Ritz View Prelude Edition | Page 13

pg.12 13 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