interview

Name:
Horry Kazonkiza

Agency:
Rock Men (Paris)
HEROES Model Management (New York)

Age:
18

Height:
188cm (6’2″)

Instagram:
@horry_kazonkiza

Place of Origin:
Namur in Belgium

Ethnic Origin:
Burundian with Rwandese descent.

Birthsign:
Aries

How discovered:
I’ve always been interested in the world of fashion and modeling. I visited the agencies in Paris and Rock Men decided to sign with me.

What was your first modeling job?
My very first job as a model was back in January at the «Off-White» show at fashion week. It was my first real modeling experience and I was so nervous that day! I was not used to all the press, photographers, I literally didn’t know what to do but it was an amazing and memorable experience!

Favorite things:
I love hanging out with my friends on Friday after a long and stressful week at school. In Belgium there are so many cool bars and spots to just chill-out and have a good time.

What are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’m obsessed with SZA. She’s an American singer and she just released an album and I instantly fell in love. But otherwise, I usually listen to RnB or Rap, for example I really like a Belgian rapper called Damso. His last album was amazing and really worth listening to.

Favorite movie, tv show:
I am definitely a Harry Potter fan. I have watched the movies countless times and I still watch them over and over to this day. As for tv shows, for the moment I’m really into Orange is The New Black, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Stranger Things.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
My favorite designer is Kim Jones from Louis Vuitton, I find his work so modern and different. And for my favorite perfume, it’s most definitely «La nuit de l’homme» by YSL.

What were you doing before modeling?
Well, I am still in school and I study Art and History as my core classes. As for my job, I was flipping burgers in a fast food place.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
If I wasn’t modeling, I’d probably take some time off after school to travel and learn as many languages as possible. I’d love to speak Mandarin, Spanish or even Portuguese. Traveling is also what I intend to do after my career. I’d also maybe get into event planning for big soirées, night clubs, fashion events… We’ll see where life takes me.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Honestly, I’m not a party, nightlife kind of person. Don’t get me wrong, I do have fun once a while but I’m more of an old soul. I’d rather stay at home chilling out on a Saturday night and enjoy an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit over a night out in the club anytime.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
My favorite experience so far was hands down walking for Burberry at LFW back in February. After the show all the models were chilling backstage sharing a drink and that’s when the most mind-blowing thing happened to me. Imagine, I was talking with my friends and Naomi Campbell approached me and told me that I did amazing during the show. It’s such an overwhelming and flattering moment when a legend like herself acknowledges your talent. Truly unbelievable.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
My hometown is really small and peaceful, however if I want to go into the city center it’s 15 minutes away so that’s ideal when you want to hang out with your friends. I love the balance between peace and the loud city.

Which brand would you really love to model for?
My dream would be to work with Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci because they are by far the best brands in fashion for me.

Place you would love to visit:
Zanzibar has always been a dream destination for me. The white sand and turquoise water are just breathtaking in pictures so I can only imagine the scenery in real life. Africa is filled with so many incredible places and Zanzibar is one of them.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
I’m a complete muffin freak! I could eat 10 of them a day, not kidding!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A quote that I apply to my everyday life is « Great things happen to those who can wait ».