Who:
Anass Badda — @anassbadda84 — French from Casablanca, Morocco — born November 8th — 186.5 cm / 6’1″ — he/him.

Where:
Hercules Models (London – mother agency), Fashion Model Management (Milan)

— The most interesting thing about your family:
I’d say the most interesting thing about my family is that we come from two different cultural backgrounds in Morocco. My mom’s side is from the Rif, while my dad’s side is from Casablanca. Even though we’re from the same country, there are some differences in traditions, family life, and culture between the two sides. I think it’s really interesting because I grew up with both influences.

— What is your biggest irrational fear?
Honestly, probably animals. I’m scared of pretty much all of them. I literally have a cat named Sushi, and he still scares the heck out of me sometimes, like crazy. I love him, but I honestly don’t know why I’m still scared of him hahaha. I think it all started when I was about five. I got chased by a dog — I think it was my uncle’s dog — and ever since then, I’ve been scared of animals. So yeah, I guess that explains it… Kind of, hahaha.

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I’d say the first thing is that I’m a huge superhero movie fan. I’m really into Marvel and DC, whether it’s the comics or the movies. I try to go to the cinema as often as I can because I just love the whole experience — the atmosphere, the popcorn, everything. I also love getting into a really good TV show.
2. The second thing is that I used to be a huge gamer. I was honestly playing all the time, like 24/7, but I had to slow down because of school. I still play with my friends from time to time, maybe once a month, but I used to be a serious gamer.
3. And the third one is pretty simple: I love food. I’m always down to try something new, and I can definitely get excited about a good meal.

Who:
Anou Christiane Maarsingh — @ — Dutch from Amsterdam, The Netherlands — born October 17th — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.

Where:
Volks Management Studio (Amsterdam – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
During my lunch break, I was walking through the streets of Amsterdam. The sun was shining, and it was such a lovely day. A man approached me and asked if I was involved in the modeling world. We arranged a meeting, and he became my agent. My fascination with photography meant I was keen to embark on this adventure. It helps that I have a background in theatre and am able to think creatively.

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. At the moment, I work in a paper shop in the heart of Amsterdam. I’m in love with this place. Every day, I help people with their questions about art, paper, and sometimes even life. Time seems to stand still a little there. People often come in feeling very stressed and leave the shop happy and relaxed. Paper can slow things down and can become something so beautiful and important.
2. I’ve spent half my life in the theatre world. I started out in drama, as I found myself too shy and believed you had to face your fears head-on. Eventually, I went to drama school and specialized in physical theatre. You learn to use your body to tell stories and connect with people.
3. When I was little, I was a ‘goose mum’. We raised geese that didn’t have a mother. I slept with them, swam with them, and eventually they flew the nest and joined their fellow geese.

— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
It was October, and I was turning six. The house was warm, and my mum was teaching me how to make apple pie. She has her own recipe, and the whole house smelled of apple pie. Meanwhile, we were dancing to Tina Turner’s music. She can fill the room with so much warmth and love.

Who:
Cathrine Strandberg — @cathrinegreve — Norwegian from Oslo, Norway — born December 23rd — 179 cm / 5’10.5″ — she/her.

Where:
3RD Management (Oslo – mother agency)

— What are three interesting facts about you?
1. I’m educated as a sociologist and psycho therapist and work with leadership development in a Nordic company.
2. I bought an old brothel in France together with five other women four years ago, and we are still renovating the house (named Maison Gothique).
3. Love the outdoors, skiing, mountains, climbing – and some sauna after.

— If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would you be doing with your life?
I would start a foundation and dedicate my time to creating more arenas where young people can experience a sense of belonging, a sense of mastery, and a sense of purpose. I would work to build communities that combat social exclusion, strengthen mental health, and provide young people with safe environments in which to grow. To me, inclusion is about building a society where all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential, feel a sense of belonging, and experience that they matter to others.

— Did you always envision yourself pursuing a career in modeling, or did it come as a surprise? How did you first enter the world of modeling?
I went to a few castings and had a few modeling gigs when I was young, but then I went abroad to study, and life happened. When the opportunity suddenly came back, I thought, “I’m fifty, it’s now or never—let me give it a shot.” So, here I am…

Who:
Vanya (Ivan) Brekin — @vnqish — Russian from Moscow, Russia — born January 9th — 185 cm / 6’1″ — he/him.

Where:
Scoutboard (Moscow – mother agency), JMODEL (Seoul), MODELIGHT (Shanghai)

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
I would like to choose two books that I love. The first one is The Stranger by Albert Camus because it’s given me so many examples of truth and of how to always be honest with people and yourself, or it will come back and bite you. For the second one, it is No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre. I never liked romantic stories in books, but after this book, I started to love this genre. It’s still my favorite romance; it’s about your own choices, brotherhood with your friends, and relationships with women. After these books, I had so many philosophical thoughts and emotions about many different things.

— If you were to choose a song that symbolizes this current phase of your life, what would it be and why?
Radiohead – Kinetic, because this is so complicated and hard to explain how it feels every time.

— Tell us about your hometown.
My hometown is located in southern Russia, and its name is Rostov-on-Don. The best things are my memories of my football team and my childhood. The worst things about this place are the number of criminal cases and the large number of people who don’t like their own lives, and are trying to make it the same for others.