Shot by Flavia Daniele – Fashion Editor Alessandro Ferrari – Model Tahir Ndiaye at Independent Model Management – Grooming Martina Russo – Stylist Assistant Olga Burak – Interview by Barbara Maestri // Coat ACT N1
What was your very first job as a model? What were your feelings towards it?
My first job as a model is really recent, as I started working in fashion about three months ago. It was for a Turkish brand during fashion week. The part that thrilled me the most was the casting, because I was asked to dance. The performance was a test in order to choose the right model, as the concept of the designer’s collection was based on music and, of course, dance.
Do you like your name? Is it linked to a particular person before you or does it have another origin?
Actually my full name is Mohammed Tahir Diair, but I prefer being called Tahir, because the other two names are too common and don’t inspire me. In Arabic, if I’m not mistaken, it means ‘someone pure’.
A smell that reminds you of home.
In reality, I’m very detached from my home country, because since I was a child I’ve always moved from a place to another: first Senegal, then France and, finally, here in Italy for over 21 years now. Therefore, I’m not really tied to the countries where I settled. Perhaps it’s not the smell, but the music that makes me think about the places I’ve been to.
What’s your dream for the future?
Good question! My dream is to work in the textile industry, that’s also what I’m studying now. For this reason, when I had the opportunity to become a model I was really happy, because I could connect both skills. My greatest dream is to create a style that’s reminiscent of Senegalese culture and Italian style, which I like a lot, building a brand that rocks!
If you had to decide, would you choose to change your past or control your future?
If I could decide I wouldn’t change the past, but neither control the future, as I like to live day by day. If I could control the future, there’d be no fun in being surprised by life. Anyhow, if I really had to choose between those two options, I’d rather change the future.
Top Loewe – Trousers Lanvin – Shoes Maison Margiela // Total Look Prada
Is there a movie, or a book, that marked your life in some way?
From an early age, I watched anime. They’ve greatly influenced my childhood and the man I am now. From a certain point of view, they’ve made my imagination grow and I think it’s been a positive influence. If I had to say which of the many anime is the one that’s shaped me the most, I’d say ‘Naruto’.
Right now, what point in your career do you think you’ve reached?
I’ve just started, so we’ll see what beauty the future has in store for me. Right now I’m satisfied and happy with my agency, and I’d like to work more.
Do you have a secret diary where you put down your thoughts?
I don’t have a secret diary, but I put down my thoughts in a folder on my PC.
Who’s the first person you call when you get good or bad news?
Usually, I’ll keep the bad news to myself, while I’ll share the good news with my friends.
Would you ever go bungee jumping?
Yes, why not? It’s really exciting!
Coat ACT N1 // Sweater Marco Rambaldi – Shirt COMEFORBREAKFAST – Trousers and Socks Maison Margiela – Shoes JW Anderson
Do you like gardening? Are you any good at it?
When I was younger, in Senegal, I used to garden a lot and highly enjoyed it. However, here in Italy, I don’t have the opportunity to keep pursuing it and I’ve lost some of my ability.
Are you superstitious? Do you have any rituals before a fashion show?
Before a show, what I always do is listen to a lot of music that gives me the right energy, like American trap. That being said, I don’t do any weird things before shows.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I don’t have any guilty pleasures. Surely, what I like the most is to follow new trends and experiment with them.
Are you a messy or super organized guy?
As a child I was super organised, almost maniacal. Then, as I grew up, I began to neglect this behaviour. Right now, it depends on my state of mind: if I’ve got a lot of things to do, I organise myself well. On the contrary, if I have free time I’m a little more relaxed and disorganised.
Tell me the happiest memory from your childhood.
I’d say the first time I saw my mum. Until I was ten years old, I grew up alone.
If you found Aladdin’s lamp, what would you ask for?
I’d ask them to grant me three more wishes, so I could ask for more!
Jacket Versace – Shirt COMEFORBREAKFAST // Coat ACNE STUDIOS – Trousers Vitelli – Shoes Kenzo