INTRODUCTORY:Meet the new President of MODUGA

Photographer Elena Cone: Dallas Texas

Shirley Selase Anku is an international model of Ghanaian descent with credible repute and an impressive portfolio.

She has graced some of the finest runways and modelled for well-known designers, namely, Oscar De la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera, and has been featured on the pages and covers of urban magazines which include The Source (USA), VIBE (USA), MADE (Nigeria), Dream Wedding (GH) and New African Woman

(London), including appearing in television commercials for Mary Kay Cosmetics (USA), Chivas Regal (SA), J.C Penny’s (USA), LG Electronics (SA), Black Secrets makeup (Ghana) and Best D8.com (Nigeria).

Shirley Selase’s career began at the age of 17 when she entered the M-Net face of

Africa Contest in 1997, which was hosted by the international modelling agency, Elite, emerging as a runner up during the West African series. Following her episode in the competition, she continued into college after receiving a full athletic track scholarship to New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM (USA).

She completed her 4 year undergraduate study, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing Textiles Fashion Merchandising, with a minor in Management. She also successfully held the New Mexico State University triple jump record, and the Ghana National triple jump record from 2002 to 2014.

After graduating from college, she returned to her modelling career and enjoyed working

within the industry for over a decade.

In 2011, Shirley Selase returned home to Ghana with the intent to help improve the standards of modelling within the fashion industry, and in late 2011, early 2012, the Selase House of Fashion (SHOF Agency) was founded. A multi-faceted company with a core business model to improve the standard of fashion, providing cultured talent within the fashion industry in Ghana.

In 2016, she was made the National Head of Agencies, for the Models Union of Ghana (MODUGA). An organisation created to raise the standards of the modelling industry to become a nationally recognised body by the Government of Ghana.

In December 2018, Shirley Selase was elected president of the Models Union of Ghana (MODUGA).