Cape, dress, shoes, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture. Photo: Desiree Mattsson
While models of a previous generation were scouted on the streets of big cities or in shopping malls, Aouatif Saadi’s story is one for the modern era. At age 23, photographers contacted her on Instagram to collaborate. At the time, the young Moroccan, who had spent her formative years in Spain, had been encouraged to model, but had maintained that she was focused on completing her studies. Then the pandemic hit.
Saadi began reaching out to modeling agencies, but the key that unlocked the beginning of her career came from Ingrid Tamborin, a model scout and “mother agent” who specializes in finding African talent, including South Sudanese model Shanelle Nyasiase. “[Tamborin] signed me and organized an appointment with my current agency in Paris,” Saadi recalls. “It went well, and I signed my contract the next day after the meeting. From there, I started my career.”
On her first day on the job, the French department store Galeries Lafayette booked Saadi for a campaign shot by David Luraschi in May 2020. In just three years, she has appeared in editorials for Vogue Russia and Vogue Arabia, campaigns for Sézane, Marni, and Gucci x Adidas. Among her crowning achievements is the Saint Laurent x CR Fashion Book editorial she appeared in, shot in Morocco. “It was the first time I had the opportunity to work on a shoot in my home country and the experience was truly unforgettable.”
Still early into her own career, Saadi looks to a more established – if a more familiar face – for inspiration. “Imaan Hammam is an amazing representation for young Arab models,” Saadi said. “She has achieved a lot in this industry, which makes me very proud. I also admire her strength and how down-to-earth she is. Unfortunately, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t let fame change them.” The 25-year-old is only just beginning. “Every step, lesson, and achievement is…
