Frittata’s, sandals and all things Black

He has featured in iconic mags like Vogue Italy, strutted his stuff on runways across the globe – and recently modeled at the Durban Fashion Fair during a visit back home to Ballito.

Schooled in Johannesburg, the elegantly slender and poised Pieter Black (28) is driven by local talent and determined to put KZN fashion on the international catwalk.

“I am very patriotic about KZN. I am loving how men’s fashion is developing here and seeing African prints going main stream is exciting,” said Black, dressed all in black while sipping on some Turkish coffee which he brought back from his recent trip there.

“Coffee is essential in my morning routine, but I am not a coffee snob – anything with caffeine will do, even Ricoffy. After my morning workout, I come home and make a frittata and have another cup of coffee…then work starts.”

The former SABC current affairs producer’s life took a stylish turn when a fashionista friend of his convinced him to do a fun photo shoot which led to him being scouted to go to Cape Town.

“I resigned from my secure job, moved and found myself standing in front of a camera being told to look sexy. It was super stressful, but I was fortunate to meet Winston Kletter – a photographer and former model from New York – who shot my first test shoot and gave me a modelling 101 break down.”

Since then, he has worked in the major couture capitals, with the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Istanbul being one of those he will never forget thanks so some tricky footwear.

“I wore this really challenging sandal. While walking, I could feel one of my toes wanting to crawl over the edge – that is fashion suicide. The toe must know its place,” chuckled Black.

Despite all his success, he said you can never think you have made it as a model.

“Modelling comes down to 90% rejection and 10% success. I have learnt not to think too highly of myself, because you go from hero to zero all the time. It keeps me humble.”

While he talks the talk and walks the walk, Black is definitely not a stereotype model who lives on lettuce leaves and snaps selfies all day.

“I hate selfies and I am very against this self-conscious society we are moving towards so quickly! I strongly believe that you should aspire to be yourself, not someone else. Book me, don’t book me, I am not going to alter my body for money.”

He said while there is a beautiful comradery between models, it is a tough industry, especially for guys.

“Fashion is one of the few industries that is female dominated. Guys do not get paid that well and there is a lot of pressure on how you look, how fit you are and what diet you are on. The only real pro is that we do not have to wear as much make-up as the girls, usually.”

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