When you’ve lived in Paris for most of your life, moving to New York can be grunting, even for a native New Yorker. Such was the cup of pretty boy model Luka Sabbat, when he relocated to the city where dreams are made true. There was the expected culture shock. “It was just kind of weird in the way people acted,” Luka remarks when drawing NYC and Paris side by side. “People gave hugs here—when I was kissing girls cheeks for years.”
Sabbat was only three years old when his German-British stylist mom and fashion designer Haitian dad hopped on over to Europe. Back in the USA, more than a decade later, the teen was walking down Greene Street when famed shutterbug Kevin Amato stopped him. Amato was on the brink of shooting the Hood by Air campaign and thought Sabbat was ideal. More such work followed. The modeling sensation eventually signed to the agency Re:quest.
Now barely eighteen, Luka is already being called an icon by trendsetting publications like Complex and Mass Appeal. He has worn the clothes of some of the hippest clothing brands. But mind you, he’s not planning on being a model forever. The skateboard-loving, kreyolicious lad has fashion in his platelets, and has taken a strong liking towards the industry. He doesn’t just want to wear clothes anymore. He wants to make them. He doesn’t want to just convey art; he wishes to someday to create art.
How are you doing today?
I’m good bread.
That’s great. What’s people’s reaction when they find out that you’re a model?
Girls love it. Dudes just ask me how [to become one]. So many people wanna be models. I don’t know why. It’s not for everyone. Some people have no look. But, whatever. Most people think it’s just cool.
It’s not for everyone? Why do you say that?
‘Cause being a model isn’t for everyone. Not everyone is good looking, and not everyone has a look. Period. Just because you shot for your little homies’ big cartel brand doesn’t make you a model. Stop it.
Do you think that lookism is just as big of a problem as the other isms?
Not sure what lookism is exactly, so let me not…
Lookism is being judged and being discriminated against because of your looks…and just being looked at a certain way by others….
Whatever, like lookism is sort of a problem. I can spot a lame real quick and decide if you’re lame, but like Fredo Santana said: “I can look at your swag and tell that you losing, nigga”—but some people have more to them than their clothes. But, [being] lowkey makes or breaks a person in the fashion world.
Say the word modeling to some and there’s this notion of countless parties, runway shows, and stuff like that. But what is it really like? Walk us through a day in the life of Mr. Luka Sabbat, model.
Well, there is a lot of that. I get to meet many people and designers. Fashion Week is great. I get invited to shows. Great seats, then after parties. Chain smoke throughout the night and find a girl to go home with. I’m taken now, but that’s how it was.
“Destructive”, “binge-filled”, “excessive” are some of the words that have been used to describe the modeling industry. How do you stay grounded?
The men’s industry is different from the girls. Many girls encounter sexual offers as I heard of many of them and it’s relatively corrupt, depending your position and who you’re signed to and whatnot, but the men’s is simple.
When was the last time you went to Haiti?
I haven’t been to Haiti yet, but going this summer—or soon—to visit some family.
Do you think that male models have it better than female models in terms of self-image?
Males definitely have a different image control. The media is sexist in a way. A woman’s image easily can be changed and is more sensitive. But, as a man, to a lot of girls I’m candy. Many girls I’ve been with were solely with me because I was a model and s__ like that.
Wow. How long did it take you to figure out that certain girls were trying to be with you because you’re a model?
I mean, when just last year, some girls just told me, without my money or so-called “cyber fame”—I’m just a regular-ass boy. For some reason, girls are just attracted to men that have a name for themselves…or a “cool” title.
Have you since then developed a test to determine whether someone is trying to be with you out of love, or out of interest, or whether they want you to be the candy on their arm?
No tests though—just vibes. I can definitely tell. I love talking to girls who have no idea who I am nor what I do.
What makes a girl attractive?
[A] genuinely fun girl. knows when to act, knows when to step up for herself, loyal, not f__ing annoying. I mean just a bit annoying. I mean…just enough annoying. It’s only human…
[ Photo: Via Instagram; Street photo YoungJun Koo; Supreme photo via @livedopeness ]
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