By Doreen Mokgolo
At just four years old, Linani Potwana from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape has skyrocketed to fame, proudly representing South Africa within the world of Chinese fashion.
Embracing her newfound international stardom, this pint-sized prodigy has already graced the catwalk alongside the top fashion powerhouses.
The spotlight truly shone on Linani when she was handpicked to showcase Dior’s designs at the illustrious Paris Fashion Week kids’ unit fashion show in Beijing —an astonishing achievement for her debut on the grand runway.
While the Paris Fashion Week extravaganza marked her first major modelling gig, it was actually Linani’s second fashion show — a testament to her rapid rise in the industry.
Her remarkable journey began earlier this year, when she embarked on a transformative adventure by relocating to China with her mother, an esteemed English teacher.
In a conversation from China, Ziyanda Potwana, Linani’s proud mum, revealed to Scrolla.Africa that after three tough years of hurdles and setbacks, their dream of settling in China finally came true in January.
“During our video calls, I noticed her innate passion for singing, dancing, and modeling,” shared Ziyanda, explaining how she enrolled Linani in dance classes even before their move. This early exposure played an important role in boosting her confidence and stage presence.
Upon her arrival in China, Ziyanda wasted no time enrolling her little superstar in professional modeling lessons. To everyone’s astonishment, Linani left the instructors spellbound during her first session, earning an instant invitation to participate in a glamorous fashion show scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
Ziyanda said that Linani sarted modeling purely for fun, unaware of the massive impact it would have on her young life.
“I always strive to maintain a fun and adventurous atmosphere for her, as she is still a child. When we attend shows, I emphasise the joy and excitement of the experience, rather than focusing solely on the performance,” Ziyanda shared, highlighting the importance of preserving Linani’s playful spirit.
“Sometimes rehearsals take a toll on her, and we have to take time out to ensure that she rests before we start preparing for the next job,” she said.
Pictured above: Linani Potwana
Image source: Supplied
