Harlesden woman picked to front underwear campaign

Kate Ferguson, Reporter Friday, April 15, 2011

Yvonne Akwetey was selected from thousands of women

A stunning Harlesden woman has been picked to front underwear label Ultimo’s new “real women” campaign.
Yvonne Akwetey, 24, who grew up in Ridley Road, is one of 11 women selected from thousands to appear in the big-budget fashion campaign.
She will join the likes of model Kelly Brook and ex Spice Girl Mel B as one of the faces of Ultimo after the company decided to celebrate natural curves.
Yvonne, who is a former student at the Convent of Jesus and Mary language college in Crownhill Road, Harlesden, and was a runner-up in last year’s Miss Ghana UK contest, said: “I had a fantastic time. I felt like a superstar right from the minute I was picked up and chauffeur-driven to the venue, to when I was driven back home. It was definitely a day to remember.”
Michelle Mone OBE, creator of Ultimo, said: “I think a lot of women are just a bit fed up with seeing models with unrealistic body images that they can never achieve themselves.
“This campaign was about bringing together a group of normal girls who are happy with their bodies and proud to show them off.”

Introducing Yvonne Akwetey aspiring Model, Actress and Singer

Monday, March 28, 2011 at 12:38 PM

Please follow the lovely Yvonne on Twitter here

"An aspiring Model, Actress and Singer, Yvonne's passion for the Performing Arts has been evident since her early childhood. With a father who taught music and a mother who loved to sing, Yvonne was surrounded by music from a very early age.

Brought up in a strict Christian household, Yvonne joined the youth choir in the local Baptist church. She was also an active member of the street dance group Cherubim who won various awards for best gospel dance act. In addition, Yvonne was a regular participant in drama productions both inside and out of the church.

A studious student throughout early and adolescent education, she enthusiastically studied Drama at secondary school level and Performing Arts at A-Level, before completing a degree in English Language and Linguistics at Roehampton University in 2009.

In October 2010, Yvonne entered the Miss Ghana UK Beauty Pageant finishing 2nd runner up. (3rd Place)

In December of the same year, at the Face of Fashion4Africa competition, she was awarded 1st runner up (2nd Place) - A great achievement to be placed in the top three on both occasions.

December 2010 also saw Yvonne's modelling evolve internationally when she was invited to model the "Jewels and Tulle" collection at the launch of fashion designer Mina Evans - Anfom's brand "Mina Evans" which took place in Ghana, West Africa.

January 2011 has had an exciting start for Yvonne as she was chosen to be one of the 'Real Women' Models for Michelle Mone OBE's brand Ultimo.

The search to use 'Real Women' to model for the huge designer lingerie brand's campaign was a nationwide search across the UK. Yvonne was chosen as the first twitter winner.

A determined, focused and humble individual, Yvonne looks forward to a promising future."