In the early twentieth century or, more precisely, in 1921, when the independence of Georgia was nearing its last days, Meri Shervashidze took part in a beauty contest in Turkey, in the city of Constantinople and won.

For a very long time – almost a whole century - Georgian women were unable to participate in similar contests. Much beauty passed by unnoticed because of closed borders. And often, very often, one would hear mournfully uttered words:  if only she had lived abroad …

At the close of the twentieth century, on the 8th of December 2000 to be precise, when Georgia is again independent, the scene is again Turkey and again… but this time in Istanbul, a young Georgian model, Tako Chkheidze wins the title of the most graceful model – The Best Grace at the "The Best Model of the World" contest.
The 19-year old Tako Chkheidze, the World’s Best Grace for the year 2000, has six years experience of being on the stage.  From early childhood, she frequently appeared on stage: she danced in the "Metekhi" dancing group for nine years. Once she was filmed in a kids’ movie and enjoyed  "being an actress" as well. Then her mother traveled to Paris and her friends insisted that she take photos picturing her daughter and show them to Paris-based modeling agencies. The photographs of the 11-year old Tako appealed to everybody but they refused to cooperate with her saying that the girl was too young and suggested getting back to them in two or three years’ time.

In 1995, a modeling agency "Natalie" opened up.  Tako was 13 and became the first "Natalie" model. From there, the difficult and interesting path of the Georgian model started.

"I’ve undergone very serious schooling in "Natalie". I worked hard.  We were taught how to walk and how to conduct ourselves.  Our professional skills and manners were developed and lectures in the history of fashion and make-up were given.  Enormous effort and hard work are required to achieve success in this area. Even the simplest fashion show is preceded by an extremely difficult preparatory period - rehearsals, photo shoots and dress rehearsals. When you are a professional and fond of your profession, all of this becomes a pleasant process.

"However strange it might appear, much attention is paid to the intellectual capabilities of a model: her inner freedom, knowledge of languages and even to her origin and family background.  I am not inclined to believe that one could be discovered in the street, even though such things do happen.  And, basically, if you do get discovered, you must work really hard.  First of all you should have some kind of schooling. Then you should create your "portfolio" which is a model’s passport to success. Establishing contacts with modeling agencies then follows. Only after that might it happen that someone becomes interested in you. At the same time, you should be a serious professional capable of working freely with a photographer and a cameraman.  And there is one more thing, a very important thing to know – you must not be predictable, because on the catwalk a model has to create many images…"

Tako Chkheidze’s debut took place in the "Akhalgazrduli" club in 1995.  In September of the same year, Tako achieved her first professional success at the "Ama" (the vanguard fashion assembly). At this festival she became acquainted with many people. "Tako Chkheidze – a model" - this was the story prepared by TBC studio about her. The 14-year old model was in seventh heaven. This was followed by "Design-96" – a designer’s contest held at the "Metekhi" Hotel.  At the last moment it was decided to select "the Best Model of the Year" which Tako won. After this, Tako Chkheidze participated in the most significant and serious fashion shows held in Tbilisi. She appeared in commercials and musical clips. She was invited to fashion parades by famous couturiers and designers.

The 15-year old Tako was used for an advert for one of the shops. Nothing too important, it seems, just another commercial. However, two years later she married Ruslan Abashidze, the owner of the shop at that time. This marriage was preceded by another huge success for Tako. For Tako Chkheidze, "Natalie" had become the world where the greatest dream could become reality, such as cooperation with other well-known agencies, photographers and magazines.

In December 1996, at one of the meetings at "Natalie", among the guests were the Georgian painter Goga Kandelaki, who lived in America, and his girlfriend. They liked Tako very much and took photos of her with them when they left for the States. Unexpectedly, Tako received an invitation from the American agency.

Tako Chkheidze went to New York and worked there for six months at the International Management Group (IMG) modeling agency. When serious talks began about a three-year contract, she all of a sudden ‘upped ’ and returned to Georgia.

"I had everything there, except… In short, I was in love and couldn’t stay there any longer. From Tbilisi, Ruslan and I left for the States together. Later, when he went back to Georgia for business reasons, he kept calling me every day by telephone.  Our entire relationship is full of pleasant surprises and unexpected events. In a word, I couldn’t stay there alone any longer.  I didn’t want anything and I couldn’t wait to get back to Tbilisi.

"The IMG is an agency famous worldwide. It has branches in Paris and London. You have to be very lucky to be accepted there. During my period of work in the agency, I met with famous photographers, couturiers and designers. I was photographed for several popular magazines. When all this was seriously shaping up, I returned to Georgia… But by working in America I gained a lot of experience. There, modeling is different, to say nothing about the financial rewards.

"Then I received an invitation from Paris Viva Models Agency. Ruslan suggested we go and see what the terms and conditions were like. So we went. Photo shoots and meetings were scheduled for me. But after three weeks I left Paris as well. I can do nothing about it, I can’t stay away from my family and travel somewhere for any length of time."

The year 2000 turned out to be very happy and lucky for Tako.  Early this year she became a mother. Neither one year’s pause or childbirth prevented her from retaining her shape. At the end of the year Tako became the most gracious model.

The contest for the selection of the "Best Model" was arranged by the "Caucasian Fashion House" and took place in the "Bericoni" club.  Along with other agencies, "Natalie" also took part in the show. At the last moment Tako decided to participate and won.  Two weeks later she traveled to Turkey.

The contest for the "Best Model of the World" has been held for the last 13 years. This time 77 representatives from 47 countries took part.  On the evening of December 8, all the Georgian television channels and information programs reported Tako’s victory.

"The world renowned contest was held in Istanbul. "The Caucasian Fashion House" is the only institution in Georgia which has an exclusive right to present Georgian participants at the contest. On the second of December we landed in Istanbul. Six days were left until the start of the contest. Every day we were busy with photo shoots and rehearsals. We worked in extraordinary conditions. My husband arrived on the seventh to attend the contest.

 "It was the first time that Georgia had taken part in this contest. There were five nominations altogether, one of which was the Best Grace won by me. Famous French and Turkish designers – Paco Rabbane, Jean Louis Sherer, Jacque Faddy, and Annie de Bourbon dressed us.

"Photographs of the winners and their data were sent to all the large agencies. I have already received proposals. As a rule, a decision is taken in six months time. Let’s see what happens. If I’m offered good terms, I’ll go by all means, but I’ll take all my family with me…"

In addition to everything else, Tako Chkheidze is also a second-year student at the Department of Western European Languages and Literature at Tbilisi State University. Obviously, she is unable to lead a student’s life but like all sophomores, she likes to spend her free time (if she has any) with her nearest and dearest.  She also likes to sleep (she always suffers from lack of sleep). Recently, she remembered the experience of her childhood and took part in a new TV series where she is playing one of the key parts. The series is named "Tbilisi Stories "…

But Tako Chkheidze’s story has not yet ended…

Tako Chkheidze is 19 and the 21st century, with many new stories and events to come, is only several months old.

Photos: Tako Chkheidze in the costumes  designed
by Maka Asatiani