On becoming a model:
I come from 10 kids, so I wanted to do something unique from my other siblings. I love being artistic and creative so I gravitated towards being an entertainer.
Since I was 6 I would dance all the time. I have a scar because I was doing a spin while dancing to a Michael Jackson song and I fell on my forehead.
There was some resistance from my family at first because they wanted me to go to school, get a proper education and do something more practical. I kept on coming to NYC and it took me about 5 years to sign with an agency. One day I got a casting call for a Lady Gaga campaign and if I got it it would be the first big job for me. I ended up stealing my mom’s car (I got the biggest slap when I got home) but luckily I got the job and from there I got signed.
His breakthrough:
When I booked my first job. My mom told me at first not to do it, but it ignited a light in me to push further and when I came back and I gave her my first check, she smiled and said, “god bless you, keep doing what you are doing”. That was the most grateful thing I’ve ever experienced. My mother, she’s the most angelic, pure person. She left home when I was 6 to work and sent us money, and because of her I do everything.
On being a black man in fashion and in America:
I didn’t know what color was when I was younger but I think it’s quite the same to be a black man in America and in the fashion industry.
Our industry is still working towards accepting cultural differences. In fashion they’re starting to realize that money doesn’t have a color. Everyone from all cultures will purchase things.
Legacy:
I want to inspire kids to believe in something. It’s a waste of life if you don’t have anything to believe in. Believe in something that makes your skin crawl [with excitement] at night.
Ferragamo F/W 2025.26 : Awar Odhiang, Mariacarla Boscono & Tim Schuhmacher (11 Viewers)