Portia Sade Prince
Photography by Holly Burgess
Makeup & Hair by Rae Sacha
HOME & IDENTITY ISSUE
Introducing our first cover star: Portia Sade Prince
In this special digital cover story, we speak to the British-Dominican model, stylist and digital producer Portia Prince about home, identity, motherhood and rituals that have kept her grounded. Mutil-talented Portia combines her passion for slow fashion, music, travel and culture throughout her work, including her growing instagram platform.
On home, family and career —
I grew up between Suffolk and Nottingham and moved to London at 18. I come from a music loving family, My dads family is from Dominica which is dubbed the nature Island of the caribbean and naturally I love the great outdoors. I’m passionate about future where my daughter can enjoy the world as I have so I’m learning how to soften our impact on the earth as much as I can.
I’ve been based in London for 12 years now, modelling, styling and producing digital content which I’ve continued to do here in Aotearoa. Although it’s been challenging, I’m really fortunate that I can adapt my work to a move across the globe.
My daughter will start Kohanga Reo full time next year and I feel ready to have more control over my time again. There’s more than a few projects I’ve wanted to get moving and look forward to being able to bring them to life.
On motherhood and the one unexpected aspect of the journey —
Id say it’s the tiredness. I have always got a lot done on next to no sleep, it’s just how I’ve always been but when Ngaire arrived, I realised I was on a very different schedule and It’s helped me to be realistic with with my expectations for my week without being disheartened at what wasn’t achieved. Being lucky enough to watch her grow everyday, through two long lockdowns is priceless. It’s time I won’t get back.
On navigating social media —
My work is heavily intertwined in it and it Is a great tool to connect with people you meet and create a network, share work and information but it’s important for me to have regular breaks from being logged in where I focus on my immediate environment with my family.
On moving to Aotearoa —
We had originally planned to be here for the summer but with the state of world affairs we decided there was no better time to spend here.
On missing home —
I miss the diversity of London and everything that offers to the city, amazing traditional and contemporary food, amazing music and great people. I also really miss dancing, nobody does a dance like London.
On morning rituals —
Days start early for me, I’m a full time mum and balance work in a busy lifestyle so it starts with coffee… black.
On personal style —
I would say it’s colourful and somewhat practical. I like to match or pair colours, I love 90s athletic styles and unisex streetwear, vintage designer and second hand/deadstock gems. I also love big dresses like Cecilie Bahnsen and love well designed print! I’m trying to buy only items that I’ll keep and support sustainable practices and small or black owned business wherever possible.
Best advice —
My grandad always used to tell me that the glass is half full and I always come back to him telling me this.
Book recommendations —
Brit-ish by Afua Hirsch
Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo Lodge
The masters tools will never dismantle the masters house by Audrey Lorde
Podcasts and radio —
To be honest I don’t find much time for podcasts but I do love ‘Black Gals Livin’ on Spotify which keeps me tapped in to London Life, I will say I love radio and one of my favourite shows is Touching Bass on NTS.
Listen to Portia’s top 5 tunes
Beauty notes by Rae Sacha (using cruely-free products)
FACE
Skin : Aesop
Base: Kosas
Eyes
Green liner - Stila double dip liquid eye shadow ‘mint julep'
Blue eyes: Stila double dip liquid eye shadow ‘blue jean’
HAIR
Boucleme- Curl defining gel
Shea Moisture - Frizz free curl mousse
Images & Styling — Holly Burgess
Hair & Makeup — Rae Sacha
Cover Page Design — Monica Murton
