faces

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Maikls Mihelsons

Riga, 28 April 2020


Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

My name is Maikls, but that’s not all… Safe to say that I am a human. Still breathing and doing #stayhome. I'm a son, brother, friend and a boyfriend.

My profession as a model could be put in different words, but I could say that in a way it is a set of performance. In a way similar to acting… Different day, different setup; runway, clothes, magazines, photo shoots, designers, castings, hair, make-up, etc.  Since all this has stopped, I try to stay home as much as I can.

Who would you confine with?

In a perfect world I would be with my family in a country house by the sea.

 

What's your work-from-home style?

Washing and sanitizing hands ;) Well there is not much going on anyways. So I spend some time reading books, getting some fresh air, and roller-skating.

 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I used to play basketball for a long time. I started when I was about 6 years old and played all through high school. I was born into an athletic family: my dad was a professional volleyball player.

Fun fact: me and my sister, when we were little, we used to play dress-up and act like male and female models. Actually not my idea, but my sisters.

 

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

First thing first… I would go out for dinner or hang out with my closest friends. My sister has been living abroad and it would be nice to see her and my little niece. To get back into traveling for modeling wouldn’t be bad either. 

 Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

Kobe Bryant. RIP. I would love to Skype with him. He had an amazing work ethic, skills and a beautiful family. I would want to know the key to his success and how he balanced professional sports with family life. 

And other legends like Michael Jordon & Magic Johnson.

Maikls is represented by The Bro Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Rose Van Bosstraeten

Belgium Countryside, 8 April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

My name is Rose Van Bosstraeten. I'm a mother of an amazing daughter (she's 8) and married! I have been modeling since I was 14 and I own a shop in Belgium with my sister; we sell fair and square clothing for women and men. It’s called SWAY.

 

Who would you confine with?

I'm very lucky to be confined with my 2 favorite people: my husband and daughter.

What's your work-from-home style?

My work-from-home style depends on how I spend my days: working from home for SWAY or homeschooling our daughter is more motivating when dressing up, or at least not spending all day in pajamas… and a touch of make-up helps as well! Whenever I find the time to spend time to garden I get the gardener-look.

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I absolutely love gardening and spending time outdoors. I have a beekeeping diploma.

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

Go out for dinner or brunch. Re-open our lovely shop. We want to organize a home-party and invite our family and  friends and actually see people again!!! I also hope we can still go to the festivals we’ve booked.

 

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

OMG!! Matt Damon or Brad Pitt or Ryan Gosling.

Rose is represented by Hakim Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Pablo Fernandez

Barcelona, 16 April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

Hello, my name is Pablo. I’m 19, I’m 1m88 and I’m a teenager from Granada who loves sneakers, nature and discovering new cultures. I was scouted 2 years ago when walking down the street and I have been modeling ever since. That means I have been traveling a lot, meeting really cool people and working for the most amazing brands.

 

Who would you confine with?

I’m pretty good being alone listening to music, reading, watching movies, playing video games, … The perks of being a model: you get used to enjoy your own company. 

What's your work-from-home style?

Lately I have been doing a few Q&A videos for my agency’s Instagram, some pictures through webcam like these ones and I’m also editing videos I had from my last trips with dope music to upload soon… Hope you like them!

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

My mother is Polish, so I can speak Polish perfectly. I’m also studying Russian. In the future I would like to become a great businessman so I’m really interested in learning languages.

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

I would love to go back to the French Alps. I went there for a job last year, a Hermès campaign, and I fell in love with that place. Cannot wait to visit it again.

 

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

My friends are the ones I would choose for every party, virtual or real. I wouldn’t change them for anybody or anything else.

Pablo is represented by Uno Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Zoe Takala

Sydney, 16 April 2020


Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

Honestly, I’m just a young person still figuring out all the things I want to do with my life. I’m mainly at university studying law and philosophy, but have other interests outside of this. I’m also very passionate about gastronomy, fragrance, design and architecture. Modeling is a newer addition to my life; I enjoy the theatrical aspect of it and getting to experience part of the creative process. There are lots of parts to the job that you wouldn’t realize unless you’ve done it.

 

Who would you confine with?

I’m confined with one of my best friends, Indra, in our apartment by the beach. We’ve been cooking up a storm. I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

What's your work-from-home style?

My work-from-home style is all over the place. I’ll go back and forth between different tasks, University work, playing around in the kitchen. I’m trying to learn Illustrator to keep myself busy also.

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I try and regularly learn new facts about different places, experiences and concepts, and spend a few hours a week doing this in a deep dive at random. I don’t read many books as my attention span is pretty poor, but this helps me learn and I find it interesting. I don’t know if this is resume worthy but I still find it useful!

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

Skiing. I haven’t been in over a year and I love it. I’m hoping the Australian snow season will still be up and running later this year. I also miss New York, and my Dad, stepmom and sister who live there.

 

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

 I have to confess I’m not a big fan of FaceTime etc. I think it’s a great tool, but I just don’t really enjoy talking on the phone. In saying that, if I had too it would be a call with Amal Clooney, as she works in one of the areas of law that interests me.

Zoe is represented by The Identity

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Tamsir Thiam

Brescia, 14 April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I’m a chill guy, always relaxed. I’m very open minded and always ready to learn from what is around me. That’s probably the reason why I don’t talk too much. I’m a model and that gave me the opportunity to travel the world, meet a lot of people, cultures and places and it really helped me to grow a lot. It’s not just a job like I thought when I just started, it’s more like a lifestyle. 

Who would you confine with?

My family. I’m appreciating this time because I wasn’t able to spend this much time with them before.

 

What's your work-from-home style?

It’s getting hot so sometimes I just wear pants. In the evening I’ll throw on a T-shirt.

 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I grew up playing basketball but as we can’t go play outside I play 2K now.

 

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

I’ll probably go see some of my friends.

 Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

All my friends!

Tamsir is represented by Independent Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Doeke Smulders

The Hague, 9th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I'm Doeke, I’m trying to do my exams this year but due to corona it's all a bit complicated, and besides my school I’m spending the rest of my time playing sports and hanging out with friends.

 

Who would you confine with?

The perfect quarantine confinement would be with a few of my friends in a house with a big garden so we can sit in the sun all day long. 

What's your work-from-home style?

My work-from-home style is sitting in the sun with school work and study till I'm exhausted.

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I love playing hockey or soccer. Also I've played guitar since I was about 7, I've worked in a carwash for a while but found out pretty soon that it wasn't a job for me.

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

We have a tradition in The Hague to go to Chersonissos (Crete) when the exams are finished, which is always an amazing trip. So when we can travel again I'd love to go there with my friends.

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

Well I wouldn't mind skyping with Scarlett Johansson ;-p

Doeke is represented by KNOWN Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Dylan Fender

Edmonton, 13 April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I'm Dylan, a botany student and an absolute poser in my free time.

 

Who would you confine with?

My cat, my girlfriend. it's a very exclusive club, you see. We can't just let anyone in here.

What's your work-from-home style?

Currently? Oho baby, my schedule's been freaked. I've been waking up 10 minutes before my first online lecture starts, watching and taking notes while making breakfast.

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

Absolutely nothing, a blank slate of a human being. I don't even have a resume, guy.

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

My local Chinese place. I’ve been craving that.

 Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

So we got Zeus, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad on the line. Confusion erupts as nobody understands each other since we all speak different languages. I immediately regret the idea and hang up.

Dylan is represented by IMG

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Dominik Sadoch

New York, 16 April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I’m positive thinking, grateful, mostly happy watching the movie that is life. I work as a model.

 

Who would you confine with?

My boyfriend or my best friends.

 What's your work-from-home style?

Boxers and an open shirt. And probably socks too, because I don’t like my feet cold.

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I’m a very good listener, I think I give great prep talks and I can bring people back to Earth when needed.

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

Well... Europe. Warsaw first. Since I’m in New York since couple of months, it’s already been a while that I haven’t see my friends and family over there.

 Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

I always have a problem with such questions and I’m thinking of a smaller circle so it’s a tough choice! But Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Cookie Mueller and Timothée Chalamet could be fun. Oh, and Billie Eilish.

Dominik is represented by As Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Serge Sergeev

Riga, 18th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

My name is Serge. I’m studying to be a film director and work as a model. For now my job has stopped, but the studying process is happening online. I have a lot of homework to do, so my quarantine time is not so boring.

 

Who would you confine with?

My family and me, and also me …well… did I mention me? ;D

 What's your work-from-home style?

Basically my work-from-home style is only study, but today I got an unexpected and special shooting. A photographer was making pictures through Skype. I’m really wondering what the result will look like.

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

Right now my hobbies are photography, playing the piano, working out and running, drawing and reading, play billiard and of course study.  (Sometimes I drive my car very fast at night, but that’s a secret). 

My study program in university is film direction, so I’m trying to watch as many movies as I can about the film industry. I’m also interested in acting and I consider myself as a communicative, funny and interesting person, so I think I can become a good actor.

I played billiard professionally for more than 10 tears (exactly: snooker). My father is my coach; he is working and coaching the best snooker players in the whole world. 

I try to read as much as I can since reading develops our brain and soul. Each day I read something new about psychology and write in my notebook what is important to me.

I’ve always loved photography; my granddad used to be a professional photographer. When I go out taking new pictures I do it only on my film camera; I don’t know the model’s name exactly, but I know it’s pretty old and it’s a Nikkormat. It’s probably around 30 years old, but it still works perfectly.

I draw when I’ve got inspiration and time, but right now I spend more time on study and other hobbies.

I’ve always loved working out and running. Sometimes it’s hard, but I know what I want to achieve and I motivate myself.

I used to play piano when I was 10 years old, but after 2-3 years of studying I quit. Now if I want I learn how to play some music on the piano by myself.

Basically right now during quarantine I study and do my hobbies after, if I still have energy))). 

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

The first place I would like to go on holidays to after quarantine is Mallorca. I’ve been there once during a modeling job and now I would like to stay there a bit longer, with some friends.

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

I really like actors and all art people. My favorite actors are Will Smith , Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves , Heath Ledger , Joaquin Phoenix , Anthony Hopkins , Rachel Weisz , Keira Knightley, … I could continue…

Serge is represented by The Bro Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Najib Abdi

Paris, 13th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I’m Najib from Somalia, but I moved when I was 15 years old. I lived in Italy as a refugee and then moved to Paris. I actually don’t have any professional skills but I work different jobs like sewing tutorials, at a restaurant, … and now I work at the same time with my designer friends, just to learn something.

 

Who would you confine with?

With my brothers and some of my friends.

 What's your work-from-home style?

I wake up early in the morning. During these days I draw a lot whilst watching Netflix and cooking.

 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I do photography and dance, and I’m interested in all things vintage.

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

The first place I’d want to go to when this is over would be Italy I think.

 

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

I think it was last week, me and my friends did a home-drink over Skype. Really, it was a lot of fun.

Najib is represented by The Claw Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Cheikh Kébé

Dakar, 9th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I am a young fashion passionate. I’ve studied fashion design and pattern making in Paris. I also have an obsession with interior design, I did one year of Art and Architecture before studying Fashion. I define myself as an Artist; I spend my time creating contents in various fields. I make clothes mostly, but I love painting or helping my interior designer friends in their projects or mock-ups. 

Who would you confine with?

I would definitely confine with my best friends. We would spend time laughing and dancing, it would be “vacays” more than anything else. Today I am confined with my family and I am still happy with it.

 

What's your work-from-home style?

It’s quite warm in Senegal, it’s always summer here, so my work-from-home style is shorts or sweat pants and a tank top or T-shirt.

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

A fun fact about me: I was born with 12 fingers. I had surgeries to take the 2 extras off. I always felt quite shy about it. But it’s something that makes me special at some point.

 

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

South of France, Marseille or Cannes; I just love it there. I am pretty sure I will go with my best friends as soon as it’s safe again to travel.

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

Would be fun being in a Zoom Party with my friends and Rihanna. We would laugh so much.

Cheikh is represented by Uno Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Fernando Lindez

Madrid, 9th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

My name is Fernando Lindez. I’m a 20 year old Spanish, I live in Madrid. I like sports and hanging out with my friends. I’m a calm person, extroverted with people close to me, but sometimes quite shy too. I like to have fun, and take my profession very seriously because I enjoy the fashion world a lot. 

Currently I combine the world of fashion with my participation as an actor in the Spanish adaptation of the Skam series. I travel a lot which doesn’t allow me to do other things, but every time I can I take some acting classes with a coach. In fashion, I participate in fashion shows, advertising campaigns and have collaborated with magazines from various countries.

Who would you confine with?

I am currently confined with my family in the south of Spain. We were all surprised by the

confinement, and the truth is that due to the circumstances they are who I like to be with.

It reassures me that the whole family is doing well. When all this ends we will have time to enjoy with friends and have a little fun, but now I prefer to be with my family. 

What's your work-from-home style?

Well, even in confinement I keep working! I have several scripts that I have to study, and I am also doing some editorials, which is very funny because we have to do a display of imagination to collaborate through Skype and invent costumes, backgrounds and take photos with mobiles.

A few days ago I did a job for Vogue with photographer G. Postigo and that was very, very fun. We had to improvise everything, and even my sister collaborated. I spend time on social networks and although I am not very active I can now dedicate more time to people with whom I don’t speak much and I’m thankful for all the support I receive from people. 

Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

Well, I am quite an athlete: I am very good at golf. I have played it since I was very young. Now I play less, but let's say I’m especially skilled. In summer I really like to water ski, and I also practice kickboxing whenever I can. I go to the gym 4 times a week. I take care of myself and I eat well, and I try to take care and hydrate my skin.

I remember that a few years ago I was very shy, nobody managed to get me to take a photograph clearly, I always hid myself, even refused to pose. Imagine the change to having to be constantly in front of a camera; at first it was very difficult for me.

My first big show was very funny: in the fitting I was shaking trying on clothes and as soon as I came out Donatella Versace was waiting for me. What an experience !! The truth is that I am reassured to see that she was a very normal and open person.

 

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

The truth is that the severity of the crisis makes you value the smallest and most normal things from day to day. My desire is to return to normality and make my daily life simple. Thanks to my work I have the opportunity to travel to many cities and be in wonderful places. In July I’m traveling to Portugal, a trip I have planned with my friends for a long time. I would not like to miss it because I don’t have many opportunities to travel with them.

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

They’ve asked me this question before and I really enjoyed thinking about it, so I think I'm going to give you a similar answer. A BBQ surrounded by friends would not be bad, and if my favorite athletes were there, Tiger Woods, Rafa Nadal, Messi and Travis Scott would rap us something. It would be unforgettable !!! Hahahahaha !!

Fernando is represented by Uno Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

,

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Hugo Gillain

,

Namur, 5th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I’m Hugo Gillain, a 20y old student at university in psychology in Belgium. I like analyzing habits and people's behavior to know who I have to face with, and I’m really good at it so that’s why I think psychology is made for me.

 Who would you confine with?

I’m confined with some close friends from my university and we work together but I would give anything to be confined with my family in our house in France (because of the pool ofc).

What's your work-from-home style?

My work-from-home style is very basic and according to the weather. Shorts, no shoes, no T-shirt,... but I enjoy trying new original styles just for myself.

 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I really like learning new skills just for myself when I’m bored and the latest skill I learned is juggling. It’s not incredible but I accumulate many tiny skills and I enjoy that.

 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

When all this mess will be done, I just want to go out around my university and see students yelling and partying again. But I miss traveling for modeling and I can’t wait to work again!

 

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

My fantasy Zoom party is with Migos, Travis and Kylie because just thinking of them without shower, jewelry and stuff like that, talking about how much they’re bored right now makes me laugh.

Hugo is represented by Unit Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

via video cam

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

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