Model Mountaga Diop at Supa Model – Shot by Ana Garcia – Fashion Editor Marco Drammis – Make Up Philippe Miletto – Hairstylist Hiroko Matsuo – Stylist Assistant Nathan Fox – Casting Director Isadora Banaudi – Studio Jump Studio London – Interviewed by Marco Martello // Top LOEWE
New or recycled?
I usually like what’s new better, but I feel like you’ll find the ‘gems’ in recycled.
What do you have for lunch on a Sunday?
Depends if I’m home or not. If I’m home, I’ll probably have some cheese pasta with a steak, some vegetables on the side and some pesto to give it a touch more of flavour.
Running in the park or training in the gym?
Running in the park, 100%. Especially, if I have my headphones with me.
What’s the snack you loved as a kid?
It was called Pitch Strawberry brioche, it was by far my favourite snack. My parents hated buying it, because they knew it’d be gone after a couple of days. My aunts and uncles used to call me ‘Mr. Pitch’. That’s still my favourite snack.
Vintage or straight from the catwalk?
I love vintage. To me, the 80’s and 90’s have always been the coolest decades, so even when it comes to fashion I’m gonna go vintage.
How did you first get into modeling?
Some friends from high school told me I should become a model (at first I didn’t believe it, though). Once I was in L.A., my mother agent saw my Instagram page, asked for a meeting and, boom, I became a model!
Jacket Lanvin – Trousers Givenchy // Top Loewe – Trousers Thom Browne – Shoes N21
London or New York City?
I’ll go with New York City. I’ve been there a couple of times when I was younger and I’ve always loved the spirit of the city. No offense to London, though.
If you weren’t a model, what would you be?
I’d either be a musician or an actor, I think.
Reading or watching Netflix?
Both, but I’ll say reading, because Netflix library isn’t that great.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is very colourful. I wear a lot of sportswear, so I’d say comfy too. Add a bit of vintage in the mix, and that’s my style most of the days. I like to switch it up sometimes, and go for a completely different style…so, you never know!
Skateboard or electronic scooter?
Electronic scooter. I can’t skate at all, I look like a baby giraffe trying to get on the board (Laughs, E.D.).
Is there a trend you wish stayed a thing of the past?
No, not really… If there’s a trend I don’t like I won’t follow it, that’s about it. If you like it, then do you: I usually try to mind my business.
How do you dress for a date? What about castings?
Depends on the vibe I get from the girl before, but when in doubt I go for a classy look. When it comes to castings, I choose a simple look, so I know things can’t go wrong.
Total Look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello // Total Look Louis Vuitton
Is there a thing you had to wear for a job that you wished you could bring home?
It happens almost every time, as most of the clothes are really nice, and that gives me ideas for my next purchases.
What’s the most common misconception about modeling?
People used to tell me the industry was really toxic. So far, I’ve seen none of it!
Do you have any advice for those who want to start a career in the fashion industry?
You need a lot of self confidence and humbleness. Self confidence is going to help you take better pictures, but it’s also going to help you build stronger relationships with the team you work with (relationships, especially in this industry, can always help you later in life). You also need humbleness, because you might travel a lot, work for some huge brands, be all over social media and see money that you’ve never even imagined before. It can get to your head. Keep working and don’t take it for granted, because it’s ephemeral.
What’s your favourite perfume?
Hermès’ Terre d’Hermès.
What’s your relationship with social networks? How do you deal with online criticism?
I like social networks, because I feel like I know how to use them in a healthy way. I’m not the type of person that’s going to compare themselves with others, or stress about how many likes they get. I use social media to interact with people on subjects I love (politics, basketball, music, tv shows etc). I know it can be dangerous for some people though, especially the younger generations. When it comes to criticism, I don’t really mind it. My opinion and how I feel about things will always come first, so I take it with a grain of salt (same goes for compliments, though). It’s nice when it can help you, but most of the time people are criticising. So, I end up with two options: listen to the critics and learn from it, or use it as motivation.
What’s your favourite song?
Right now, ‘DUCKWORTH’ by Kendrick Lamar.
Shirt Dior – Trousers Mans – Shoes N21 – Accessories Stylist’s Own // Top N21