Thando Hopa
Tribute
See how Thando Hopa breaks beauty barriers as a South African model with albinism while showing her child that uniqueness is not just acceptable but magnificent. That difference is worthy of celebration not concealment. Beyond her groundbreaking fashion career, we honour the confidence instilled between photoshoots and the inclusion advocated on runways and reinforced at home. We celebrate the model who considers her most important representation to be the possibilities she shows her child daily.
Profile
Thando Hopa is a distinguished model, activist, and lawyer. She initially pursued a career in law, serving as a prosecutor with the National Prosecuting Authority, focusing on sexual offence cases. Her transition into modelling occurred serendipitously when renowned South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee approached her in a shopping mall, captivated by her unique appearance due to albinism. Hopa’s modelling career rapidly ascended, leading to her historic feature as the first person with albinism on the cover of Vogue Portugal in 2019, under the theme ‘Africa Motherland.’ Beyond modelling, Hopa has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. She portrayed the Princess of Hearts in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar, becoming the first South African person of colour to be featured. Additionally, she took on the role of Artemis in the British-American miniseries ‘Troy: Fall of a City.’ Her advocacy extends to promoting diversity and challenging perceptions of beauty, particularly concerning individuals with albinism. In recognition of her efforts, the BBC honoured her with the 100 Women Award in 2018. Hopa’s influence continues to grow as she utilizes her platforms to advocate for inclusivity and representation in various industries. She’s a happy mom of one.