Posted by models.com | November 1st, 2024

The Graduates

Douta Sidibe

For the past decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has been a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, going from the rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50 recognizable muses throughout the world. Stars like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, Selena Forrest, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part of the milestone series that uniquely marks the shift in a model’s career. With major bookings in editorials, advertisements, lookbooks, and on the runway, these models have consistently locked down luxury clients in the most competitive markets while continuing to dominate on the global stage.

To commemorate our tenth year, we flew to Paris during the madness of fashion week to shoot all the top talent with photographer Mauricio Sierra. This year’s cast connects with the Models.com team to divulge how they got their starts, the key brands and creatives that have made their careers, and taking their place in the upper echelons.

Photography Mauricio Sierra
Editor-in-Chief Stephan Moskovic
Editorial Director Irene Ojo-Felix
Interviewer Anire Ikomi
Stylist Sarah Lam
Hair Stylist Adiam Habtezion
Makeup Artist Marielle Loubet
Movement Director Ryan Chappell
Creative Consultant Christopher Michael
Production Sasha Grinblat
On Set Production Myself Production
Retouching Yuna Bone
DIT Mitko Frangov
Gaffer Quentin Chamard Bois
Stylist Assistants Agnes Solhall and Roxane Noel
Hair Assistant Fabien Renna
Makeup Assistant Rocio Roldan
Studio Location Studio Zero Paris

Menswear? Womenswear? Couture? There’s a small group of models that are mainstays through all major markets, and French-Senegalese model Douta Sidibe is one of the exceptional few. Scouted during the uncertain times of 2020’s pandemic—a difficult period for launching a career—Sidibe made his debut at the Dior Men S/S 22 show just a year later. Since then, he’s walked for the brand seven times, catapulting from Models.com’s Hot List to our Top 50 rankings. With 11 campaigns for top-tier brands like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Valentino under his belt, Sidibe has worked with photographers like Steven Meisel, Tyler Mitchell, and Gabriel Moses on pivotal projects in his portfolio.
Issey Miyake cotton poplin shirt – 20AGE ARCHIVE | Jil Sander cotton full Skirt – PYRN ARCHIVES
“Now, with more experience…I feel more confident, and I understand what’s expected.”
Issey Miyake cotton poplin shirt – 20AGE ARCHIVE | Jil Sander cotton full Skirt – PYRN ARCHIVES
Reflecting on the craft he’s learned from these collaborations, Sidibe shared, “I’m always impressed by the attention to detail these photographers and stylists have. If my expression wasn’t exactly what they wanted or the outfit had a slight fold, they’d come in, correct, and reshoot until the shot was perfect.” This past womenswear season marked a new chapter for Sidibe, who walked for Hermès, Marni, and McQueen for the first time, showcasing a growth he’s proud of. “When I started at 16, I often heard that I looked ‘too young, too cute, not mature enough’ in castings,” he recalls. “I felt like I was losing out on so many opportunities. Now, with more experience and at 19, I feel more confident, and I understand what’s expected.” Looking forward, Sidibe—a Models.com Graduate—is optimistic about what lies ahead. “I’m just happy to continue my journey as a model and to inspire people from difficult backgrounds to believe in themselves and keep pushing.”

 
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