AURA Models | THE FACE BEHIND THE FRAME: KHANYA Makathini

5 Questions We Ask Every Model Who Joins the AURA Movement

At AURA, we believe every model is more than a look — they're a story, a spark, a voice.
These five questions help us reveal the person behind the portfolio.

01 | BEYOND THE FILTER

What’s one thing about the modeling world you wish more people understood — beyond the curated posts and polished reels?

We’re here for the real — not just the highlight reel.

That it is a serious job. It’s more than just posing in front of a camera or looking great in an outfit (although that’s a bonus), the amount of work that modelling requires will test your grit, patience, and confidence. You need to be professional, always prepared, and always on time, with everything.

02 | WALK IT OFF

Have you ever tripped on the runway — and owned it like it was part of the show?

Confidence isn’t just a look. It’s a recovery.

I sure have. Not only did I trip, I messed up the choreography, and the only thing I owned about it was that I had messed up. I was worried about how awkward it was for the audience to see that, and how confusing it was for the other models. I made sure I did not mess up on the next day. Now looking back at it, I’m still bummed that I did that, but I learnt that it’s important to think on your feet and not panic when you make a mistake on the runway, because I sure didn’t do that.

03 | PLAN B

If modeling wasn’t in the picture, what career would you be chasing — and don’t say influencer!

Every model has a second passion. We want to know yours.

Definitely Film and TV. An actress, a movie director, or even own a production company. I’d also dabble in a bit of this and that, like fashion design, even law.

04 | FASHION FLASHBACK

What’s the wildest outfit you’ve ever worn — the one that still lives rent-free in your memory?

Because even the most questionable looks can become iconic.

It was a very revealing short dress. That may not seem wild, but it was definitely something that was out of my comfort zone. I looked and felt amazing, but it was something I never imagined I would wear.

05 | EXPRESSION OR PERFORMANCE?

Do you see modeling as self-expression, performance — or something entirely different?

At AURA, we’re reshaping what it means to be a model. How do you define it?

Not just that, it’s like being a canvas for art to be made, a blank book for a story to be told, it’s to bring a vision to life, and be all types of characters and concepts.

AURA MODELS

More than a look. A creative force.