WITH SOME NEVER BEFORE SEEN PHOTOS
If there were a word that would describe Elsie Molou it would be REGAL. This island queen walks with a quiet grace and a sweet smile, and yet she knows how to harness that inner power and work it for the camera to let that inner goddess shine. This photoshoot took place at the iconic public library in Port Vila town and close to Mahi Tahi market ples.
Name:
My name is Elsie Nalyal Molou
Age:
I am 21 years old
Occupation:
I am currently working part time at World Vision as a youth facilitator (and I love it!), as well as studying law part time at the University of the South Pacific.
Tell us about your family? And where are you from?
I am from Erromango – my dad is Erromangan and my mum is Scottish. I might not look it when standing next to my little sister, but I am the eldest in the family. I also have a very big extended family.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, if I’m not trying to catch up with school work, I am trying to find new things to watch (mostly TV series). Or I’m looking through my social media – which I know is not the best thing, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t.
What do you aspire to do in the future?
I honestly did not know what I wanted to do when I finished High School. I decided to study law at USP mainly because my father is a lawyer – but after I started working with World Vision I realized that I’d rather help people through community work and development than become a lawyer. Lots of people in Vanuatu don’t have the same access to information and education or services and NGO’s like World Vision are helping bridge that gap. And this is the kind of work I want to continue to do in the future.
How would you describe your style?
Comfortable and casual. A pair of high-rise jeans and a plain t-shirt or a sun dress with my savats is my usual outfit. My mum has always said, “Only wear it if you feel comfortable in it” and that’s stuck I guess because I wear and buy clothes that I feel comfortable in. And feeling comfortable also helps give that confidence boost.
Why do you like fashion?
I love how it allows people to express themselves and I love how it makes people feel. Someone could have on a nice outfit and you know they know they look good, which makes them feel good. And it shows through the confidence in their walk and just how they hold themselves – I love that!
Where do you buy your clothes from?
I do a lot more ‘eye shopping’ than actually-buy shopping but when I do, it’s from different stores in town. Stret Price is a favourite even though it is sometimes hard to find clothes in my size and my style.
Who influences your style?
A lot of different people in town and on social media but for the past few years my little sister has influenced my taste in clothes the most. Right now, we both have a few of the same clothes (thanks Chloe!).
What beauty products do you use?
I don’t know if sunscreen counts as a beauty product but I use it every day on my face and on my tattoo. I use coconut oil for my body and constantly for my thick hair. I usually have mascara on, and I only really wear lipstick if I’m going out or for an occasion.
Any fashion advice?
Like my mum said, wear it if you feel comfortable in it. Your clothes should make you feel good. So, if you’re comfortable and feel good in your outfit, it will show!
Photographer: Dan McGarry
Hair, body and makeup: Body and Soul
This article was originally published in the May edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post’s Life and Style magazine.