Shot by ALESSANDRO OLIVA – Fashion Editor MATTEO GRECO – Grooming LUIGI MORINO at CLOSE UP using TONI&GUY ITALIA – Model LUCKY VERSLOOT at WHY NOT MODELS MANAGEMENT – Casting Director ISADORA BANAUDI – Photo Assistant ALESSIO KEILTY – Grooming Assistant MANUEL IAN FARRO – Fashion Assistant ANUSHKA JAIN // Tank top MSGM – Jewellery MODEL’S OWN
Describe yourself through a quality, an animal and a book.
I can be a very positive person in every occasion, but also strong, just like a cheetah, the animal in which I see myself most. ‘Real Deal’, if I were a book. It’s comical, but has an interesting story.
What place do you feel and call home?
Amsterdam.
When did you realize that being a model would become your job?
I think I understood it a few weeks ago when I arrived in Milan. I had already made castings a year ago in Tokyo, but the confirmation that it can be my job is recent.
Is there a character, real or imaginary, that inspires you?
Jeffrey The Dude, in ‘The Big Lebowski’.
Today, with social networks, we know everything about everyone. What do you use them for?
I can’t meet in person. Socializing and networking is what I believe in.
Jumper CANALI – Shirt ALVIERO MARTINI FIRST CLASS – Tie CORNELIANI – Shorts and Sneakers MSGM // Jacket SANDRO – Tank top MSGM – Sunglasses CELINE
Is body shaming still an ongoing problem in the modeling system?
Initially, I didn’t believe it was happening. But after entering the industry, I realized it was true for a lot of female models.
What do you think about it? Is that hypocrisy real? Is it politically correct?
Body shaming, in any aspect, is not right, but I think it’s inevitable.It’s difficult to see the personal path of a person in these cases, focusing on the form and not on what’s inside.
How do you think fashion can contribute to the environment?
I think the best way is for consumers to be aware of what goes into the making of the products they buy. Being aware of what we choose, we buy and, in general, we already have is an important step towards a change that can start from fashion.
Is there something that you would change in the fashion system?
The wages paid to the workers in the clothing manufacturing industries is really unfair and, if I could, I would change that for the better.
Which is, in your opinion, the fashion designer that defined the men’s image best?
Myself, because I design T-shirts with my drawings on them! (Laughs)
Shirt and Tie CORNELIANI – Jeans PS BY PAUL SMITH – Shoes SEBAGO // Jacket and Sneakers SANDRO – Tank top MSGM – Trousers ROY ROGER’S – Sunglasses CELINE
Looking back through your life, what would you not do? Do you have any regrets about something you haven’t done?
I wouldn’t have been at one of the parties I was at a few days ago and then I regret not going to America, but I will go someday.
Beyond your model surface, what else is there?
I write and draw comic books. I want to make a comic book that I’m really proud of to inspire people.
It’s a project that I really care about and that tells a part of me, of my interests.
What do you think is the most important worth to keep and always believe in your dreams?
Take baby steps and don’t set the bar too high for yourself, but always believe in yourself.
In your free time, should we figure you at a techno rave or in pijamas?
Techno rave, I like to party.
Who’s the photographer you most appreciate? And why?
Walter Pierre, I think his work is wonderful.
What’s your favourite song?
The Notorious BIG – Juicy. It’s super gangster and it makes me dance.
Jumper CANALI – Shirt ALVIERO MARTINI FIRST CLASS – Tie CORNELIANI // Trench PS BY PAUL SMITH – Trousers KENZO – Sneakers SANDRO – Glasses GUESS