Nele
Who:
Nele Visschers, 179 cm / 5’10.5″, Belgian, born November 9th.
Where:
The Pure Mgmt (The Netherlands – mother agency), Premium Models (Paris), The Lab Models (Milan), M + P Models (London), Blow Models (Barcelona)
— An issue or cause you are passionate about:
Visual art owns my heart and soul. I am also a visual arts student in Brussels. There is one painting in particular that I am infatuated with: ‘Judith and the head of Holofernes’ by Cristofano Allori. It is an Italian Baroque. The Clair-obscur and the strong fearless emotion of Judith, holding the head of Holofernes, makes it a dramatic and intriguing work. These qualities are typical for baroque painting. The painting is based on an ancient biblical story about a beautiful widow, who protects her city and people by beheading the sexually aggressive man who was on a mission to brutally destroy their city. Judith used her sexualized femininity to seduce Holofernes, get him drunk and slay his head. The story reflects a lot of issues that we still face today like misogyny, sexualization of the (feminine) body, sexual assault, abuse of power, genocide. On the other side, it also contains so much bravery, fearlessness, insight, strength and even feminism. I’m not saying we should slay every man’s head that’s in our way, but these sure are important qualities to live by in any case.
— How and when did you become a model?
When I was younger I always got bullied because I was extremely skinny and tall, I was always coming home crying to my mom after school. She always said to me, “Let them talk, there is nothing wrong with you or your body, you can become a model, and I’m sure you will one day.” In that way, she encouraged me to actually post pictures of myself on Instagram and set my profile to public. Next thing I know I have DMs from scouts all over Belgium and The Netherlands. I was 14 years old when I first got scouted. Of course, school came first, and when I finished high school I was ready to enter the industry.
— What are three interesting facts about you?
1. When I started art school I was 2 years behind in my class, but art is my passion and I was determined to succeed. I worked and practiced my ass off the continuing 2 years and finished top of the class.
2. In addition to the first fact: I actually did my final project in textile and fashion design. I made a small contemporary collection around balancing emotion in manic depression. At that point, I never imagined working with big designers a few months later. Today I still make clothes, especially corsets for no specific reason.
3. The only skinny/suiting clothes I owned before I started modeling was my underwear. Oversized was the only way I knew.
Guangyu
Who:
Guangyu Dongye, 189 cm / 6’2.5″, Chinese, born November 7th.
Where:
MGroup (Beijing – mother agency), Major Models Milan ()
— Your most embarrassing moment:
Actually it just happened a couple of days before when I was in the fitting for a really important job (Louis Vuitton show in Shanghai). I found my cell phone had no power after the fitting so I lost contact with my agency and I couldn’t make sure if I got confirmed or not and about my schedule for the next day. I had to ask someone for help, but it was late at night so it was weird to ask someone to give their cell phone to me, especially since I can look intimidating. Finally, I got help from a beautiful and kind lady. I love my job!
— How and when did you become a model?
My agency signed a contract with me one year before when I was in my model school.
— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
My curly hair is real, it’s not normal in China :)
Jessica
Who:
Jessica Posada, 180 cm / 5’11”, Colombian, born March 10th.
Where:
XY Models (Colombia – mother agency), Select Model Management Paris (), Select Model Management Milano (), Wild Management (London), Select Model Management Miami ()
— Who is your favorite entertainer?
Ilse Crawford is an interior designer who revolutionized the world of decoration and harmony in interior design.
— Among your friends or family, what are you famous for?
In my family, I am the rare fly, with my friends I am famous for making them laugh.
— An issue or cause you are passionate about:
From the bad impact that humans have on the world, in their way of not knowing how to take care of it and only harm it, that many indigenous cultures are increasingly disappearing.
Duncan
Who:
Duncan Nana (Nana Duncan) Kwadwo, 188 cm / 6’2″, Ghanaian, born December 31st.
Where:
Lit Model Management (Nigeria – mother agency), Select Model Management Paris (), Kult London (), Two Management (Barcelona), Brooks Modeling Agency (Amsterdam)
— What are three interesting facts about you?
1. I am so sentimental, and I feel the big feels. I am very expressive, especially with people I trust.
2. I am very very jovial and have a really big heart, and I empathize with others very easily.
3. As a kid I once did this stupid thing and it was imitating Michael Jackson in the rain on our outside corridor. I fell on my eye trying to do sick moves and that’s how I have the scar around my glabella.
— Who is someone you admire and why?
My mother, she’s just… I always admire her kindness, unconditional love and patience. She always puts herself last because she is the most caring one in the family. How on earth can someone be so selfless? She never thinks even once about her own hunger when you are sitting hungry in front of her. She is ready to share every piece of her meal no matter how much she herself loves the dish. Not only food, but she is also ready to share everything with you.
— How and when did you become a model?
I was scouted through one of my posts on Instagram. That was around May 2019 and I was developed from there to be a model.
Milana
Who:
Milana Mikhailus, 177 cm / 5’9.5″”, Russian, born October 11th.
Where:
Vproject (Moscow – mother agency), Oui Management (Paris), Monster Management (Milan), Francina Models (Barcelona), AVE. Management (Singapore), EVER Models (Seoul)
— Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my grandmother a lot. I think she is the person who knows everything and can figure out what you want. My grandma has a lot of friends who really respect her. She cooks very well! Her food is the best. She is so pretty and I think she could be a model or an actress. She has been married to my grandpa for about 40 years and they have been together since childhood. I’m very proud of their marriage.
— What are three interesting facts about you?
The first fact is that in my childhood I dreamed of becoming a professional boxer, I had some boxing classes and I was successful enough.
The second fact is that I had a completed 5-year music education.
The last fact is that I can find a way to the person in a short period of time.
— Who is your favorite entertainer?
I have huge respect for Keanu Reeves. He is successful yet he hasn’t lost his humanity. Keanu cares about people.
Soufian
Who:
Soufian Mejiri, 188 cm / 6’2″, Dutch, born April 16th.
Where:
New Generation Model Management (Amsterdam – mother agency)
— Who is your favorite entertainer?
My favorite artist is Wizkid. I love his music and flow and besides that, he grew up in a village where they have absolutely nothing so I admire it even more. When I hear his music I just can’t sit still (I think no one can, haha!)
— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
People are often surprised that I work as a model but also as a soldier in the military. Many people find this interesting and always want to know a lot about it.
— Who is someone you admire and why?
Someone I admire is Michael Jordan. I have never seen the work ethic and discipline he has in anyone, and despite being the best basketball player in the world, he always worked harder than the rest to achieve what he wants!