Oluwafemi Faseun
Height: 6'3"/ 190 Chest: 37.5"/ 95 Waist 30.5"/ 78 Hips: 30.5"/ 78 Shoe: 10.5 UK / 45.5 EU
Femi is represented by PRM Agency London. To see his book click here.
I was born in Nigeria and moved to the UK when I was seven years old. I am 22 years now, and I model full time with PRM Agency. Still, also I am studying medical biochemistry at Swansea University with the hopes of going into the pharmaceutical business. I love being physically active, whether it be by gymming or running anything to keep me feeling fit helps to keep my mind in check.
When did you start modelling?
Mid-October 2018
How did you get scouted?
I was scouted outside Finsbury Park station by an agent from Supa (Thomas Morgan) when I was on my way to wireless festival in the summer of 2018. Bear in mind this was when we still thought the world cup was coming home. Alcohol wasn’t permitted into the site, and as a broke sixth-form student I wasn’t about to pay an hours wage for half a pint of watered down cider, so I had been doing some HEAVY pre-drinking. So as I staggered out the station in my England football shirt, he approached me and told me I had potential in me; I thought it was some joke. The family had said to me in the past. I had the height for it, but I didn’t believe I had it in me. I took his details anyway, and the rest is history.
Who are the models you aspire(d) to?
Broderick hunter, Alton Mason, Deon Hinton
What would be your dream modelling job?
My dream job would be to work with Cold laundry or Fear of God.
In an industry based on appearances, how do you handle negative comments and rejection?
In regards to negative comments, this is more of a reflection of the commenter as opposed to me. I’ve learnt over time that many people try to tear others down because more often than not, they aren’t comfortable in their skin or might be envious. So those comments don’t phase me since I’m aware it isn’t a reflection of what I am/what I’m not, but more a reflection of their experience and view of life.
As I have grown older and matured, I’ve become more comfortable in who I am. I realised my unique features such as large eyes and small ears, which classmates relentlessly bullied for growing up is what has gotten me this far in my career. I attended many castings when I started, and I wasn’t mentally prepared for the rejection I was continually facing. Always feeling like you’re not up to par or don’t meet the standards, but with time I learnt not to take these too personal( though this was still tough to bear at the time). One of my first castings was for boohooman, and I remember feeling so upbeat and positive about it because my skin was on its best behaviour, and I had just gotten that A1 treatment from my barber. After not hearing back from them, I genuinely felt broken and wanted to quit. The casting directors were doing their job, and I understand that now. Now two years later, I have had the fantastic opportunity to work for Burberry, Topman, Harvey Nichols, tessuti and many other fantastic brands and even walked in LFW. Even Jesus wasn’t liked by all, so who the hell am I to think everyone would like my appearance.
From your perspective, how do you think the fashion industry can improve?
Be more representative. I believe that it is better now than it used to be a few years ago, but we still have a long way to go. The industry needs to be more inclusive with its messages, styles, adverts and models. Whether that maybe by featuring models from diverse backgrounds, accommodating disabilities or making garments for all shapes and sizes. As someone of an ethnic minority myself, I still found it hard to find many models that look like me when growing up, but overtime with brands being more aware of the importance of diversity, I’m now seeing more models in all shapes and sizes. The power and influence the fashion industry has in today’s society are enormous. By taking the initiative to progress its views and broaden its representation, it really can help what feels like a broken society to become more understanding of one another and be more cohesive.
What’s your favourite project/shoot you’ve done so far?
The Burberry A/W 2020 Campaign. It was my first big job when I moved to London, so it was an overwhelming experience.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know by looking at your portfolio?
I am very friendly and open individual even though I look angry in a lot of my pictures.
What’s your favourite feature?
having hated my eyes for a large proportion of my childhood, I have now grown to appreciate it
What’s your motto in life?
Treat others, how you’d like to be treated.
You can follow Femi Faseun on Instagram @femifashh
Photos by of Dimitris Theocharis