Francesco’s Sketch

29 December 2015

Hailing from Italy and wrapped up in a neat package of predictable charm, with an easy-going nature and naturally smooth-talking, Francesco at Named Models is someone who easily brings his flair for life to the table, his eyes alight with mischievous stories that we may never know.

Entering the BBG office, Francesco has an entertaining and animated air about him, as he details the ups and downs of simply being Francesco. From nuggets of advice from the elderly that you should cherish, to the unbeknown world of modelling - he is one of those people that has a humorous anecdote for each story that passes his lips.

His signature hairstyle is brought into the conversations as he delves deep into his ambition to become an actor, and his prevelant love of Tom Hardy. As we sit down with Francesco we soon learn there is much more to the workings of his mind than that infamous signature hairstyle.


You’re from Italy?
Yes, I’m from Italy, close to Venice. It's nice, quite boring. But I’ve lived in London for almost five years. I think it is ten times better than Italy. The whole culture here is better, more opportunities.

How long have you been modeling?
Less than a year. I used to play basketball professionally in the South of Italy, but then I had to stop because of an injury. I still play for fun sometimes though.

Instant Analogue by Liz Ord and Molly Baker. Special thanks to IMPOSSIBLE.

You’ve recently moved to a new agency?
Yeah, I followed my booker Kim, from my first agency to Named Models.

Tell me a little bit more about yourself.
What do you want to know? Haha. I really enjoying modeling, I was scouted in London by Kim. I used to study Business accounting back in Italy.

What have you been up to in your year of modeling?
I did a campaign, which is on Oxford Street and Bond Street, and I did a TV commercial in Canada. I had to act. It was a couple of sketches, some dancing.

Oh, are you a good dancer?
I was for that…

Haha, so when it counts, you can dance. Have you done any fashion weeks?
Yeah I walked in London for YMC, Maharishi and Oliver Spencer. I also went to Milan, and last week I signed with a Paris agency.

What do you do when you’re not working?
I like to read, to go out with my friends, but most of the time I actually am working at the moment.

Which aspect of modeling do you enjoy the most?
Commercial campaigns are good, because you can do more acting, which is something I’d like to get into. But I haven’t decided yet whether I’d want to be in films or TV. My dream role hasn’t come to me yet. I really like Tom Hardy. He’s very cool, a bit of a legend in acting.

What do your family think of your new job?
Well, I said to my grandmother that I’m doing some modeling now, and she said I should do acting instead, haha.

Your jewelry - do any of them have a story behind them?
Yes, all of them. This is my family ring; it belonged to my grandfather.

Have you done much travelling during this year?
I haven’t travelled that much really, but I had a job in New York and Canada which was cool. I went to Milan, but I’m from Italy so that wasn’t a big deal. I've obviously been around London and I went to Manchester too.

It’s interesting because in your book, your photos show that you like to adopt a sort of British ‘skinhead’ style, with your hair being cut very short. It's such a strong British look.
Yeah, it’s definitely my style; my hair is already too long. I actually had to grow it a bit, which is why it’s longer than it usually is. It would be nice to be recognized for this style.

Interview by Liz Ord and Molly Rose Baker.
Words by Sophie Mayanne.

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