Two years ago, Sudanese-American beauty
Grace Bol moved to New York to pursue modeling after being deemed "too high fashion" by her Kansas City peers, and she hasn't left since. The 21-year-old is currently represented by Major Models and recently walked the fall 2011 Givenchy, Maison Martin Marigela, and Vivienne Westwood shows in Paris. Bol, at the time, was also on hold to shoot for the fall 2011 Givenchy campaign. We met with the statuesque five-foot-ten model last week to discuss her plans for helping Sudan in the future and her uncanny resemblance to fellow Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek.
Tell me about your childhood.
I have a big, big family back home. I still haven't met half of my family; all my cousins and aunts and uncles [are back in Sudan]. When I was a child, I was a troublemaker, a huge tomboy, climbing a lot of trees like a monkey. I stayed with my grandma because my mom left me when I was 3. I met her again when I was 8 and was very confused.
How did you first get discovered?
I was born in Sudan but moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when I was very young. At school, my teachers always told me I should model, but I was really into basketball. One day, I went to the mall, and there was an open call with an agency, and these people forced me to go in and enter. So I figured why not, and I signed with them. I only stayed with them for a bit because they said I was "too high fashion" and that I should go to New York. And ever since, I never left this city! It's been two and a half years now.
What was your most memorable experience during the fall 2011 season?
I was shocked to walk for Givenchy. I couldn't believe I was actually there.
Ricardo Tisci is known for selecting unknown faces and making them into superstars. What was the casting process like?
I walked into the casting, did my thing, he asked me a few questions about where I was from and my history, and I walked out thinking I didn't get it. There were thousands of girls there, so even when I got the booking I still didn't believe it was going to pan out. I always thought they were going to cancel me, so even on the day of the show I was just looking at the clock to make sure it was actually all happening. But once the makeup was done it all hit me, and it was the most amazing experience in my career thus far.
Has anyone compared you to Alek Wek, who is also from Sudan?
All the time! People actually think I'm Alek when I'm walking down the street. Several people have chased me down just to get my autograph, and even when I explain to them that I'm not Alek, they think I'm lying! All I tell them is "I'm Grace!"
What's your most favorite thing about yourself?
I'm confident I would never be one of those people who spend their money on materialistic things. I want to go back home and help people.
You're known for your amazing skin. Tips?
Every night, I take a towel and run it under hot water and wipe my face down real hard. I then apply Vaseline and sleep in it, and in the morning I'll take the towel to my face again, except this time with cold water.
Tell us something about modeling most people don't know.
Models aren't bitches. We have that perception, but most of us are actually really down-to-earth, and definitely not divas.
You're late to a casting with no time to dress. What are you going to wear?
Jeans and a white T-shirt with my high heels. But most of the time I have my casting bags already prepared with my heels and my modeling portfolio.
What scares you?
Bugs! Little bugs.
If not modeling then, what would you be doing?
I'd be in school studying fashion. Sudan doesn’t have that much fashion, so I would love to bring fashion back to my country. I want to mix the Sudanese traditions with high fashion.
Let's play favorites:
Musician? I love Lucky Dube, who's from Uganda. 2Pac, Ludacris, and Jay-Z are staples, though. And I even listen to country sometimes.
Film? Rush Hour and The White Chicks. I love action comedies.
Book? I'm not a big fan of reading, to be honest. I get bored sitting in one place, as I like to be on the move constantly.
You're about to be stranded on an island, with one person and one thing. What would you bring?
A sexy guy [laughs] and music to keep me entertained. Wait, can I bring some food, too? Like chicken? [Laughs.]
What's the one thing you couldn't live without?
Water. I need to drink it and bathe in it.
If you could change one thing about the modeling industry, what would you change?
I would love if designers and casting directors gave new faces a chance to walk for this runway show or shoot for that magazine; it would be great for anyone because most of us never get that chance.
How do you maintain your physique?
I don't know about other models, but I eat. I just try and eat healthy by eating all types of foods. Once a week, though, I will eat whatever I want. I like to run sometimes, too. Just a bit of working out, but not too much.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I would love to go back to Sudan with the money I make from modeling and help support my country by providing jobs for my people. I would love to open a clothing line of some sort and have my people design it from start to finish; something to make them proud. I would also love to help the orphans. I went back two years ago, and I saw the situation, and it made me want to make a change.
Model Profile: Grace Bol
Explore other rising stars (plus all the big names) in our extensive Model Manual, featuring runway pics, glamorous editorials, model bios, career timelines, and more.
Google added three new features to its Google Sync solution Wednesday, all of which are specific to Apple iOS devices. The trio of changes will make it easier for users of the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to interact with Google’s Gmail and Calendar services. These improvements from Google, along with the upcoming new features in Apple’s own iOS 5 platform, could sway some Android users back to Apple’s mobile devices.
Here’s a rundown of what’s changed in Google Sync for iOS:
- Server search. Instead of limiting email searches to the mail stored locally in the iOS Mail application, searches can be extended to Google’s Gmail servers. This is how Gmail in Android works, and it brings value because of Gmail’s archive feature. Unless mail is specifically put in the Trash, its available for searches forever.
- Calendar invites. Google Sync users can now accept, decline or edit Google Calendar events directly in the iOS Calendar application.
- Send as your alter ego. In Gmail for Android, users can choose which email address to send from, via a drop down menu. Now with Google Sync, iOS users can effectively do the same, directly within the Mail application.
The lesser Google experience on iOS isn’t the only reason that some consumers opt for Android devices, of course. Some don’t care for Apple’s control over both its ecosystem and its platform, for example, although such control guarantees a certain user experience for all. Others like to customize and tinker with their handset far more than Apple allows. And a lack of useful features such as Google Voice and Google Navigation in Maps have made Android more appealing for some.
While Google could keep holding iOS back from good integration with Google services, there’s little need for it to do so. While the two companies are clear competitors, they each have different approaches to mobile. Apple earns millions from the sale of hardware that supports its ecosystem, while also making money on the digital goods in that ecosystem. Google on the other hand, earns no money directly from the sale of mobile hardware, but instead hopes to get its services in the hands of as many people as possible. Doing so gives Google information, which it uses to create revenue-generating services. Catering to all mobile devices places money-making ads in front of more eyeballs.
The timing of the Google Sync improvements with the fall arrival of iOS 5, however, could result in some switchers from Android to iOS. When I examined some of the new iOS 5 improvements from an Android user’s perspective — Notification Center, iMessage, and wireless synchronization — I found much to like. Yes, a few of the iOS 5 features are mirror images of what Android always does, but as I said earlier this month, “[T]o be honest, it really doesn’t matter to me who created a feature or function vs. who might have copied or borrowed heavily. At the end of the day, if the smartphone is improved and meets my needs, that’s all that counts.”
Another thought on the timing comes from my iOS-totin’ colleague, Darrell Etherington: Could Google be adding these features now to try to lock in more iOS users into Google services before Apple’s iCloud breezes in? It’s a logical thought, because there’s no reason Google couldn’t have added the new Google Sync features for iOS uses prior to now. And now that MobileMe is closed to new users until the iCloud service goes live, it’s a good time for Google to pull more iOS owners into its world. For suggestions to do so effectively, check our recent post that provides tips and tricks to make an iPhone play nicely with Google.
Ultimately, though, I think there’s a little more potential for Android owners to consider a switch as opposed to Google gaining more users through the existing user base. How about it Android users: Between iOS 5 changes and the new Google Sync features, is there any chance of a switch to Apple in your future?
Thumbnail image courtesy of Flickr user geoliv
Related content from GigaOM Pro (subscription req’d):
- Mobile Q1: All Eyes on Tablets, T-Mobile and AT&T
- A Media Tablet Forecast, 2011 – 2015
- A Global Mobile Handset Platform Forecast, 2011 – 2015
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<b>News</b> International's Leadership Crisis - Gill Corkindale - Harvard <b>...</b>
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<b>News</b> International's Leadership Crisis - Gill Corkindale - Harvard <b>...</b>Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Digital <b>...</b>
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The watchdog group Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is calling on Congress to investigate Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. for evidence that the company's sprawling phone hacking scandal reached the United ...
CREW Calls On Congress To Investigate <b>News</b> Corp. After Phone <b>...</b>Two years ago, Sudanese-American beauty
Grace Bol moved to New York to pursue modeling after being deemed "too high fashion" by her Kansas City peers, and she hasn't left since. The 21-year-old is currently represented by Major Models and recently walked the fall 2011 Givenchy, Maison Martin Marigela, and Vivienne Westwood shows in Paris. Bol, at the time, was also on hold to shoot for the fall 2011 Givenchy campaign. We met with the statuesque five-foot-ten model last week to discuss her plans for helping Sudan in the future and her uncanny resemblance to fellow Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek.
Tell me about your childhood.
I have a big, big family back home. I still haven't met half of my family; all my cousins and aunts and uncles [are back in Sudan]. When I was a child, I was a troublemaker, a huge tomboy, climbing a lot of trees like a monkey. I stayed with my grandma because my mom left me when I was 3. I met her again when I was 8 and was very confused.
How did you first get discovered?
I was born in Sudan but moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when I was very young. At school, my teachers always told me I should model, but I was really into basketball. One day, I went to the mall, and there was an open call with an agency, and these people forced me to go in and enter. So I figured why not, and I signed with them. I only stayed with them for a bit because they said I was "too high fashion" and that I should go to New York. And ever since, I never left this city! It's been two and a half years now.
What was your most memorable experience during the fall 2011 season?
I was shocked to walk for Givenchy. I couldn't believe I was actually there.
Ricardo Tisci is known for selecting unknown faces and making them into superstars. What was the casting process like?
I walked into the casting, did my thing, he asked me a few questions about where I was from and my history, and I walked out thinking I didn't get it. There were thousands of girls there, so even when I got the booking I still didn't believe it was going to pan out. I always thought they were going to cancel me, so even on the day of the show I was just looking at the clock to make sure it was actually all happening. But once the makeup was done it all hit me, and it was the most amazing experience in my career thus far.
Has anyone compared you to Alek Wek, who is also from Sudan?
All the time! People actually think I'm Alek when I'm walking down the street. Several people have chased me down just to get my autograph, and even when I explain to them that I'm not Alek, they think I'm lying! All I tell them is "I'm Grace!"
What's your most favorite thing about yourself?
I'm confident I would never be one of those people who spend their money on materialistic things. I want to go back home and help people.
You're known for your amazing skin. Tips?
Every night, I take a towel and run it under hot water and wipe my face down real hard. I then apply Vaseline and sleep in it, and in the morning I'll take the towel to my face again, except this time with cold water.
Tell us something about modeling most people don't know.
Models aren't bitches. We have that perception, but most of us are actually really down-to-earth, and definitely not divas.
You're late to a casting with no time to dress. What are you going to wear?
Jeans and a white T-shirt with my high heels. But most of the time I have my casting bags already prepared with my heels and my modeling portfolio.
What scares you?
Bugs! Little bugs.
If not modeling then, what would you be doing?
I'd be in school studying fashion. Sudan doesn’t have that much fashion, so I would love to bring fashion back to my country. I want to mix the Sudanese traditions with high fashion.
Let's play favorites:
Musician? I love Lucky Dube, who's from Uganda. 2Pac, Ludacris, and Jay-Z are staples, though. And I even listen to country sometimes.
Film? Rush Hour and The White Chicks. I love action comedies.
Book? I'm not a big fan of reading, to be honest. I get bored sitting in one place, as I like to be on the move constantly.
You're about to be stranded on an island, with one person and one thing. What would you bring?
A sexy guy [laughs] and music to keep me entertained. Wait, can I bring some food, too? Like chicken? [Laughs.]
What's the one thing you couldn't live without?
Water. I need to drink it and bathe in it.
If you could change one thing about the modeling industry, what would you change?
I would love if designers and casting directors gave new faces a chance to walk for this runway show or shoot for that magazine; it would be great for anyone because most of us never get that chance.
How do you maintain your physique?
I don't know about other models, but I eat. I just try and eat healthy by eating all types of foods. Once a week, though, I will eat whatever I want. I like to run sometimes, too. Just a bit of working out, but not too much.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I would love to go back to Sudan with the money I make from modeling and help support my country by providing jobs for my people. I would love to open a clothing line of some sort and have my people design it from start to finish; something to make them proud. I would also love to help the orphans. I went back two years ago, and I saw the situation, and it made me want to make a change.
Model Profile: Grace Bol
Explore other rising stars (plus all the big names) in our extensive Model Manual, featuring runway pics, glamorous editorials, model bios, career timelines, and more.
Google added three new features to its Google Sync solution Wednesday, all of which are specific to Apple iOS devices. The trio of changes will make it easier for users of the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to interact with Google’s Gmail and Calendar services. These improvements from Google, along with the upcoming new features in Apple’s own iOS 5 platform, could sway some Android users back to Apple’s mobile devices.
Here’s a rundown of what’s changed in Google Sync for iOS:
- Server search. Instead of limiting email searches to the mail stored locally in the iOS Mail application, searches can be extended to Google’s Gmail servers. This is how Gmail in Android works, and it brings value because of Gmail’s archive feature. Unless mail is specifically put in the Trash, its available for searches forever.
- Calendar invites. Google Sync users can now accept, decline or edit Google Calendar events directly in the iOS Calendar application.
- Send as your alter ego. In Gmail for Android, users can choose which email address to send from, via a drop down menu. Now with Google Sync, iOS users can effectively do the same, directly within the Mail application.
The lesser Google experience on iOS isn’t the only reason that some consumers opt for Android devices, of course. Some don’t care for Apple’s control over both its ecosystem and its platform, for example, although such control guarantees a certain user experience for all. Others like to customize and tinker with their handset far more than Apple allows. And a lack of useful features such as Google Voice and Google Navigation in Maps have made Android more appealing for some.
While Google could keep holding iOS back from good integration with Google services, there’s little need for it to do so. While the two companies are clear competitors, they each have different approaches to mobile. Apple earns millions from the sale of hardware that supports its ecosystem, while also making money on the digital goods in that ecosystem. Google on the other hand, earns no money directly from the sale of mobile hardware, but instead hopes to get its services in the hands of as many people as possible. Doing so gives Google information, which it uses to create revenue-generating services. Catering to all mobile devices places money-making ads in front of more eyeballs.
The timing of the Google Sync improvements with the fall arrival of iOS 5, however, could result in some switchers from Android to iOS. When I examined some of the new iOS 5 improvements from an Android user’s perspective — Notification Center, iMessage, and wireless synchronization — I found much to like. Yes, a few of the iOS 5 features are mirror images of what Android always does, but as I said earlier this month, “[T]o be honest, it really doesn’t matter to me who created a feature or function vs. who might have copied or borrowed heavily. At the end of the day, if the smartphone is improved and meets my needs, that’s all that counts.”
Another thought on the timing comes from my iOS-totin’ colleague, Darrell Etherington: Could Google be adding these features now to try to lock in more iOS users into Google services before Apple’s iCloud breezes in? It’s a logical thought, because there’s no reason Google couldn’t have added the new Google Sync features for iOS uses prior to now. And now that MobileMe is closed to new users until the iCloud service goes live, it’s a good time for Google to pull more iOS owners into its world. For suggestions to do so effectively, check our recent post that provides tips and tricks to make an iPhone play nicely with Google.
Ultimately, though, I think there’s a little more potential for Android owners to consider a switch as opposed to Google gaining more users through the existing user base. How about it Android users: Between iOS 5 changes and the new Google Sync features, is there any chance of a switch to Apple in your future?
Thumbnail image courtesy of Flickr user geoliv
Related content from GigaOM Pro (subscription req’d):
- Mobile Q1: All Eyes on Tablets, T-Mobile and AT&T
- A Media Tablet Forecast, 2011 – 2015
- A Global Mobile Handset Platform Forecast, 2011 – 2015
<b>News</b> International's Leadership Crisis - Gill Corkindale - Harvard <b>...</b>
Among the many shocking facts that have emerged from the News of the World hacking crisis, it is the revelations about News International's dysfunctional leadership and the NoW's brutal organizational culture that have ...
<b>News</b> International's Leadership Crisis - Gill Corkindale - Harvard <b>...</b>Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Digital <b>...</b>
Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Nikon has announced an inexpensive macro lens aimed at entry-level DSLR users. The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G offers true 1:1 macro in a compact, ...
Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Digital <b>...</b>CREW Calls On Congress To Investigate <b>News</b> Corp. After Phone <b>...</b>
The watchdog group Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is calling on Congress to investigate Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. for evidence that the company's sprawling phone hacking scandal reached the United ...
CREW Calls On Congress To Investigate <b>News</b> Corp. After Phone <b>...</b>westfield bobby ferguson
<b>News</b> International's Leadership Crisis - Gill Corkindale - Harvard <b>...</b>
Among the many shocking facts that have emerged from the News of the World hacking crisis, it is the revelations about News International's dysfunctional leadership and the NoW's brutal organizational culture that have ...
<b>News</b> International's Leadership Crisis - Gill Corkindale - Harvard <b>...</b>Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Digital <b>...</b>
Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Nikon has announced an inexpensive macro lens aimed at entry-level DSLR users. The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G offers true 1:1 macro in a compact, ...
Nikon launches AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 macro lens: Digital <b>...</b>CREW Calls On Congress To Investigate <b>News</b> Corp. After Phone <b>...</b>
The watchdog group Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is calling on Congress to investigate Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. for evidence that the company's sprawling phone hacking scandal reached the United ...
CREW Calls On Congress To Investigate <b>News</b> Corp. After Phone <b>...</b>bobby ferguson
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