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.
Esther Kamatari's journey illustrates the complex struggle of balancing her identity as a Burundian princess with her successful career in the fashion industry.
Her transformation from a model to an advocate for Burundi highlights her commitment to using her platform for positive social change and cultural reintegration.
Deep dives
Esther's Journey from Burundi to Paris
Esther Kamatari, a Burundian princess, fled her home country in the 1970s amidst violence and political instability. Once in Paris, she transformed her life, embracing the world of fashion and modeling. Despite the glamour, Esther struggled with her identity as she balanced her royal background with her new life in the fashion industry, where she faced racial discrimination and exploitation. Ultimately, her early successes on the catwalk led her to question her past and consider how she could help her homeland amid continuing turmoil.
Finding Success in the Fashion Industry
Esther quickly established herself as a groundbreaking black model in Paris, gaining recognition for her unique background and striking looks. Her career flourished, making her a household name, especially as she was often the only black model in prominent showcases. However, beneath her rising fame lay the challenges of managing both her family life and professional ambitions; she ultimately decided to leave her marriage to focus more on her career. This decision highlighted the conflict between her personal sacrifices and the need to uphold her cultural identity as a black woman in a predominantly white industry.
Reconnecting with Her Burundian Roots
As the violence in Burundi escalated, Esther began reflecting on her role and responsibility towards her homeland. After years in the fashion world, a chance encounter with the Burundian ambassador inspired her to return and reintegrate into her culture. Esther embarked on a mission to promote Burundi as a travel destination, hoping to stimulate economic development through tourism. This new focus not only rekindled her connection to her roots but also ignited a desire to use her fame for positive change in her country.
Empowering Burundians Through Advocacy
After the civil war in Burundi, Esther emerged not only as a former fashion icon but also as an advocate for her people. She helped fundraise for orphans and raised awareness around the dangers of skin whitening among African women. Esther's commitment to her homeland culminated in her attempts to run for president, aiming to restore the monarchy to bring stability. Her story exemplifies the intersection of fashion, identity, and social justice as she continues to fight for the well-being of her country and people, fully embodying the ideals of a people's princess.
Esther Kamatari is a Burundian princess – and one of France’s first Black supermodels. She was raised to be a devoted princess to her people, but when the monarchy falls and her family is blacklisted, Esther flees to Paris. She embraces her new life and makes history on the Parisian catwalks. But Esther can’t outrun her past. And eventually, she has to figure out if she can be both a world-class supermodel and a people’s princess.
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