Crawford old boy owns SA Fashion Week catwalk

When Chad Payne walked into Spar at 9pm wearing his pajamas, he had no idea that his life was about to change completely.

Battling scars left by bullies from his school years, the shy 22-yearold was beamed onto the recent SA Fashion Week’s catwalk when a SYNC Model Management scout spotted him that evening.

“I have always been a shy person at heart and have struggled growing up as school was not easy for me because of bullying,” said Payne, whose parents moved him to Crawford North Coast after they discovered the extent of the bullying at his previous school.

Being plunged into the artistic world of fashion was the perfect platform for the creative Stellenbosch student who is studying a BA in visual communication design.

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“Seeing people of all perspectives and identities from across Africa and the world gathered at an event like SA Fashion Week (SAFW) was incredible and opened so many doors.

“Walking on the runway is extremely powerful and invigorating although that moment is extremely short. Backstage is so crazy, people running around throwing clothes on and off – it is insane.”

Payne said he has walked for various designers including Palse, Snaps, Wanda Lephoto and SAFW 2018 Menswear winner Kumkani Bespoke.

Modelling has made him a better person in every sense.

“Modelling has given me a sense of selfworth and strength.”

Later this year, he plans to take on the Milan and New York Fashion Weeks.

Until then, he will continue his studies with the plan to transfer to San Francisco Art School where he hopes to complete his degree.

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