Flaviana Matata has been creating buzz through the New York Fashion Week this year. Based in New York and London, this year Flaviana walked for Sherri Hill and others (see photos). Flaviana, posed in the Michael Jackson jacket with Michael Bush, the designer of the jackets, Philip Treacy during the show as well. She was joined by fellow Tanzanians - Herieth Paul and Millen Magese. Flaviana was the first bald woman to compete in a beauty pageant, defying the contemporary notion of beauty. She was placed 6th in the finals of Miss Universe 2007 in Mexico City.

She has been constantly featuring in fashion arena across the world. This is Matata's third appearance at London Fashion Week. She exclaims most people are unaware how much hard work goes into a 15 mins runway walk of a fashion show. But in between her tough schedule she makes time for her fans. Backstage she is seen fiddling with her cell phone, tweeting to her 32,000 followers. Flaviana, confesses she is a twitter addict and jokes, "My Parents have to hide my phone when I go home to see them". She emphasizes the importance of being socially active these days and is constantly aware of her social profile.

Born and raised in Tanzania, Flaviana Matata has had seen a stellar rise in the fashion scene. Catwalking for Tommy Hilfiger, Jason Wu,Alexander McQueen,SUNO, Catherine Malandrino,Ally Rehmtullah,Rachel Roy, Charlotte Ronson, Tony Burch and Vivienne Westwood among others she has been snapped by some of the prominent photographers in the industry like Russell James, her mentor Fadil Berisha, Josh Ollin, Mario Torres, Patrick Demarchelier, to mention a few. Flaviana has graced the catwalks of Tanzania,South Africa,Japan,Lagos,Bahamas, New York, London, and Paris . She won the Model of the Year 2011 award at the Arise Magazine Fashion week in Lagos, Nigeria
 

But she is not just all glitz and glamor. Matata has been engaged in charity regularly, one of her own in Tanzania that champions Girls' Education. Through her personal funding and friend's she has put through 15 girls. She is an Angel Ambassador of Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) along with Kim Kardashian, Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner, and Selita Banks. Kim, Nicola, and Selita are working closely with Russell Simmons on various charities in Africa.

Browse through some of her photos during the New York Fashion Week.

Share your reactions, what do you think of a pageant queen's chances of success on a runway?