Photographer Federico Sorrentino – Fashion Editor Chiara Spennato – Model Samel Barrie at Tank Agency – Hair by Daniela Magginetti at Blend Management – Makeup by Riccardo Morandin at W-MManagement using Lierac – Casting Director Isadora Banaudi – Fashion Assistant Camilla Becchetti – Interview by Francesco Dossi // Jacket, T-Shirt and Jeans Dsquared2 – Hat Stylist’s Own
When you hear the word ‘attractive’, what’s the first thing you think about?
When I hear the word attractive the first thing I think of is someone’s eyes. I feel they are the window to one’s soul and I can find myself getting mesmerized and lost in a beautiful strong gaze. Although there’s more elements to what people can find alluring, subjectively speaking eyes are the first thing that catches my attention.
What’s one thing you constantly are forgetting and one thing you never go without?
One thing I’m constantly forgetting is my volume level in quiet places. I tend to speak with a lot of passion, which can get me in a bit of trouble depending on the situation. One thing I can’t go without (asides from oxygen, food, and water) would be my bracelets from Sierra Leone and Guinea. I always wear my culture on me, since where I came from is a part of my identity.
Jacket Valstar – Shirt Gant – Knitwear Avant Toi – Jeans Alanui – Hat Gianmarco Bersani – Necklace Roy Roger’s – Shell Necklace Stylist’s Own – Boots Dries Van Noten // Shorts Levi’s – Blanket Alanui – Hat Bonfilio Hats – Necklace Luca Cantarelli – Necklace Roy Roger’s – Shell Necklace Stylist’s Own – Bracelets Model’s Own – Boots Dries Van Noten // Blanket Alanui – Hat Bonfilio Hats
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a superpower, it’d be the power to make all my thoughts into reality. I wouldn’t always use it, but on the days I’m bored I might change the sky into pink to spice things up. I could also end many wars and problems in the world with that power if I chose to.
How did you feel the first time you were hired as a model, and what was the occasion?
The first time I was hired as a model was for the Dion Lee fashion show in Sydney Fashion Week. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing even after a few rehearsals. When the actual show began, all I can remember hearing was the sound of my heart beating fast while I kept reminding myself: ‘Don’t trip, please not here’.
Jacket, T-Shirt and Jeans Dsquared2 – Knitwear Barrow – Jeans Alanui – Hat Stylist’s Own – Boots Dries Van Noten // Cardigan Alanui – Jacket and Hat Paul Smith – Knitwear Avant Toi – Jeans and Necklace Roy Roger’s – Shell Necklace Stylist’s Own
What’s your best memory linked to this profession?
My best modelling experience would have to be the Valentino show I did in Paris. I was semi- exclusive and flew over to Paris with low expectations of booking anything. I cried a bit after confirming the show and called up my parents to let them know the good news. Valentino is one of the brands that’s in my book of brands I want to work with, so it was a milestone for me.
If you were a mood, what one would describe you best?
If I was a mood, I’d be an alien meditating in a soft sofa with shades. That’s how I feel most the time.
Knitwear Alanui – Shirt and Hat Paul Smith – Shorts Levi’s – Jeans Alanui – Necklace Roy Roger’s – Shell Necklace and Socks Stylist’s Own – Bracelets Model’s Own – Boots Dries Van Noten // Jacket Valstar – Shirt Gant – Knitwear Avant Toi – Jeans Alanui – Hat Gianmarco Bersani – Necklace Roy Roger’s – Shell Necklace Stylist’s Own – Boots Dries Van Noten
Tell me, what does ‘home’ mean to you?
To me, home is a place where I added personal touches to make it my own. Home is a place where I can dance around naked without the fear of being kicked out. That’s home to me.
What’s your favourite song?
I listen to too many songs to have a favourite one, but right now as I’m answering this question, I’d say my favourite song is ‘Spaceman’ by Want of Peace.
Cardigan Alanui – Jacket and Hat Paul Smith – Knitwear Avant Toi – Jeans and Necklace Roy Roger’s – Shell Necklace Stylist’s Own – Boots Avant Toi // Blanket Alanui – Hat Bonfilio Hats – Boots Dries Van Noten