The male modeling industry has become one of the honored instruments in the fashion industry. However, here in Ethiopia the industry is demonstrating that there is a constant struggle with high image male models to balance the profession that keeps them rolling in cash with the attitude of the society in relation to them. Most event organizers and designers resolve these conflicts by focusing on only one aspect of the business, “The lucrative commercial clients are mainly focused on women models,” said Kaleb Araya Selassie.

Kaleb is one of very few Ethiopian male models featured in fashion runway shows here in Ethiopia. Born in 1985 in Addis Ababa, he is male model, event coordinator, and film actor with a multidimensional personality.

Reflecting the new optimism in the air, Kaleb believes there are the signs of change. He further noted that, to curve these challenges once for all, and to make a paradigm shift in the industry, male based fashion shows should be staged for the magnificent moment of the fashion business in Ethiopia.

He further argues that it faces a number of challenges in the sector, from less public attitude, to less payment for their performance. He said that is one of the reasons for him to gradually turn from modeling to multimedia production and acting. In 2008, Kaleb began acting on the film productions Melak and Yehiwot kimem.

The contemporary Ethiopian male model Yohannes agrees the fashion industry could not easily be successful without the art of male modeling.

Yowhannse Geberegziabhare, 25, born in Adwa and a talented musician said, “The fashion industry has gradually grown with less payment for our act with the margin of 500 Ethiopian birr per stage.” He further noted that, “Compared to women models, male models receive less attention, lower wages, and fewer opportunities to have stage.”

He added that the government and other stakeholders have to play their role with passable institutions and resource for betterment of the industry. Ethiopia is a land of rich cultures and heritages. “There will be space for progress if the industry mixes both modern and cultural styles,” said Yohannes.

EthiopianReporter