Even The Royals cover image

Even The Royals

Esther of Burundi: From Royal to Run(a)way | 41

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.
44:22

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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