEN TO, AS A RESULT OF YOUR JOB?
Yep! I am now the brand ambassador for Haus of Kaldo. They have such stunning designs and love working with them. I remember the designer saying "Oh Aviwe is so nice to work with, you'd swear she sees the garments for the first time every because of her enthusiasm". And I always tell designers I meet that I am your "yes girl" which sets a high standard, for myself, in terms of my modeling.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
It depends on which persona I am feeling. When I feel like something I call the pleasure witch, I like my boots and skinnies and coats, that witchery look. When I feel like looking like summer, I reveal skin. It really depends on which person I'm calling out within me. 

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
Aash face twice a day mask two times a week. Never sleep with make up on. And go to the gym! Drinking lots of water, everything else comes into place.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
Netflix and chill.

HOW DO YOU UNDWIND?
With wine, journaling and basic yoga (and I mean very basic) - in that order!