

Esther of Burundi: From Royal to Run(a)way | 41
10 snips Sep 16, 2024
Esther Kamatari, a Burundian princess and one of France’s first Black supermodels, shares her riveting journey from royalty to the Parisian runway. She reveals the challenges of escaping a tumultuous past and blending her heritage with a glamorous yet hollow new life. Esther discusses navigating racism in the fashion industry, her longing for Burundi, and her determination to empower local women. Her story is a powerful mix of resilience, identity struggles, and the pursuit of beauty amidst pain.
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Esther's Journey
- Esther Kamatari, a Burundian princess, found success as a model in Paris.
- However, she felt a pull back to her homeland, which was experiencing political turmoil.
Early Life Lessons
- As a child, Esther's father instilled in her the importance of service as a royal.
- She walked to school barefoot, shared lunches, and helped those in need.
Challenging Segregation
- Esther's father, Prince Inyas, actively challenged colonial segregation.
- He once invited everyone on the street into a whites-only bar, charging the bill to the Belgians.