Taking the fashion world by storm

TALI FEINBERG

Both are enjoying their leap into the stratosphere of success, but at the same time they remain grounded in their Jewish and South African identities.

“I attended Herzlia, and the school’s motto is “if you will it, it is no legend”. I think that definitely impacted my life. It led me to believe that if you want something, you can do it. It’s an important message for a kid,” says Miller.

He got a digital camera when he was 16 years old and started taking photos of landscapes, editing them and uploading them to a website. A few months later, Oprah Winfrey saw his work and contacted him. Her magazine, O, did a two-page feature on his photographs.

After school, Miller studied 3D animation and digital effects. He was still doing landscapes, but after seeing a fashion show he realised he wanted to take photos of people and become a successful fashion photographer. He left his dream job, supported by his boss, who said he could come back if fashion photography didn’t work out.

But Miller hasn’t looked back. He taught himself everything, dreaming of making it as a photographer in the fashion capital of the world. And, 13 years later, his goal has been realised. “I was signed to a photographic agency in America. They handled my visa and now I am based exclusively in New York.”

Some of his highlights include photographing the Oscars in 2017, New York Fashion Week and covers for ELLE magazine (he recently shot the cover of ELLE Bulgaria), and his work being featured in Vogue Italy. He also assisted Alexi Lubomirski, the photographer of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

He maintains links to his Jewish identity by trying to go to shul on Friday nights, and he was warmly welcomed by Jews in New York. However, he finds that people are not very friendly in the Big Apple, so staying grounded is important to him. He also maintains close contact with family and friends back home.

Although many of Miller’s career dreams have come true, he says he does have new goals, including delving into video work. He would also like to shoot in Tokyo.

To those wanting to get into fashion photography, he says: “Following your dreams is a big thing. It’s about understanding the difference between perseverance and delusion, being honest with yourself, and getting honest opinions. You literally have to work at it every day. It’s not an easy road, but it’s worthwhile.”

Shandel says he got into modelling completely randomly: “I was scouted by a British photographer while surfing in Sea Point when I was 14.” He did his first modelling gig when he was 16 for GQ South Africa, and in his school holidays he would go to Fashion Week in Europe.

“It was quite a challenge balancing school, especially matric, with the modelling career. I ended up missing a lot of school for jobs, as well as a lot of jobs for school, and had to make some tough decisions,” he says.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support from my parents and Herzlia High School, which allowed me to miss many school days for modelling. The staff went out of their way to catch me up on missed work and gave me extra lessons.”

After completing matric at the end of 2018, Shandel flew to New York, where he has hit the runway running. “I do modelling for designer brands, magazines, and runway shows. At New York Fashion Week I walked for brands such as Tom Ford and Zadig & Voltaire. I have also had the opportunity to travel loads for work.”

His highlight so far has been an advertising campaign for Versace shot by iconic photographer Steven Meisel. “It was amazing to work with such influential and creative people and be alongside models such as Gigi Hadid.” Just last week, he was on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Russia.

Despite his international success, Shandel remains true to his roots. “Growing up in the Jewish community has shaped me into who I am and will always keep me grounded. I have a strong set of values and Jewish identity, which I am proud of and uphold wherever I go. The community has been so supportive of me and given me such excellent advice and guidance.”

He is extremely proud of his South African Jewish roots. “I have thoroughly enjoyed educating people around the world about Judaism and what it’s like growing up in South Africa, especially as people have bizarrely inaccurate perceptions of what it’s like,” he says.

Shandel is spending 2019 modelling full time and is taking each day as it comes. “The industry is extremely spontaneous and there is not much you can plan. I do want to go to university and am spending this time learning about different things and trying to find what I am truly passionate about.”

His advice to young people who want to get into the fashion industry is to act on their dreams. “Don’t be afraid to call up modelling agencies abroad and apply online – they are constantly looking for new faces to sign. Be proactive and reach out to people in the industry. Take every opportunity that comes your way and be patient.”

He does miss home, “as my greatest passion is surfing, and I am currently missing that a lot living in New York”. To the South African Jewish community, he says: “Thank you to everyone for all the fantastic advice, love and support I have received throughout my journey. All my friends and family have been so motivating and encouraging, which has made me believe that anything is possible. The community we have in Cape Town is so unique and special.”