Mishi Hasana: ‘The more I grew, I realised that I’m not supposed to look like anyone else’
What is beauty? In the Winter issue of IMAGE Magazine, on sale now, creative director Lawson Mpame and director Itchey Drew capture a diverse and unique collective whose lives and industries have been individually shaped by perceptions of beauty, including model Mishi Hasana, who shares how her journey with beauty has changed and evolved her perspective and what beauty means to her.
Creative Director’s Notes
The Perception Of Beauty
“It’s a celebration of her beauty, power and the unique qualities that make her beautiful. She’s not afraid to show off the unique qualities she has, she’s a strong, mixed race woman who embraces her identity and beauty on all levels.” – Lawson Mpame and Itchey Drew
Where do you see or find beauty in your life?
I find beauty everywhere, it’s all around us, in nature, in food. Nowadays I find it in people’s kindness. There’s certain people you meet and they have a beautiful heart and soul that can just uplift you.
What does the word “beauty” mean to you?
I don’t know how I would define beauty, I know there’s a surface level to it but I know it can be so much deeper.
What has been your personal journey with your own beauty?
Well, it really was a journey, I think from when you’re a little girl to a grown woman you’re told/sold on what beauty is and if you don’t fit into that you almost feel alien. From the nuisance of my identity being biracial, the different cultures being a woman, being ambiguous looking, I learnt that beauty really is subjective.
Did anything change about your approach to beauty while you were on this project?
Not really, I feel like my approach to beauty changed with age. I don’t really wear as much make-up, I’m more confident in my skin. The more I grew, I realised that I’m not supposed to look like anyone else, we are all supposed to look different and find different things beautiful. The problem is that somehow, somewhere along the lines, we were told the lie that there is one way to look at beauty and that big lie made a negative impact on society as a whole!
What is your favourite thing about yourself?
My favourite thing about my appearance is my eyes and my boobs, and as person is my creativity.
Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self?
You have a choice on what you can believe.
What’s the one thing you find very beautiful or attractive in others?
Honestly, a nice smile, eyes, people’s kindness. There are so many people with beautiful hearts.
What do you love about yourself?
My imagination.
Creative direction Lawson Mpame. Director Itchey Drew. Photography by Wiktoria Bialas and Mark Sosiak. Art Director: Lawson Mpame, Director of photography: Itchey Drew. Lighting: Mark Sosiak, lighting assistants: Denise Kavunov and Fabiola Melo. Stylist: Lorna Spaine. Hair: Maria Whiting. Make-up: Jessy Malone. Choreographer: Jessie Thompson. Runner: Max Korol. Location: D-Light Studios. Set: Ten Four and We Are Platinum. Clothing: French Connection and Primark. Special thanks to Camerakit.ie.
IMAGE Winter 2023
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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