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Urban World interview with Malicka the Model

Dominic StLuke caught up with Malicka the Model, also known as The French Barbie, a beautiful Ivorian and French model that reached Britain straight from Paris about three years ago and is already making waves in the industry.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your character your personality.

Ha-ha I really don't know what to say about myself! Wow ..erm I'm French and Ivorian, born and raised in France most of my life. Also lived in Ivory Coast and now live in the U.K. I study in the University of the Arts at London College of Fashion and started a modelling career last year, September 2008. In terms of personality, I would say I'm bubbly, funny and a talkative person LOL, ambitious, but much laid back. I take things the way they come and I strongly believe everything happens for a reason. I always try to keep my head up high at all times regardless of the situation but at the same time keep my head on my shoulder. I have lived in many places, with different people, different backgrounds and beliefs. This taught me how to integrate myself easily and to be very open-minded. I try to keep it real with myself as much as I can and that's where I get my confidence from. I also try not to judge things by the way they look and do as much as I can to try things out before making my mind up.

Tell about being one of the official black models of Oxygen

Well there is not much to say really! LOL. I joined Oxygen models two months after starting my modelling career. I felt ready enough to move up to a higher level, so I walked in and after hesitations from them and attempts to explain to me that Black models don't get as much work within their books, they decided to give me a chance. The chance was to go to a casting on the same day for Matches fashion show! The show would include designs by Dolce and Gabbana, Christian Dior and Stella McCartney. I went along and got the job straight away (which has been my most important job so far). Since then Oxygen has decided to take me on board and officialise me as one of their models!

They have opened many doors and also made me realise that modelling is far from what you just see in magazines. You realise that it's a lifestyle, a day to day basis! It's a commitment you can not take lightly. And ever since then I've been taking it very seriously and I'm also working into getting on board with bigger agencies, nationally and internationally!

I heard that an agency in Paris want to sign you.

Yes, well this should really be thanks to my aunt who is involved in Tourism and Promotions in Paris and South Africa. She managed to get me in contact with interesting people that she works with. They promote South Africa in France by staging fashion shows, plays and other events. It's a bit early to say but hopefully everything goes very well.

Who would you like to model with?

In terms of models, there is no one in particular except obviously the main heads in the industry, such as Jordan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Naomi Lenoir, Agyness Deyn, etc. In terms of designers and photographers: Nigel Barker, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and many more. It's really hard to say because there is so many individuals that are fantastic and that would make my head spin.

What makes you different from other models and what are your best assets?

Well my personality plays an important role and also the way I carry myself. I believe to be professional and most importantly a MODEL. From what I think and people tell me, my best assets would be my legs and my lips. I'm tall and my legs are a main interest with my clients. Now that I've changed my whole look in terms of hair, my face features show more and differ me from other models. I guess everyone is different but those points are what make people notice me.

You also mentioned that you have a lot of projects going on. Care to share?

Well 2009 is a new year and it's still hard to predict what could come forth… but as for now, I've got about five projects I'm working on and which the public will see by June! The “EPIC” time, LOL, I've gone for a total change of look; long to short hair and I have to say that has helped me an awful lot in terms of getting jobs. Now the next step is to be an eminent competition to the models I feel are out there at the moment, wont mention any names. By the grace of god, I shall be over the US this time next year or maybe before!
Written By Dominic StLuke