interview
Name:
Ryan Zaman
Agency:
TESS Management (London), d’management group (Milan), nest model management (Berlin)
Age:
25
Height:
5’7
Place of Origin:
Manchester, England
Ethnic Origin:
3/4 British,1/4 Kashmiri
Birthsign:
Sagittarius
Instagram:
@ryan_zaman
How discovered:
My boyfriend Conor Clinch is a fashion photographer and director – he started taking pictures of me during the first lockdown early last year while I was remote-working. He had begun working with Isabella and Harriet at LOVE magazine, pitching ideas for fashion films and asked me if I would maybe want to pitch something where I spoke about my experience with having a disability (Cerebral Palsy). I wasn’t sure at first, as I didn’t really speak about that kind of stuff to people I know, never mind posting something online! Eventually, though, I agreed that it was a good idea and we made a film whilst in Puglia, Italy. I got to drive a Maserati for four days which I was really excited about. Making that film was very difficult for me, but it was what changed everything – it will always be one of the projects that I will be most proud of. After that video came out, I got signed.
Best modeling experience so far?
It has to be shooting for Issue Zero of Perfect with Katie Grand and Rafael Pavarotti. One Sunday morning I was woken up by a phone call at about 11:30, saying that I needed to be on set for 1pm! I got dressed and had a few glasses of water and I texted my agent in the car on the way there, still kind of confused about what was happening because I had no information. I arrived, met Amelia, and then Katie said hi to everyone, realising the scale of the production. It was my first time being on set with a lot of other models, and I felt a little overwhelmed at first, holding onto my water bottle for dear life. The next thing I know I’ve got lipstick on (never worn lipstick before, so that was mad in itself) and Katie’s taken her shoes off and I’m wearing them (what!?). I go behind the curtain to shoot – Rafael puts the music up really loud, and kind of uses hand signals to direct who he’s shooting, which was all new to me. Then, a few days after I was out having dinner for my birthday and I got a text from Katie while I was at the table, asking me if I could come back to shoot again. I was still working a 9-5 at the time, and I said I could, as long as it was after I was done with work. I think it was a few days after that I was shooting again in the evening. I got into the studio and was sat in hair and make-up beside Kate Moss and Gwendoline Christie. Then to make it all even weirder, Katie decided to use a picture of me as one of the covers – which was a total surprise. I’m really grateful to know the team at Perfect and for the platform they gave me to talk about things that are important to me, and I’m so happy to see them when we work together on projects or cross paths randomly.
Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Thinking on the bright side after a tough few years. Working on my writing skills. I’m also obsessed with the Gucci Jackie bag (has to be a black one) and anything Maison Margiela.
What is something you’ve always wanted to do/try?
Race a car round the track at Silverstone. I actually met a mindset coach who works with all kinds of racing drivers and athletes to get them to think like a winner – she told me that she’s going to get me behind the wheel. Watch this space! I would love to do a fashion story at a racetrack, too.
How do you want to make an impact in the world?
I have a disability (Cerebral Palsy). One of the most important things to me is to use my position as a model to advocate for the disabled community — spreading awareness and starting conversations in places where people with disabilities may not have been involved/considered before. I also believe that it is important for everyone to be able to see someone that they can relate to a little bit in what they watch/where they shop, so if I could be that for one person – to show them that they aren’t alone and can achieve too – that would be amazing. I started a podcast (@therightfootforward) where I talk to other people with disabilities in the creative industries about their journeys and what advice they would give to others. Recently, I have also begun to offer consultancy services to brands, organisations and creatives through @alloyworldwide. I will be drawing on my experience as a former U.K. government employee, where I worked to improve accessibility and inclusion across all aspects of an organisation to improve the working environment/experience for all – not just those with disabilities.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Treat others as you would like to be treated.