For many
women, just being named FHM’s sexiest woman is an achievement in itself. For
Tanya van Graan who won the crown this year, it was a big compliment, but she admits
acting has always been her biggest passion, and that’s where her focus is right
now
This gorgeous
top model and actress admires acting legends Meryl Streep and Judi Dench, and has
her sights on her own success, which she is working hard to achieve.
As you read
this, Tanya is probably on set, finishing up a four-part Afrikaans drama
series; her first production in her home language, and she is really excited.
Tanya has a
fabulous figure and keeps fits by practicing Bikram Yoga, which teaches her
discipline and focus. She also recently took up golf, and is a big Tiger Woods
fan.
When it comes
to fashion and style, Tanya admits she loves classics, but she is also
passionate about having the freedom to create her own style. She believes that
clothes shouldn’t overpower you but rather compliment you.
Tanya’s
favourite item of clothing is True Religion jeans, she is also a fan of local
label, Black Coffee, and she swears by 8-hour cream!
Away from the
cameras, glitz, and glamour, Tanya is a down to earth South African girl with a
passion for giving, and sees that as her purpose in life.
Introducing
gsport’s September Style Star, actress and top model, Tanya van Graan!
Wow, you seem to be having an awesome year, how are
you enjoying it?
It has been
an amazing journey, always working hard but so grateful for it!
How did you feel being named FHM’s sexiest Woman this
year?
It was such a
compliment and an honour to have been voted number 1 by so many people. I felt
very proud to have such amazing support from everyone.
How have people reacted to you since then?
Not much of a
difference, people do recognize me more but all has been positive!
What are your current projects?
I am currently
finishing an Afrikaans four-part drama series for SABC 2, it is so great
because it is my first production in my home language. And I get to perform
next to great actors that I looked up to while growing up.
What do you enjoy more, modelling or acting?
Acting has
always been my first passion that is why I went to study musical theatre and
film. Modeling came only after I start studying. But I do love modeling it’s
not much different from acting, one always plays a character in front of the
camera.
Any plans to head off to Hollywood?
In time when
it is right, be it tomorrow or in two years time, it’s not so much about Hollywood, but more about
going where the opportunities are.
Which actresses do you admire and aspire to be
like?
I admire many
great actresses for different reasons, someone like Meryl Streep, Judi Dench. I
admire their talent and the choices they have made.
gsport’s theme for September is PASSION. What are you
most passionate about in life?
My greatest
passion in life is giving!! There is so many different ways of doing so, no
matter big or small. Along with my passion for the performing arts, I have a purpose…and
that is giving be it just to make someone smile, it might not mean much to the
world but it might mean the world to them.
What is your favourite sport?
At the moment
I have started playing golf, and what an amazing game it is! I love it! I am
also lucky enough to have been sponsored by Ping
collections. Not pro yet, but I love the game
Who is your favourite sports star?
At the moment
Tiger Woods, he is such an amazing sport star! His whole life story, the
journey he has had it is very inspirational even if you don’t like golf you can
learn from him.
How do you keep fit?
I practice
Bikram Yoga. I have done every kind of exercise in my life and I am happy to
say I have found my match. It is very difficult, but it teaches you great
discipline and focus which I use in my every day life. At the same time you
work every organ in your entire body, and keeps you young and beautiful as
well!
How would you define your personal style?
I love
classic styles, something that will never be out dated. But I also like just to
go with what I feel; creating ones own is like freedom of speech. Lead and the
world will follow.
What do you think of South African fashion and how
it’s progressed over the years?
We have
stepped up a lot in the last few years; exposure of South African designers has
played a big part. And now more than ever, the rest of the world can see that
too!
Who are your favourite designers (local and international)?
I love Black
coffee, there are so many. Internationally I can’t really say, I like it I buy
it!
Where do you shop?
Any place,
where ever I see something I like.
What is your favourite item of clothing?
I love my
True Religion jeans, you can up style it or just casual it’s great!
What’s always in your handbag?
8 hour cream,
it’s a must have!
Your favourite accessory?
A watch,
time is very important to me. I hate being late.
What is your favourite colour?
White, it’s
the colour of purity and peace.
What’s best style tip you ever got?
Don’t let the
clothing overpower you, you can make a statement but the clothing should
compliment you not other way around.
Who are your style icons?
Once again I
take from everyone I know, be it stars, or the person walking across the
street.
What inspires you?
People and
their life stories. Its amazing how one person’s story can inspire oneself to
be great, be it to change the world for the good or just to be a better human being!
Who are your role models?
My mother,
she is the closest to me and has been there all my life. There are a lot of
role models in the world, I do not know them personally but I know my
mother…and she is that to me.
gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you
define femininity?
There are
many types of women from different walks of life, but we all share a common
trait. We are like Mother Nature; we are nurturers we were built with a purpose.
I don’t think I could put it in words for it would not capture it well enough.
But we all feel it.
What do you enjoy most about being a woman?
Our range of
clothing choices is so much more interesting!!
What advice do you have for women who would like to
follow in your footsteps?
No matter
what your dream is, nothing is impossible! Nobody’s path will be the same but
we share the same passion, determination, purpose and hope. See it, believe it,
live it!!




