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24 year old french model Tarik Lakehal started modeling 2 years ago
when Olivier Bertrand, the founder of Success Models, discovered him
in Le Queen Club in Paris while celebrating his 3 years in business
school. Tarik’s sunny disposition and positive charisma plays a significant role in his success. All that ‘and lots of patience’ he says.
rv: Where are you from?
t: I’m French. I was born and raised in Paris and I’ve got Algerian origins.
rv: Favorite modeling job so far?
t: For a big cosmetic product with one of the top female models.
rv: Hobbies?
t: Sports! Karate is my passion and I use to be an international champion before I started modeling. I did it for 13
years and had the chance to represent the French national team for 7 years. I was ranked 3rd best fighter in the
world. It’s my passion. I still train, but I stopped high level competitions.
rv: Favorites spot to hang out, unwind from modeling?
t: Love to have parties at my appartement with my friends, it’s the best! In Paris I love the Queen Club. It’s my
favorite!
rv: Career highlights so far?
t: Versace of course! First client who booked me and my first show ever. After 2 weeks of modeling my booker send
my polaroids to V
ersace and they wanted to see me so I flew to Milano and they booked me for the FW show. I
also opened and closed the show.
rv: Favorite designers?
t: Jean Paul Gaulthier, he is one of my fav designers and I’m super proud, because he booked me for 2 haute couture shows. In one of them I was the only guy and I got the chance to close the show with Amanda Lear, which
was super exciting and a great experience for me. I also love V
ersace, JPG, Armani..
rv: How do you define style?
t: My definition of style is the combination of distinctive features, artistic expression and execution or a performance characterizing a particular person. So it’s a way to dress or to act.
rv: What’s the best thing about being you?
t: Best thing about being me is my energy, happiness, and I am a big people lover. I just do what makes me happy.
rv: Favorite swear word?
t: Swear word: Putainnnnnn I can keep that in French haha
rv: Song you hit the replay button for?
t: At the moment: Pharrell Williams - “Happy” .
rv: How do you stay in shape?
t: I work out, train karate and I try to eat healthy most of the time.
rv: Any advice for people who want to be in the industry?
t: Be yourself, personality is the most important! Patience is a big quality to have or to develop. In this industry
you really learn how to wait. Success Models is family for me. My bookers and the team there are amazing. I
love them all! It’s a 27 year old agency with such a great energy