Now Casting: Abdulaye Niang

START
body

Twenty-one-year-old male model Abdulaye Niang is generating buzz across the runways of fashion month this season. The New York native has scored shows for brands like Off-White, Rick Owens, Alyx and more recently, is the face of Victoria Beckham’s collaboration with Reebok. With new projects on the horizon, including Niang’s own unisex line, the DNA model is becoming one of the more recognizable faces in the industry. Niang recently stopped by CR to talk about his love for the avant-garde and black and white films.

As a native New Yorker, do see the city in a new light as you’re paving your own way?
“Being from Staten Island, it’s always been essential to get off the island and go to the city, because there’s always more opportunity rather than the suburban lifestyle. I definitely like living in Manhattan more.”

How did you get into modeling?
“My mom and I always used to talk about it when I was younger. As I got older, I started to grow into my features and I was like ‘Alright, let me go chase that.’ Initially, I walked into Red Model Management, they took me in, and boom. It was reassuring at the moment. I felt like I could do this and really go somewhere with it.”

Do you have a favorite designer or style? Why?
“My favorite brand is Undercover still by Jun Takahashi. To this day, designers still pull inspiration from Japan and they flipped the Vivienne Westwood vibe. It’s really avant-garde. My go-to is Japanese style, but I like to dress based on my mood. I feel like every time I leave the crib in a new fit, I’m a different character. Same thing on the runway, every look is a different aura.”

Do you have a favorite show you’ve walked in?
“The first time I did Louis Vuitton for the Supreme collaboration. It was surreal being somewhere where you’re in your room like ‘Can I really do this modeling thing?’ And then getting the opportunity to walk for a staple brand like Louis Vuitton.”

Do you have any exciting new plans you can share with us?
“My friend and I are launching our own unisex brand this year called Kill Complacency. It’s kind of like never being in one spot, never being content with where you are, because there’s always more out there for you. I want to express that within the clothes.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“Hopefully in a happy place. I want to be able to do everything. I want to be one of those people who wakes up and they’re like ‘I wanna shoot this film. Let’s get it done.’I want to put out everything I can.”

END

prev link: https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/a26734530/now-casting-abdulaye-niang/
createdAt:Wed, 06 Mar 2019 19:49:56 +0000
displayType:Standard Article
section:Fashion