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Model Of Diversity Model Of DiversityModel Of DiversityModel Of DiversityModel Of Diversity
Reyhan Hakki (interviewed by Matt Ivey)

MoD's Ambassador for Male Models

MI Tell us about yourself, what's your ethnic background and how you got into modelling?

RH I'm British/Turkish Cypriot. I started modelling in 2006. In 2006/2007 I had an opportunity to study in California for 9 months through an exchange scheme with my university. Thus I took this opportunity and within the first week of my visit I was contacted via MySpace by a Vietnamese designer by the name of Cory Couture. He asked me to feature in his fashion calendar as a groom to a bride of who was crowned Miss Asia in 2006. The decision to embark on a modelling career was not a conscious one, it just happened. Fell into a few projects and from then found I enjoyed it, thus pursued it.

MI What been the most exciting shoot/company that you have worked for?
RH My most exiting modelling experience would have to be a Run Way show by Macy's (Biggest Department store in the USA) of which I participated. It was hosted in San Francisco and had a generous crowd. I also got to make many useful contacts and worked with a choreographer of who had even worked with the legend that is Michael Jackson. The feeling before entering the runway was of pure excitement and that experienced whilst on it was like no other.

MI As a model of colour, do you feel that you find it harder to get castings or to get jobs? And if so why do you think this is?

RH The works I have completed have not resulted from castings, I have been lucky enough to get a feature in a magazine amongst other achievements via the execution of contacts and other networks. Thus castings are something I am yet to experience. I hear they are cut throat and no prisoners are taken, they either like you or they don't. The modelling industry is not for the faint hearted.

MI How do you feel about the lack of models of colour in the industry?

RH I feel modelling is an expression of art and fashion. Thus it is a shame to think that there is a lack of diversity within the industry. It makes sense to include all colours and ethnicities in such fashion shows and advertisements. As fashion and clothing is not created solely for a particular ethnicity or colour it is created with all in mind. If this is not the case perhaps clothing companies are creating a niche and are limiting their growth and fan base.

MI Would you say the industry tends to favour a particular ethnic type over another, for certain work? i.e: runway/ editorial?

RH After scanning the modelling world it appears that models of ethnic origins or colour may be at a slight disadvantage as it appears that the tall, white, coat hanger like model, is evidently preferred within the fashion industry. Whether this is a misconception of mine or not it is what I see on most of the clothing runways and billboards. Although I strongly believe that the models involved in editorial and fitness modelling are far more diverse, maybe even more ethnic dominated. This in my opinion has allot to do with genetic make-up e.g. African American models often of darker decent tend to have very lean physiques, with muscle definition usually far more visible. So my answer is Yes but No.

MI If you could change anything about the industry, what would that be?

RH The application process for many agencies can often be ongoing. I understand that it is essential for the agencies to be sure that the applicant in question is suitable but it can seem to be a prolonged process which involves allot of time and communication. This is not practical for part-time models as they are often unable to complete applications and interviews on specified dates and furthermore attend castings. Many opportunities are consequentially lost. This being said, those who are serious about the industry will make time.

MI What do you think of the campaign 'Models of diversity'?

RH I am inspired by the MOD movement. I think it is an amazing campaign which brings a lot of diversity and fun to an often robotic industry. Supporting all colours, sizes and ability levels does not conform to industry norms, this would be perceived by many in conflicting ways, but in my opinion it is purely inspirational and bring happiness and change of which is much needed.

MI Do you have anything exciting in the pipeline?

RH I am very excited to reveal that I plan to venture back to the USA in March 2011 to pursue more modelling works and hopefully break through into the elite agencies in order to move onto bigger and better things. I live by the phrase 'Go hard or Go home' so I plan to implement this quote to its fullest.