interview

Name:
Benjamin Lessore

Agency:
Supa Model Management (London)

Age:
19

Height:
6’2″

Instagram:
@benjaminlessore

Place of Origin:
London, England

Ethnic Origin:
My Mum’s from Madagascar and my Dad’s half French half English

Birthsign:
I’m a Leo I think.

How discovered:
I was walking through Peckham when Charlie stopped me and handed me the Supa pamphlet that folds out like an old newspaper. I wasn’t really sure about it but I took a chance and went to the office the next day. Next thing you know I’m in Berlin doing a show.

What was your first modeling job?
So, the weekend I got scouted I received a phone call from Charlie telling me I’m going to Berlin to do a Topman show. I hadn’t done any test shoots or editorials at that point but as they say, “in at the deep end.” If you look at the footage of the show my walk was a little less refined than it is now. But as nervous as I was I knew this was where I was supposed to be.

Favorite things:
Well, I used to play a lot of sports and cycle. But winter in the UK isn’t really the environment where you can do that. I play music. I couldn’t live without the internet. I know it’s bad but I would be bloody useless without it. I’d also be immensely bored and about 90% more productive.

What are you listening to at the moment?
This is a weird one. My playlist looks so random. I’ve got the Moulin Rouge soundtrack next to MF Doom. I love hip hop but I also love those cheesy classics. I don’t have anyone I listen to a lot cause I choose my music based on what I’m feeling. And most of the time I don’t really know what I’m feeling. My taste reflects that.

Favorite movie, tv show:
I watch way too many movies and series to have a fave but if I had to pick I’d say Pulp Fiction.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
Up until recently, I didn’t know much about fashion. So I don’t have a favourite. Ask me in a few months and I might have a solid answer.

What were you doing before modeling?
I was doing a bunch of different stuff. Nothing worth mentioning though.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
I don’t consider anything uncool. Just not popular. I think being myself is considered uncool. Not enough people are themselves anymore. There’s always a front or something to hide behind.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
Alexander McQueen show. Without a doubt. An English boy walking for an English designer. It means a lot to me and I’m grateful to that entire team. Also, cause they put me on the map. They use brown boys and it’s nice to see that there are people in the industry pushing for a different kind of look.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
The mix of people in London is crazy. So many different people from all over the world. The foreigner is the commoner and I love it.

Place you would love to visit:
want to go to Madagascar. It’s my mother’s home and I’ve never been. I wanna see where I came from. Where my face comes from. Where my food comes from. I want to understand where I’m from.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
I’ve been thinking about religion and different cultures lately. I just want to know everything. I want to know the similarities and differences between people and what we can be done to bring the opposing cultures and people together. I think people want to blur the lines of culture to get rid of conflict. I think it’s lazy. Try to understand a culture. Understand why it’s different and appreciate the beauty of being unique.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve received is “BE YOU!” it’s something we get told all the time but it’s always stuck with me.