Model Spotlight: Georgette Badiel

Fashion Reverie seeks to give its readers an accurate perspective on a model’s life. It may be glamorous, but the fame and accolades are the result of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Still, those glorious creatures who give character, movement and shape to a designer’s vision continue to excite, enthrall and inspire.

Fashion Reverie: How did you get your start as a model?

Georgette Badiel: I start modeling when i was 15 years old. I started in Ivory Coast with the local designers.

FR: Is this something you always wanted to do?

Georgette Badiel: No, I was dreaming to become someone who had a big responsibility in an office like a banker, doctor … not a model.

FR: Does modeling live up to your expectations?

Georgette Badiel:  I have had some great modeling experiences, but I’m always looking to expand and grow.  I am continually looking to work with more designers, brands, photographers and magazine that I haven’t work with yet.

FR: How long have you worked with Zang Toi and what is it like working for him?

Georgette Badiel: I have been working with Zang Toi for five seasons.  I have had such a great experience working with him that I always want to be a part of his collections every season. I always have so much fun working with Zang. He’s funny, specific, and always calm! Zang always make me look divine and special. I love him!

FR: What sets Zang Toi a part from other designers?

Georgette Badiel: Zang Toi is very special to me. He gives a lot of interest and attention to the people who are a part of his team and his models. When I go to his showroom, everyone is always in a good mood and that’s a reflection of his personality. He’s a good person inside and out. I also love his involvement in different charities.

FR: What is your favorite city?

Georgette Badiel: My favorite city is New York City.

FR: What is your funniest modeling experience?

Georgette Badiel: When i first come to New York, I didn’t speak English well. I went on a big casting for Russian Vogue. There were about more 10 girls lined up at the casting and I was the last in line. The photographer asked us if we knew how to roller skate, every girl said yes, and I followed along and said yes, as well! The same day, my agent called me and informed me I had booked the job.

When I got on the set, I had to model in roller skates. I was horrified and asked for high heels instead. Of course, I had to use the skates. It was a frustrating shoot, but I got through it. Looking back it was funny!!!

FR: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Georgette Badiel: This season, I fell in love with the collections of Zang Toi, Chado Ralph Rucci, Imane Ayissi, Ozwald Boateng, Laquan Smith and Jewel by Lisa.

FR: What designer or brand would you like to work for that you haven’t worked for already?

Georgette Badiel: I would like to work for many designers from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, the House of Christian Dior, Hermes, to Jean Paul Gaultier …  The list goes on and on.

FR: What do like more, runway or modeling for editorials and campaigns, and why?

Georgette Badiel: I love runway, but I would like to get more campaigns!

FR: What do you plan to do after modeling?

Georgette Badiel: I have already started to work on my career post-modeling. I love lingerie and Africa, so, I have combined those two loves in my lingerie brand, Georgie’s Garden.

FR: If you could something else other than modeling, what would you do?

Georgette Badiel: I have my brand Georgie’s Garden … I created my foundation Models 4 Water to provide access to clean water to the people of my country Burkina Faso and the world… I believe I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing right now. Maybe inn my next life I will be a doctor.

FR: What’s next for you?

Georgette Badiel: I believe good things are coming! There is something about modeling that people should now; you never know what you are doing the next day. Anything can happen!

My friend, co-founder Heide Lindgren , through our charity, Models 4 Water www.models4water.org want to give clean water to people who don’t have access to clean water. Something as basic as clean water can be a huge challenge for impoverished people. As a child, I had to walk a long distance to get clean water. It’s very difficult to see young girls who don’t have hope in their lives.  Through Modes 4 Water, I am trying to give hope!!

Georgette Badiel is currently with London’s FM Model Agency.

—Staff