At just 14 years of age, Asante Tofi is taking the fashion and modeling world by storm by strutting her stuff on the New York Fashion Week runway.
The Clarendon Girl’s High School Grade 8 pupil was chosen to represent SA as the Miss Global Princess SA and will be walking the runway in garments made by Young Gods and Drisha’s Closet.
Asante’s journey into the world of fashion and modeling began at the age of nine, in 2019.
Her hope is to not just to walk the runways but to become a voice for young girls and inspire them to be confident.
“I aspire to be a role model to young girls and to inspire other girls to join modelling no matter their size, height, and so on.
“Everyone should be able to be confident in themselves and modelling gives you that opportunity.
“I enjoy the sisterhood that modeling, and pageantry give you. You get to know so many different people and you end up gaining friends and friendships that will last for years,” said Asante.
In 2020, she auditioned for the South African Championships, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, her dreams were put on hold.
Now, she’s set to grace the runways of New York City, a dream she’s held for years.
Her talent and dedication garnered the attention of renowned brands Young Gods and Drisha Closet, which chose her to represent their creations.
Her mother, Xoliswa Gilbert, has supported her throughout her modeling journey, and has encouraged her to broaden her horizons and explore different countries and cultures.
This is what led her to start modeling and her dream to travel.
“I’ve been supporting Asante by not letting her give up when she’s feeling a bit discouraged or let down.
“I am also her manager, along with her coach David Davani.
“I ensure that I encourage her to balance her life and excel in her studies.
“I have seen the potential that she has from a very young age, and it has always been a wish of mine that she could take an interest in modeling, and she did, without being forced into it. I knew her greatness would lead to big opportunities such as this,” said Gilbert.
Miss Global Princess SA country director, Venessa Szendrei, said Asante had shown great potential with her modeling and personified the values that the pageant stood for.
“Miss Global Princess South Africa is dedicated to nurturing inner beauty, promoting strong values, fostering sisterhood, and empowering future global icons and changemakers.
“Asante has demonstrated her alignment with these core beliefs, standing as a shining example of the values we hold dear,” said Szendrei.
“Her outstanding philanthropic work, dedication to her peers, and positive impact on her community have been nothing short of inspirational.
“Throughout her journey, Asante has shown unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.”
