A man from Hackney has modelled for Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week.
Abolaji Oshun, from Clapton, was scouted in 2015 when he was just 15. Now 18, he has signed to Anti Agency, a London-based model agency. He has modelled for ASOS, Burberry and has also been involved in Milan fashion week.
Oshun commented on his experience walking the catwalk: “I was shaking at first, it was scary! But all the fear leaves you and then it gets fun as you settle into your walk.
“I was scouted in Westfield, Stratford by a man called Patrick Marshall. I am really enjoying modelling. My agency treat me so well, I am still based in Hackney but I’ve travelled to Paris and Milan.”
The 18-year-old is currently studying for his A levels and is aiming to complete his exams and then take a gap year.
“My friends and family are really supportive thankfully. My parents only hate me missing school. I don’t think they’d be happy with me taking a gap year either. I don’t think they fully understand where being creative can take you in this day and age.”
The student has a lot of plans for the future. Oshun said: “I’d love to be a full-time model. It could also be a platform for other things such as presenting on TV and radio.
“In 10 years’ time I’d like to have my own platform of expression. I’d want my creative passions to be flourishing – I really want to get into mixing and DJing.”
He identifies himself as a writer and has his own blog that he regularly updates. “Writing is something that I am passionate about. I like expressing my ideas in my own way and writing allows me to do that.”
Balenciaga is a fashion house founded in Spain. Supermodels including Cara Delevigne, Kate Moss and Lara Stone have walked for the brand previously. Pictures of Oshun from Paris fashion week have been featured in Vogue magazine.
