Five Minutes With: Fumi Desalu-Vold – 1st Ever Super Model of West Africa

In the picture: Fumi Desalu-Vold on white standing with other models during a shoot

We had an amazing chat with the 1st ever Super Model of West Africa Fumi Desalu-Vold to talk about her passion for fashion, how she combines her roles as a model, actress, a producer, journalist, a mentor and a wife and finally what every woman should have in her purse.

- In your own words, who is Fumi Desalu-Vold?
I consider myself a very proud African-American and a global ambassador for Africa. I was born in Moscow, Russia, lived all over the world and now reside in Norway with my Norwegian husband. I am passionate about fashion and will forever be in the entertainment industry.

- What inspired you to get into modelling?
I got inspired to get into modelling because of two things – fashion and the opportunity to travel the world.

- We know you had so many incredible moments in modelling, which would you say is your most memorable moment?
I would definitely say modelling the Haute Couture Shows in Paris. Every single gown, dress, was handmade and it’s one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had throughout my career. The Haute Couture Shows are always in summer and it’s also the most beautiful time to be in Paris.

- You do know we like to always snoop around and we discovered you are about to start your own Fashion TV show. Is there any truth to this?
Yes, there is truth to me launching a fashion television show and I’m extremely excited to see it come alive on your television sets. There is a lot that’s going into it and as a producer as well, there’s a lot of work, but it will be well worth it and my aim is to give you an insight into the fashion industry right across the board.

- How have you been able to combine modelling with your acting career? Is one more demanding than the other?
I combine everything very easily actually. I multi-task and simply make sure that one commitment doesn’t overlap into the next. Sometimes they do and I run from fashion shows to the movie set, but it’s really a lot of fun and these days a lot of industry people wear more than one hat, we all do more than one thing. It’s a wonderful marriage, the catwalk being the silent movie, and the silver screen a talkie. When I do fashion shows, I have to bring the designer’s vision to life through body language. You become very much an actress and the high is that you get instant gratification because you are doing it in front of an audience, so you only have one take. As for the silver screen, I bring the words to life through physical expression; without it, the emotions I’m told to capture in a scene would be lost. I have had the privilege of starring in movies and soap operas like Varg Veum (Norwegian Feature film, very much Like Mission Impossible), Hotel Cæsar (Number 1 Norwegian Soap Opera), Ugly Betty, Sex & the City 2, Norbit, Entourage, American Dreams with Hugh Grant and a whole lot of others. I don’t only model and act, I’m also a producer, journalist, a mentor and a wife. So I juggle many balls in a day.

- Describe your fashion style
My fashion style is timeless, classic, old Hollywood and very Glamorous

- What is the 1 thing every woman should have in her purse?
Every woman should have lip balm or lip gloss in her purse. Chapped lips are a no no!!!!!

- The fashion world is a fantastic place filled with Supermodels who later become entrepreneurs. What can we expect from you in the near future?
You can expect a lot from me in the future because I intend to expand my brand which will include a signature fragrance, a make-up line and a clothing collection. I’m evolving, a lot of my creativity is coming from behind the scenes and I truly want to produce good quality stuff that ladies all across the world will appreciate.

- Any final words for our devoted readers?
My final words would be do what you love and what makes you happy, If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

To Connect with Fumi Online, Visit her website: http://www.fumisfashionfiles.com/

Images Supplied by Fumi Desalu-Vold