In 2003, Wallace won the Zimbabwe Supermodel title, kicking off her modelling career at the tender age of 16. Signed up to The Agency — then a premier modelling agency in Harare, the shy statuesque beauty was still a student at Queen Elizabeth High School as she started staking her claim on the glamourous world of high fashion and glitz.
Winning the Supermodel crown opened doors to the regional, if not continental fashion capital, that is South Africa. Wallace was offered a contract with the top South African Agency G3. To take up her contract Michelle moved to Johannesburg — a base from which she has launched a career that has seen her grace the catwalks of Cape Town, Maputo, Luanda, Hong Kong, Singapore, Istanbul — Turkey, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Ethiopia, Malaysia and Paris to name a few.
Her striking and regal features are a regular sight in high-end fashion glossies such as Marie Claire, Destiny Woman, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Fair Lady and Glamour. Her commitment to maintaining a healthy body has also seen her being rewarded with the cover of world renowned fitness magazine Runners’ World. A much coveted accolade, especially among “women of colour”.
Mish, as she is affectionately known in the fashion industry by her peers, has also done headline work for some enviable and globally recognised brands. Among these are Ford, Samsung, Virgin Group, SAB Miller and Revlon.
Michelle believes that the time is right for the next generation of supermodels to emerge from Zimbabwe and conquer the world. Jonathan Denga, Lenah Zinyama, Rachel Stuart, Shyline Chipunza, Greatmore Chatya and Angeline Musasiwa are but a few Zimbabwean models that have proved that modelling can provide a sustainable livelihood.
While taking a break from a heavy international schedule Michelle will be working on a few projects in Zimbabwe in 2011. These will include some charity work and involvement with the resurgent fashion and modelling industry. Her dream now is to see others’ dreams fulfilled as hers have been.
We, as Zimbabweans would like to commend Michelle for pursuing that which she is passionate about and shining while she is doing well and making us look good. We will continue to look out for more of Michelle’s exploits.
