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May 2019

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  • Evoque
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Shenzhen by Range Rover Sport PHEV | A first drive in the new Range Rover Evoque | Mid-century modernist architecture in Germany | George Bamford on what makes true luxury | Meet moon-walker Charlie Duke | Carnival subculture in Brazil

M O D E L C I T I Z E N

M O D E L C I T I Z E N Activist and fashion model Adwoa Aboah, the face of the new Range Rover Evoque launch campaign, tells Onelife why she lives for the city “There is a strength to every Londoner I’ve met; an amazing sense of humour and the ability to make every occasion a party,“ says Adwoa Aboah. The 26-year-old should know – she has much to celebrate. One of the new class of supermodels, she is known for her activism and unique look as much as her global fashion campaigns (Dior, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs, to name a few). And that’s not to mention her showstopping presence on the catwalk for, most notably, Fendi and Chanel. With a slew of magazine covers including Vogue’s relaunch issue to her name, she was awarded the British Fashion Council’s coveted Model of the Year award in 2017. She’s come a long way from “spending my summers playing out with the kids where I lived [in west London], pretty much always on rollerblades“. With her shaven head, bejewelled front tooth and unapologetic attitude, Aboah – who is half-Ghanaian and whose first name is often used for women born on a Monday in Western Africa – cuts a distinct presence in the fashion world. It’s no surprise then, that when she travels the world modelling, or working with young women as part of Gurl’s Talk, of which she is a co-founder, that she seeks out unique places in the cities she visits. “If I could create my own fantasy city,“ she says, “I’d have London’s Portobello Market and Golborne Road with Mexico City’s restaurants, Tokyo’s vintage shops and karaoke bars, and LA’s wide roads.“ Aboah went to school in Somerset in the UK, and recalls, “I was lucky to have experienced both city and country life, but I was always counting down the days till I could get back to London! Now, because I love being on the go and experiencing new places and people, I’ll always welcome a little jaunt out of the city.“ Despite her bucolic schooling and the fact she now splits her time between the UK and US, she says, “London is my home, and a huge part of my identity. I will forever be a Londoner. I love its energy – it’s so vibrant, there is constantly something going on.“ Fashion runs in Aboah’s blood. Her mother Camilla Lowther is the founder of creative management firm CLM, and she signed with an agency when she was 16. Her sister Kesewa is also a model, starring in Alexander McQueen’s latest ads. Close as she is to her sister, Aboah says she savours moments alone: “I think it’s important to feel comfortable in your own company. I watch a lot of Netflix, I read and I love to walk around London and peoplewatch. There are so many characters here.“ “Driving around cities is a great way to get to know them,“ says Aboah. Her passion for driving lends a characteristic authenticity to her decision to star in the launch campaign for the new Range Rover Evoque. “It’s such an amazing car to drive, and I love its commitment to sustainability,“ she says, referring to its options of natural materials and hybrid-electric power. Given that she leads such a nomadic life, how does she feel ‘rooted’ in the world? “Having my friends or family with me. I’m always home when I am with them.“ And there’s no doubt the spirit of London remains with Aboah, wherever she goes: “One of the most special things about London is its huge diversity. With that you learn compassion and understanding for others.“ With such vital values guiding her as she navigates the urban jungle and life, Adwoa’s star will surely continue to rise. STORY: LOTTE JEFFS PHOTO: OLIVIA MALONE/TRUNK ARCHIVE 32

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Land Rover Magazine

 

Land Rover Magazine showcases stories from around the world that celebrate inner strength and the drive to go Above and Beyond.

In this issue, New Defender is put through its paces by two inspirational young adventurers as they prepare for an expedition to the South Pole. We also celebrate 50 years of Range Rover by taking a journey of discovery to Dubai. As well as looking back, we look to future as a group of visionaries explain the technologies that could change the future for all of us.

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