Photographer Lucas De L’Estang – Fashion Editor Marie Cattiaux – Model Ahmad Cissè at Management – Interview by Chelsea McPartlon // Top Isabel Marant – Necklace Goossens
What’s the top thing on your bucket list?
To have a solo exhibit for all my mediums of artistic expression. Not just any exhibit, but an extraordinary one. A timeless debut is worth the time and effort.
Sunset or sunrise?
Sunset. The lovely colours feel as though you can see the scent that trails behind the sun, as it leaves us to shine on a neighbouring region. Sidebar: I’ve always wondered where the sun would go to sleep at night as a child (Laughs, E.D).
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the modeling industry thus far?
Most in the industry are yet to connect with the story behind my look. They see it, but they’re yet to connect and understand it. The look is reflective of my inner essence and the spiritual attunement attained over the years. This look is an essential part of me, but it’s not all that I am.
Sweater Vuarnet – Denim Balmain – Earrings Celine – Scarf Hermès – Shoes Gucci // Vest and Trousers Gucci – Sweater Undercover – Boots Celine
Do you find there’s enough diversity in modeling and the fashion world? And what would you change about it. in anything?
There’s diversity, more or less. However, it’s only visible and is often presented as progress. Two steps in the right direction doesn’t mean the work stops here. There needs to be diversity in all rooms. Not just in artistic direction and the runway. That not to say the visual side is any less important. Representation remains pivotal.
Are you conscious of the environment when you shop?
Absolutely. I prioritize buying pieces that I see myself wearing decades from now on. And that requires a mixture of staples, minimal silhouettes that’ve proven to be timeless. I also love collectibles. Each collectible may be a statement piece, but not each statement piece is a collectible to me. So I’m very conscious of not dreaming of every statement piece there is. I’m a collector after all, so I often go a while not collecting, because I’m meticulous in what/how I collect.
When your cleaning out your closet, what do you do with your clothes that no longer fit? Did you donate or sell these items?
I usually pack them in the blue barrels that every African parent loves so much. I then ship it back home to extended family.
Sweater Loewe – Shorts Diesel – Necklace Goossens – Bag Hermès – Boots Celine // Cardigan Celine – T-Shirt Botter – Trousers Ambush
Sailboat or speedboat?
Sailboat. It makes for a serene experience.
What’s your favourite song?
Difficult question, but ‘Samay Nit’ by Youssou N’Dour is the song I recall playing the most.
Sweater Vuarnet Earrings Celine – Scarf Hermès // Vest and Trousers Gucci – Sweater Undercover – Boots Celine