He’s gorgeous, talented, successful, yet extremely humble and well-mannered: Meet Aladin Ayadi, the allegedly first Tunisian International Male Model, aged 29 from Jendouba, Tunisia, and currently based in Hong Kong.
We had the opportunity and the honor to ask Aladin some questions to enlighten our readers about his journey and how he became one of the most prominent fashion figures in our country. So if you’re aspiring to be a model or if you’re a fashion enthusiast in general, buckle-up! because Aladin has a few things to say.
Note: I barely edited Aladin’s answers; the beautiful expressions and the passion you’ll come across are genuinely his. I’ve had so much pleasure reading his words, that I will transfer them almost as they are.
Is it true that you are the official first international male model? If so, how do you feel about it?
I can’t claim that myself, I guess people know. What I can say is that when I started modeling back in 2012, it was not an easy beginning. Back in those days, I used to be bullied as I was aiming to become a model. Things have changed now, and honestly, today I feel great when anyone considers me as a role model – beyond fashion. I love to inspire people to follow their dreams and to fight for what they are truly passionate about.
How did you start your career? What were the hardships and what made you motivated?
I’ve always been in love with fashion, but I didn’t know much about it when I started. The hardest thing about fashion is that it’s constantly evolving; change is the norm, and this is what makes it so exciting. However, that’s what also makes it complex, you can go from being “in” today to being “out” the next day, and therefore you always have to keep up working hard to stay relevant, to evolve and to keep learning and experiencing it all. That is truly what keeps me motivated.
Can you tell us a brief summery of your whole journey so far?
Over the past 9 years, my only goal has been to be the best version of myself. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many brands, from local new rising visionaries to international powerhouses such as Adidas, Volvo, Le Coq Sportif, Enigma, and The Swank.
From Cairo’s magical energy to Mumbai’s transformative scene, Shanghai’s fashion-forward state of mind to Hong Kong’s colonial elegance, Philippines remote jungle bays to Bangkok’s never enough mindset and the energy of Bali that is so close to me. I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to see, feel and learn in every step of my career from the amazing people, the contrasts in cultures that I meet on my journey – this dream that I live in.
What do you think of Fashion in Tunisia?
I really can’t say much in this regard as I have never worked in Tunisia. I have heard there are still many challenges in modeling such as the very limited labor law endorsements.
What’s your dream brand/fashion show? Any fashion designers you specifically like/want to work with?
My dream is to work with whoever wants to work with me; from the big brands we all know to the newcomers that are just getting started – every job, every collaboration requires the same level of love ♥️ and passion.
Do you have any idols in the industry? Models or stars you look up to?
I am obsessed with Karlie Kloss’s catwalk. My idol is Fyriel Youssef, she is such an amazing person who I was lucky to meet back in Cairo some years ago, I still recall it as if it was today, Fyriel was nothing but nice to me, she’s was (is) so humble and genuinely kind. I learned a great lesson from her, no matter how famous one becomes, one should always be humble, kind, and nice to others.
Do you have anything to say for aspiring male/female models?
If you have a dream – fight for it. Use all your energy and passion and work hard, don’t ask or depend on others to help you. Set your goals, be strong, and never give up.
Do your love for fashion and your job clash with the typical definition of a relationship?
Interesting, like in any profession it’s normal to maintain a healthy balance between your private life and your career.
What do you want to tell our English speaking public?
It’s so exciting to have a new platform in Tunisia that speaks directly to an English speaking/reading audience. I wish you all great success with this new project.
And so ends our small interview with the great Aladin. We’d like to thank him for giving us some of his time and precious advice. A true inspiration indeed!
