#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Mitchell Gorthy

Mississauga, 11th April 2020

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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 me - I like to spread positivity to those around me, and I work as a professional clothing rack lol. My job is an easy way to do that because I am able to be around open minded and creative people all the time so I don’t feel restricted. Shoots are fun too because I get a chance to express emotion just with an outfit, pose or facial emotion. Sometimes you could be having a horrible day and then have your whole mindset turned around because of a shoot or the people there. I am very lucky to be in the position I am in at the moment.

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Who would you confine with?

My future partner.

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What's your work-from-home style?

I usually get anxious if I’m not doing something « productive » so I am kinda bopping around doing different things all the time. 

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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 make music and I used to work at a daycare facility where my fulltime job was to play and instruct dodgeball.

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

Doesn’t matter. I just wanna be with my friends.

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

Every character from the anime Saiki K.

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Mitchell is represented by IMG

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Joel Stephen Frampton

London, 7th April 2020

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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 bird, I fly, unprepared, my wings unclipped. I travel far and wide, we click, we connect and the journey continues. I embrace the unknown, the mystery.

 Who would you confine with?

A pro ping-pong player would be useful on occasion. Failing that, and bearing in mind social distancing, I'll stick with the cat.

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 What's your work-from-home style?

Work at home feels quite wonderful with the benefits of a sun-facing terrace. Job duties include… refilling my coffee and repositioning the deckchair from time to time.

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

Music makes me happy, I play a number of instruments (by ear). I DJ'd for a number of years too. It's important to feel music.

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

I'm looking forward to returning to Beautiful Italy and my Home in Milano. I'll give my dear buddies, Gordon and George a call and we'll spend a good few hours on the Tennis Courts, in the Spring Sunshine.

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

That would've been john Lennon.. imagine…

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Joel is represented by New Madison Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Krow

Vancouver, 9th April 2020

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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 Krow, a transgender male model from Vancouver, Canada. I started modeling at 12 years old as a female but stopped at 18, then did my transition. My job is modeling for various brands and magazines but through the modeling I can bring representation and awareness of the trans community to the everyday person.

Who would you confine with?

Right now I'm spending quarantine with my mom but I would love to spend it with my best friend too. It would be super fun and I'd get a lot more art finished. 

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What's your work-from-home style?

I don't really have a work-from-home style since my two current jobs are modeling and extra acting. These jobs require me to be in person with a team so after lockdown all my work stopped. Luckily though there are projects like this one that help with exposure and keep the industry running even during this time.

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 like to do nature photography and also capture sunsets/sunrises but I never post my photos and rarely share them which is kind of silly. Maybe one day I'll show them, haha.

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 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 Japan after quarantine is over because I love the culture and the people. It's my favorite place in the world but I've only been twice. I hope to live near Kyoto one day.

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

My fantasy Zoom party people would probably be Kim Jaejoong and Miyavi. Both are musicians who really inspire me and they both seem like wonderful and kind people.

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Krow is represented by New Madison Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Cheikh Kébé

Dakar, 9th April 2020

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cheikh is represented by Uno Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Paul Manniez

Paris, 9th April 2020

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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 Paul Manniez, I’m 22 years old, born and raised in France. I’m a model and actor. It’s really interesting in a way because both of those jobs allow me to give life by wearing clothes or walking with them, I can add a part of me to it and play with that “new me”. By being in a character, it will be the same process but obviously less physical and more intellectual.

Who would you confine with?

I would be with my mom and brother in the south of France. I was actually supposed to go there before this quarantine, but I didn’t want to take any risk by being sick without symptoms (healthy carrier?) and bring it to them.

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What's your work-from-home style?

I’m taking this quarantine as a break. Back with myself and my thoughts, doing sports at home, reading books, watching movies that I didn’t have time to watch before, playing video games with friends and practicing Sophrology with my mom! It helps me also to think about my future, what I want to do and how can I achieve those goals.

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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 actually did a tutorial video on YouTube when I was 14, about how to do beatbox. I became famous at school for being “the beatboxer”. It was a funny time.

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

Might be cheesy, but I would say Biscarrosse, where my mom and brother are! It’s really peaceful, lots of nature, lakes and there is the sea!

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

I would love to do a FaceTime with Fabrice Luchini and talk about what’s going on and know his thoughts!!

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Paul is represented by Elite

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Lucas El Bali

Paris, 7th 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 an energetic and lucky boy who grew up nicely in the east of France between lakes and mountains. For half a year now I see myself as an explorer, discovering new places new countries but also discovering the fashion world, I see my job as an opportunity to improve who I am and what makes me I try to be involved to everything I do in the same way.

Who would you confine with?

I would totally confine with ten of my friends in a big manor in the south of France, but sadly I’m confined with my girl with whom I hate spending time with.

What's your work-from-home style?

Actually I do not have a work-from-home style because I haven’t got work, but I spend my days by doing sport, listening to music and meditation.

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

One of my greatest secret skills is based on luck I call it "tax free". In every place I go to party someone would give something to me. It can be food, alcohol, a necklace or kiss, a cap or even the entrance ticket.

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

After all this situation is over I would go straight to my hometown and set my hammock near the lake to enjoy the sun and a lil barbecue with my mom and friends. 

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

In my Zoom fantasy FaceTime party I would get @allan.lab on a romantique "tête-à-tête ».

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Lucas is represented by New Madison Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Peter Dupont

London, 10th 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 was born in Copenhagen and still have a strong connection to that place and lifestyle. I have always been involved in different social or activism projects, from refugee rights to climate politics. I’m actively doing boxing, running, biking, climbing and hiking. I have to be outside and like places that are remote and difficult to get to. I love to travel, especially with my girlfriend, Breanna. I like to create projects with good friends and people around me who inspire me. I am currently working on some projects where that is at the core.

Who would you confine with?

Breanna Box, my girlfriend. We have a lot of fun! We are good at giving each other space and helping one another with different projects we have going on.

What's your work-from-home style?

I usually start answering emails when I wake up and whilst having breakfast. Then I like to meditate or do something active and read. Lately I have been taking a lot of pictures. It’s fun to learn more on what it’s like to be on the other end of the lens.

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 be a bouncer. I worked with security in a lot of different clubs and concert places in Copenhagen. I did it with a really good group of people and mostly at really nice places and like these pop-up techno party events. 

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

A quick layover in Copenhagen to see my friends and family and then to Japan with Breanna. 

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

I’m not that good at Zoom or FaceTime. In general I’m not that good on the phone. But if I could choose some people to talk with about stuff that interests me right now it would probably be the following: Wassily Kandinsky, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Josef Albers. I would speak to them about the history of colors and Bauhaus. Wong Kar-Wai to chat film and more colors. William Blake for disturbance and art. Awa Kenzo talking about different aspects of training and zen archery. Patti Smith to talk music and listen to her speak about New York in a period I wish I had seen. Massimo Osti for design and functionality.

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Peter is represented by IMG

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Oliver Meisner Thrane

Copenhagen, 8th 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 tall curious guy who loves to explore both my mind, landscapes, cuisines and environments of all sorts. Throughout my upbringing I’ve always had an urge to cross some lines and seek towards the opposite from what my classmates, brother and like-aged people did. I feel these environments and subcultures I’ve been a part of, have so far made me a more open-minded person and make me see the best in a person no matter who, what or where they come from.

The clichés of models becoming photographers is a thing. And yes, now I’ve become one of them. Two years ago, I started assisting a Danish fashion photographer for a year, and at some point, I just had enough of fashion since it became everything around me. Not that I don’t like fashion, but the type of shoots we did and brands we worked with were very uninspiring and tiring. My desire and joy for photography was still there, so I started at Copenhagen Film and Photography school, and that has made my skills and visions within photography more clear. I really love the documenting aspect of photography and my skill is the access to people. The past year I’ve made 2 photo books; one about Beirut’s many-faceted lives in the ongoing revolution and one about my hometown city mall.

 Who would you confine with?

That’s a secret.

What's your work-from-home style?

Definitely not solving a puzzle nor reading a book. Focus and I aren’t doing well in that matter. But the first 10 days of the lockdown, I isolated myself with my best friend In a shipyard, where we worked on this lifelong project, our old wooden ship from 1952. 

Now my school course has reopened over Zoom, and I’m quite excited for the photography projects they will give us and in which way they can be solved. Maybe I’ll be inspired by this shoot ;)

 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 can blow spit bubbles and for sure knock you out with a headkick. I love trance and not so much cops. I serve some really fine fish tacos and also vegan ones if you like ;) 

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

As soon as all this is safe I’m going to visit my grandmothers. After that, my feet are itching to drive around Italy eating pizza and drinking Negronis or sail around Denmark visiting all the beautiful small islands. I’ll probably do both.

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

My grandmothers and all their grandkids In the same ZoomParty. But unfortunately, they don’t own computers or smartphones nor do they have the technical skill to set it up. But the level of confusion and happiness they would feel would be priceless to witness.

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Oliver is represented by Nisch Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Ben Allen

London, 8th April 2020

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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 24 year old from South East London. Half American, Quarter English, Quarter Australian. I’m a model of almost 10 years (yikes) and actor in training. I love my job, I’m always thankful for the places it has taken me, the wonderful friends/girlfriend of 4 years I have and the opportunities to work with people I consider genius.

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Who would you confine with?

My girlfriend Lexi. We are split to be closer to our families, so she is back in America and I’m in London. We are used to distance and time apart through our work, but not having an end date in lockdown restrictions and not really knowing how long it will be until it’s safe and responsible to travel again is tough, but it is a small hardship compared to what many are experiencing now. My heart goes out to all those nurses and doctors working so diligently, saving lives whilst risking their own, to return home at the end of these unimaginable days and not be able to touch your partner or children. I can’t even imagine what they are going through.

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 What's your work-from-home style?

I’m fortunate to have a house that backs on to a small private wood with a tennis court - so I’ve been playing tennis everyday with my friend Kit who has moved in for lockdown. Begin the day with early tennis, once done we get some music on (radiooooo.com and NTS have really kept me sane the past few weeks), get breakfast going and start the day. If I have lines to learn for acting classes I’ll read through them in the garden, if not I may read a book, do some gardening. Whatever allows me to savor the beautiful springtime we’ve been blessed with in London this year. It’s been great having a friend move in for this period, we’ve cooked everyday. Watched some fantastic movies. I’m now obsessed with the Safdie Brothers. I’ve gone on many walks with my mum, which has been special. Time can move so fast, juggling all the elements of the modern lives we lead. Having moved out of my mums house 2 years ago and spending time in Denver with Lexi or generally on the road with work - our moments together, naturally, have become invaluable. So to have had all this time together the past few weeks has been so precious to me. I imagine many of us post-lockdown will reevaluate what elements of our lives, truly, mean the most to us. I definitely will be. I’ve been writing some of these thoughts every night before bed to look back upon, when the routines of old and the craziness that comes with that, ensues again.

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 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 currently, I’m doing acting lessons in London (even during the lockdown we have classes on Zoom!) and for the past few months, I have been working towards launching a knitwear line. A fun fact about me - due to terrible 16 year judgment of the Caribbean tide patterns, I found myself drifting out to the Atlantic Ocean on a paddleboard. Some 20 minutes later, to my life-continuing relief, I spot a figure on the horizon coming to my rescue - it was Bryan Adams, Mr Summer of ’69 himself. I laid flat on my board, exhausted and exasperated, as he paddled the two of us back to shore and to the safety of solid ground. That is how Bryan Adams saved my life. You can’t make this shit up.

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

My favorite restaurant and my favorite pub.

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

Dave Chappelle, Salvador Dali, Anthony Bourdain, Gucci Mane, Karl Marx.

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Ben is represented by Select Model London

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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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 !!

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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 ... Thomas Riguelle

The Hague, 9th April 2020

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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 Thomas Riguelle, I was born in Ghent, Belgium and then moved with my mom to The Hague, The Netherlands at an early age. My father stayed in Belgium, where I’ve been coming and going. He’s a musician and my mom is a translator (a really good one). I’m a very individual personality for better and for worse and I do many things. Most people know me from my modeling services.. I see modeling as something that can be very much like performance, and I love it when it becomes that! And honestly it always has something of it for sure … but it can also be very automated, tiring and stiff if you will. But you know it’s also a job at the end of the day, it can’t be fun 24/7.

Asides from modeling I’m heavily active collecting music and making music and DJ’ing and all sorts of other stuff. I work on a voluntary basis in a record store every so often In The Hague - shout out to @3345_thehague - and most of my future ambitions are music related for sure ;) Last but not least I’ve been skating for about 12 years or something and, finally, I just kinda love getting involved with all sorts of things; film, art, photography, etc.

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Who would you confine with?

Depends for how long :p

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 What's your work-from-home style?

I reorganized all my records day in day out for a week or two, then I started making music and now I’m selecting records for a few mixtapes. I guess my work from home style is busy and until late hours, like usually actually ahah, but normally I can’t do a lot of projects like these because I travel a lot and not everything is possible on the road. So yeah, that’s something great :D

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 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 fun fact: I was a horrible student. I got kicked out of school 3 times during high school. Eventually I stopped going really … but then later I did finish something after all. But so, yeah, during those years I was exploring a lot, doing young people’s stuff, good stuff, bad stuff, … and I learned a lot.

So No! I barely have anything on my résumé really ahah, but a lot of amazing times :)

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

Got this all figured out, don’t worry haha.

First Paris back to my lover and my actual home. Then to New York and Canada for work and hopefully seeing some friends. Then Copenhagen if the timing is right (mid summer is best!) and then Asia half for work half to be a tourist.

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

Mike Tyson, Mark Zuckerberg, Dennis Rodman, the president of North Korea, Ricardo Villalobos, Peter Wright (the darter), Gemma Collins, Nardwuar, and of course Eddy & Sandor (two specific friends of mine that really need to be there).

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Thomas 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 ... Chunjie Liu

Zhejiang, 9th April 2020

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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 Chunjie, a fashion model from China and a university student majored in interior design.

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 Who would you confine with?

My family.

What's your work-from-home style?

Pajamas ? Something comfortable. 

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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 minimalist; I want to keep everything simple in my life. I have a plan to open a supermarket. Because I always feel happy when I see some delicious food or drinks. It may seems a bit silly but I think it will be fun :)

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

NYC? It’s time to work !

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

My mom, since I stay with my dad and she’s working in another city. We make video calls 3 times a day. And some friends too.

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Chunjie Liu 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 ... Akeem Osborne

London, 8th April 2020

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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 Model, YouTuber and actor. I define a model as someone who works with a lot of brands/clients. I define a YouTuber as someone who makes videos for their fan base and posts them on YouTube. I define an actor as someone who does a lot of casting trying to get roles in plays or movies.

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 Who would you confine with?

My family and my girlfriend.

What's your work-from-home style?

Work from home involves live streaming on Twitch, editing YouTube videos and managing social media.

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

Secret skill: I can do the Rubik’s cube. I also enjoy cooking and gaming, and a lot of Netflix. 

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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 like to travel to is just anywhere outside, maybe some restaurants and down to London and just get back to working.

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

As I’m staying at my girlfriends’ I am only staying in contact with my family members, like my dad and grandparents, basically my whole family.

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Akeem is represented by Select Model London

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... James Crewe

Halfway between the Essex countryside and Coruscant, 10th April 2020

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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)?

As a kid at school I was heavily into David Bowie and the series of fantasy worlds he created so taking from that coupled with as children naturally do; I embellished the truth. I’d answer that I was the love child of Diana, Princess of Wales and David Bowie’s Thin White Duke. I believed it soooooo much - to some degree, I’m still eager for it to be true. I lived that fantasy turning like a cat around school with my head so high. It was an incendiary act, but I was relentless.

I often mumble to myself: “I wonder if that was the catalyst,” where I find myself now? I was about to start work on an exciting film before the lockdown; Covid-19 dependant, hopefully that picks up once more. I'm eager to start playing a character on the big screen, it seems the natural path from previous choices I have made whilst modelling with the likes of Alasdair McClellan, Sølve Sundsbø and Tim Walker. Helping these photographers in finding a character, both vivid and breathing, for their photos is too much fun and truly an extension of my fantasy.

Otherwise, on any given day, you can find me, face down in eBay’s search engine, PayPal 1 touching, vintage magazines for research as well as trawling through online archives for anything that sparks my interest, usually gun toting blonde dykes, Maserati boomerangs, and YouTube clips of interviews with David Bowie being fractious.

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Who would you confine with?

Currently, I am with my family and my baby girl Mitzi Chun-Li (an English Pointer), who simply can do no wrong in my eyes, even after she’s chewed her 7th shoe this week. I’m quite a solitary boy, so the idea of being confined with other people detached from my family unit fills me with trepidation - what if we argued? So I guess I’m quite content with being in my current situation.

However, I have quickly discovered that I am quarantining myself with my multiple personalities shifting through numerous gears within the hour; I’m gradually getting to know the minutiae of their quirks. I have successfully beaten off my Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop persona, practicing soothing meditation, chanting chakras for acceptance and knocking back spinach and flax smoothies. It was never going to be long term GP, sorry. This morning, my favourite persona, Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor in Terminator: Judgement Day, which appears at the most Darwinian occasions; Sainsbury’s. Granted there is an apocalyptic air in the world, but I’m not losing now, there’s so much to achieve. Then there’s the over-cautious James, asking “Where can we get hazmat suits online?”, “That scruffy man in the park who pets Mitzi better observe this 2m policy or I’m kicking off” and “Should I be wrapping Mitzi top-to-toe in cling film for her own protection?” This subsides once I’ve logged into Mubi for a 4 hour trance session.

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What's your work-from-home style?

Firstly, I don’t strictly work a job, but I certainly have found other ways of occupying my time besides walking Mitzi along the beach, weighing into Anna del Conte’s Gastronomy of Italy, and vacuuming up news reports with a good measure of dance breaks thrown in. I’d like it known that my life is utterly irrelevant compared to front line workers who are actually contributing serious work throughout this global health crisis. They should really be interviewed instead of myself.

I’m quite concerned that when watching the news its all full of Covid-19 related issues, rightly so, but we aren’t hearing about other important issues such as poverty, domestic violence and these issues are very much still continuing during Covid-19, if not exacerbated - it worries me about the fate of some of these people who are suffering. I feel their stories aren’t given enough airtime, better still how can the everyday person with money and time to spare help those in need?

I’m also struck by the contrast in how the world has dealt with this virus. It’s interesting to see the contrast between AIDS and Covid-19 and the consequent course of action. My Lady Mother always teaches me to question what anyone tells you…

So far, growing concern about the long term economic consequences of the epidemic have translated into calls for the lockdown to cease as soon as possible. True, the longer we are confined to our homes, the more businesses will fold under, the longer those lucky enough to have savings will run dry of them. Then we must think about the knock-on effects of recession, those fortunate to retain jobs will instinctively question every pound spent - a paradox of thrift. It was hypnotic to see journalists pressuring a response from the government when the death toll creeps to 7500 as to when we might be allowed out.  We are nearing the moment of maximum danger, the moment hospital chiefs take a sharp intake of breath and even power hungry Whitehall mandarin atheists start praying.

A lighter note...

The UK government's advice is to ’Stay Home’ so whilst I’m racking up my nauseating lockdown hours, the silver lining to this - glinting ever so slightly - is that I can start exploring cyber sex. With an intermittent internet connection, greasy webcam and an all too present wheel of death flashing up; every single night they still hit me up. Through the phone they think we’re in love, but touching myself puts everything back on track just be sure to say that freaky shit you know I like.

If I’m honest, I’m enjoying this respite. I just came off a MA course in menswear that does absolutely diddly squat for mental stability now switch to me sneaking down to the basement drinking all my dad’s Belvedere. It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

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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 don’t like birthdays. Never have done. Not when it involved towers of pancakes and a wax candle wedged through, definitely less so as I edge nearer the end. There are those who adore their birthday, a schedule of organized fun demanding your attendance to cake unveilings, holiday cottages, club nights and private dining sessions with all attention, hugs, kisses and compliments to be expressly directed towards them.  

And you’ll always find spirits like me, who could heave at the prospect of someone commissioning a secret party in my very honor. Weeks beforehand feeling anxious and purposely keeping a low profile to avoid any risk of a round of “Happy Birthday” in a restaurant full of strangers. Imagine if that conceivable person is putting a lot of effort into this celebration and they clock your forced smile rendering them resentful and liking you that little bit less. Also presents! I don’t ever want presents, well actually if you were to buy me the Lego Star Wars X-wing Fighter I’d be pretty chuffed. But besides that, I cannot perform a grateful expression to save my life so I, at all costs, try to avoid these situations. I’ll happily settle for being the greatest dancer with my good friend Lady Ms. Ralph in a sweaty club on a Friday night.

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

I pen this missive laid out on my bed looking out to blue skies. I’ve decided where I’m off to; I’m going straight back up into the clouds - I miss the sun bedding down over clouds, a never to be forgotten perspective. You know, I get so fed up when I hear friends, who travel a lot, chuntering they loathe flying. These are the types who aren’t pondering on the evolution of human kind beginning in mud huts to flying first class (I upgraded: bite me) with the seat back sipping on Belvedere and cranberry. They maybe operating a policy of dodging and denial, but you’ll find me commanding joy and pleasure from the idiosyncrasies of humankind. Whether it’s navigating the airport like it’s a Crystal Maze puzzle, travelers packing 15kg too heavily holding the check-in queue up by layering on their extra baggage or those daring to use the airport shower facilities, (you’re both brave and yet worrying). All of them convince me that 9am is in fact a thoroughly businesslike solution to start sloshing down Russia’s finest.

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

Hmmm, well I actually have been forced into a number of Skype sessions of late. I have noticed a change in behavior from once before we were face-to-face, to now being pixel-to-pixel; an awkwardness, a wariness. A wariness of potentially being screen-recorded maybe? Consequently, I find encounters are more reserved and measured… So I’m proposing that this Zoom party is a strictly no talking moment in time - I cannot be dealing with these standing around chatting situations, me hoying back spirits in defense against dull conversation in the smoking area. This Zoom party is a certified dance party - a party where all inhibitions are left at the zoom conference code - clothing optional.

For my guest list, you wonder. I’ve been on a Visconti binge for the last two days and Helmut Berger (The Damned) pops up along with Romy Schneider (Ludwig), so they’re coming. Berger was my crush for some time so hopefully he’ll take up that role at the party once more. Helmut Newton is there, with a bevy of whiplash beauties. Some kids from school who dance like stripper hoes. 

We need some good dancers so John Travolta, without any shadow of a doubt. A pickled Princess Margaret, bedazzled with a tiara. 

Then I need a JG Ballard thrill; some sexy petrol heads and corporate bankers, alongside Duran Duran, Kabuki, Paula Yates, Angie and David Bowie (sorry Iman) and some sexy friends of mine.

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James is represented by Success Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Alain Gossuin

Paris, 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)?

Hard job to define myself!! I might not be the best one to do it, but if that’s the game, let’s play! First of all, I’m trying to be a good person and that’s quite a job! I’m trying to be democratic. I’m curious to learn about (almost) everything. I want to see and often try everything. I like new stuff. I like old stuff. I like to risk but I also like to play safe. I do everything on my side to help the world to go better and turn round. I’m more and more interested by nature for all kinds of aspects now. I want to respect nature so much more than I did before. I do not want what I haven’t got. I can be perfectly satisfied with simple and natural things. I recycle and repair everything; I love that. I don’t need to show off anymore, I’m more confidant in myself now. No need to prove so much anymore. Simple is best. 

My profession is men’s designer since school but most of my life I’ve been a model (40 years this year). In this story I’m wearing a (very) vintage boxer short and the last, just launched, white shirt both from my own brand: gossuin.com. My target is to build one of those new companies who are (finally) respectful with the environment and the social approach. Taking extra care about the whole chain of production, on every aspect. It’s a real challenge as fashion wasn’t used to that, and there’s a lot to do!

Who would you confine with?

My boyfriend Duarte but that’s not the case as we’re not living in the same city. I’m with my ex these days! Can you believe it?

 What's your work-from-home style?

Sleeping late, exercise a bit to wake up. Breakfast with lots of fruits, a carrot, nuts and seeds, then take my laptop and work. Usually quite a lot. If the weather is good I give myself a few breaks for gardening and taking care of the house, if not, I work full speed.

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

Vintage cars freak, especially Italian cars. Racing meetings of those.

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

Lisbon. Guess why?

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

The answer is my boyfriend to any fantasy related question. But I’m clearly not excited by camera though.

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Alain is represented by Success Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Luca Lemaire

Brussels, 7th April 2020

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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 Luca, which means light. But I’m not feeling especially brighter than everybody. In fact I like to be alone, experiencing stuff on my own, living a bit in the shadow and not showing to everybody how I am deep inside.

Besides being a model, I’m a student. I’m finishing my masters degree in Industrial Design and I’m working on several design projects. I like to create, find solutions, to think about society, people, customs, … and that’s what I love about being a designer. I like being a model because it’s like a break in my normal life. It allows me to travel around the world, meet amazing people, acting and be different, then I come back and I’m ready to do what I have to do.  

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Who would you confine with?

My mother. That’s who I’m confined with during this time. We are the same, it’s easy to live together and we know each other very well, we actually know when the other needs space or not. We debate a lot about the situation here, and what’s happening after the confinement. So she’s actually the best person I could imagine to be confined with.

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 What's your work-from-home style?

Music is really important to me; it helps me a lot to organize my days. First I bought an alarm clock before the lock-down (best idea) so I wake up every morning around 7:30 with classical music and news, I have my breakfast (without coffee), run 5-6 kilometers with energetic music, have a shower, and I’m ready to work with several breaks during which I clean, I draw, I read books, … always with appropriate music in the background, My neighbors hate me now, haha. Working from home is new for me and in a certain way I'm starting to like it.

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

Before the lock-down I used to dance Tango, and I miss it a lot. I try to dance alone, and you would probably laugh at me if you'd see me.  

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

I would like to cycle for 1 month with friends to the south of France and why not in Sicily, but it would take an additional month ... I miss Italy a lot, especially the south where my family comes from. 

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

Can I ignore this question? In fact, I'm not on Zoom, Skype nor FaceTime. I mainly use it for work because no other alternative exists. I have only called my friends once so far. I prefer to call them for 5 minutes on the phone to be sure everything is fine and to see them for real when we can! If I didn't have a phone, I would probably send letters, rather than FaceTime, Zoom or Skype them.

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Luca is represented by Hakim Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

via video cam

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Hugo Gillain

Namur, 5th April 2020

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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.

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 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).

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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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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

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Félix Gesnouin

Saint-Fargeau Ponthierry, 9th April 2020

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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)?

Hi, I’m Felix. I’m 28 years old.  I’m a set designer based in Paris. I practice a lot of rock-climbing and I spend most of my free time dancing and enjoying life. I’ve also been modeling for about 10 years now. 

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Who would you confine with?

I’ve been confined with my (dramatically opposite in everyway) brother, which has been going astonishingly well. I would prefer having my rock-climbing partner/DJ.

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 What's your work-from-home style?

To be honest I’ve been wearing swim shorts for the last 2 weeks. I’ve also been wearing a cowboy hat and loose tank top, to channel the Florida in me.

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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 trained circus clown (no jokes). I’m also addicted to terrible eurodance at the moment, but I’m working on it.

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

Beach àClubbing àbeach àmore clubbing à…

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

Probably one were all my friends are pretending to be on Zoom Party but we are actually all in the same house and when it all ends we have drinks in real life. Or at the Berghain.

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Felix is represented by Success Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

via video cam

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Fernando Albaladejo

Sitges, 8th April 2020

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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 would define myself as a rational, creative and adventurous person. Currently, I am studying architecture, which I love, because I can develop my most creative and technical part. Modeling appeared unexpectedly in my life, and it perfectly suits my way of life. It allows me to travel, meet new people and places. Just the opposite of what is currently happening. The thing that I enjoy the most in my day to day is sports, adventures, the beach, the mountains, … In the future I would love to combine this way of living with modeling, sports and architecture.

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Who would you confine with?

I am confined to my home with my family; my mother, my father and my cat.

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What's your work-from-home style?

Since the beginning of the confinement, the university students have been working from home, doing jobs and classes online. And at the modeling level, this online shootings project seems to me a fantastic initiative.

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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 am trying to get full control of my body. Get balance, strength, stability ... 

To be able to do exercises like the pine, the somersault...

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

The first thing I will do is see my friends outdoors. Now we realize the importance of relating and breathing fresh air.

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

All my friends on the same call, it would be difficult, but it would be good to try.

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Fernando is represented by Hakim Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

via video cam

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Heather Kemesky

Los Angeles, 7th April 2020

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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 human having a human experience on this planet in this life time. And my hopes are to leave one day a piece of myself for future generations to be moved by.

I am a model, that’s my job. But I don’t believe what I do to make money defines who I am. Because I am much more than how I make money. We all are. It’s just something I do, it’s another part of me. And I love what I do - and am grateful I have the opportunity to do it! I love when I get to create and bring to life a vision, a story or a moment with a team. That part is what we all love about this profession I believe. I love being able to create something that will hopefully last for generations to look at and be inspired by in some way.

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 Who would you confine with?

My girlfriend - that’s who I’m confined with during this time. And I’m so grateful because I know some people during this time are quarantined in some less fortunate situations. It’s great because we are each others best friends and partners - we know how to give one another space when we need it. And when we don’t! We love so much of the same things! So it’s really easy to be “stuck together” 24/7 this way. We both are creative in different ways so we can come together and have fun putting our heads together and make art.

 What's your work-from-home style?

First thing I think that’s really important as we all can’t leave our houses during this time, is “getting ready”. I do make an effort to get out of my pajamas in the morning during this quarantine, even if I’m not going anywhere - it helps me feel more productive simply by just doing that. Most days my routine has been workout gear first and workout of course - shower then get dressed. 

Since I don’t have a 9-5 job, I’m not working from home in that way. So for me during this time I’ve just been using all my creative juices, I’m studying new things, taking master classes - using this time to work on old and new projects. Reading, writing, watching movies. Having date nights with my girlfriend, haha. And coming up with ideas and ways to collaborate with people from afar. It’s been an interesting time and I think we are all coming to find new ways to work under these circumstances. Hopefully things can get back on track again soon.

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 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 I guess would be....is when I travel or I’m just somewhere out doors - even near my home - I will collect or find little treasures as in stones or shells or interesting sticks - I bring home a lot of random crap but sometimes it’s really been worth it! My most recent bring home fell on to my front porch actually. We have palm trees outside and part of the palms old dried part fell off and right at my front door so I brought it inside and used it as a canvas to paint on. 

And I really love dressing up! People don’t know that about me really. I love an excuse to put on a different face and wear a costume. I wish there was more of that.

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

Most importantly I want to hug my family, each and every one of them. I will drive to each one and make my rounds - give the biggest hugs and kisses.

Then book a ticket and fly or get in the car and drive to a forest or some beautiful beach. I’m dying to get into the water and swim. Just the thought of salty skin and hair from swimming in the ocean… Sounds like magic to me. I can’t wait to soak up all the nature I can after being inside for this long.

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

I mean there are so many people I would want. For so many different reasons. To list a few:

Johnny Cash if we could bring him back to sing us all Folsom Prison Bluesand San Quentin.

Jim Carrey for his humor and impressions, and to hear what he thinks about covid and quarantine.

Tim Burton, well because I just think he’s so talented and he has created some of my all time favorite films and shortly after he graduated his first job was at Disney as an animator. And I love Disney and animation and him, so yeah I want him at my Zoom party for sure!

Natalie Portman because she’s a badass woman! And stands for what’s good in the world. And I love all her films. It would be cool if it was a costume Zoom party and she was dressed up as Padmé. I’m a Halloween baby, so I love a costume party so maybe the Zoom would be a costume party?

Also Tim Walker to throw in someone else I admire. I love the worlds he creates in his pictures and fantasies he brings to life. He has also worked with Tim Burton! So that would be a fun reunion…

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Heather is represented by Vision Models LA

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

via video cam

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting