Tagwalk è disponibile anche su Google Play e App Store.

Ottawa Kwami

Ottawa Kwami illustrazione 1
Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2021
Ottawa Kwami illustrazione 2
Berluti Fall/Winter 2019
07/09/2020 - Margaux Warin

Ottawa Kwami is definitely one of the breakout male models of the past two years. After being spotted in Ghana, his native land, he began his career being semi-exclusive for Virgil Abloh's first show as creative director for Louis Vuitton. Caught for Jil Sander's Spring/Summer 2019 menswear lookbook, Ottawa closed Luke and Lucie Meier's first-ever Jil Sander's menswear show the following season. For Fall/Winter 2020, Ottawa walked several shows including Salvatore Ferrgamo, Rick Owens, Fendi, OAMC, amongst many other brands. Most recently, he was photographed twice by Tim Walker for the LOVE Magazine August cover and Louis Vuitton's latest menswear FW20 campaign. Renowned for his positive energy and dance moves, Ottawa took the time to answer our questions about his career and current inspirations. 


HOW WERE YOU DISCOVERED? 
I was discovered by an unknown photographer on Instagram who pitched me to the mother agency I have now.
 
 
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF BEING A MODEL?
Being able to travel the world and work with amazing creatives. Also to still be able to have fun and be your true self, that’s so magical to me.  
 
 
HOW DID YOU FEEL BEFORE AND AFTER WALKING YOUR FIRST FASHION SHOW? 
I was so nervous in the morning when I arrived at the show and even so nervous when I hit the runway. But I felt something move in me, I felt this new energy which I never felt before the drive moving me today.
 
 
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE LOOK FROM ALL THE SHOWS YOU’VE WALKED? 
My favourite would have to be my Berluti AW19 look. It brought out my whole persona. I felt so powerful and confident that day.
 
 
IF YOU WEREN'T A MODEL, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? 
I would be doing my last year at University, studying Computer programming.
 
 
YOUR BEST FASHION MEMORY SO FAR? 
My first show ever - the first Louis Vuitton show by Virgil Abloh SS19. It felt like heaven to see most of the world’s most inspiring and amazing people, and even getting to talk to them. Wow, it was a dream come true for me.
 
 
HOW DID YOUR JOB CHANGE WITH THE PANDEMIC? 
A lot changed seeing all the shows and all the fun we had just switched to virtual in a second. It was quite heartbreaking but to be honest, this time helped me to relax and learn more about myself and my career and all the new ways I can work and still get the best results.
 
 
OUTSIDE OF FASHION, WHAT ARE YOUR INSPIRATIONS AND HOBBIES? 
I love to dance and create. I get lots of inspiration from learning more about African culture. There is soo much out there the world doesn't know about.
 
 
WHERE’S THE LAST PLACE YOU TRAVELLED TO THAT INSPIRED YOU? 
Rome. The buildings, the culture and the people. I love it there. Getting to go to the Vatican and Colosseum was a big thing for me.
 
 
WHAT’S IN YOUR PLAYLIST?
My playlist right now is: Frank Ocean fav of all time, Brent Fayaiz, just got so into Gunna, Fela Kuti, afro-beats and more afro-beats haha.
 
 
IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY ERA, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? 
To be honest, I would prefer 2020 - corona excluded. 2020 has been an eye-opener and taught me a lot about life, the community and the whole world. And not just me, but almost everyone in the world has, in one way or the other, learnt something from 2020.
 
 
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION? 
I am seeing a lot of changes right now and I’m very excited about that. However, I would love to see more diversity and inclusion of all kinds of people. I know it’s a lot of people but I feel everyone deserves the opportunity to show the world the light they have got inside them. Everyone should be given the chance!
 

SHARE