Hanne Gaby Odiele

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN BRYLLE. MODEL: HANNE GABY ODIELE/WOMEN MANAGEMENT. CASTING: DAVID CHEN. SPECIAL THANKS: FAST ASHLEYS.  

“I can find inspiration in pretty much anything or anyone,” says Hanne Gaby Odiele. “Especially if it’s something that was never meant to inspire; a mistake perhaps.” It’s been 10 years since the Belgian-raised, New York-based model made her runway debut at Marc by Marc Jacobs, and today Odiele is among the most iconic models of her generation. Odiele has worked with plenty of famous photographers, and fronted campaigns for iconic brands like Alexander Wang (she is solidly in the Wang Gang), Balenciaga, Moncler, and Jil Sander, but Odiele’s off-beat off-the-runway style and demeanor are the things that have truly made her an industry staple.

THE PERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST:
People that are able to look past their own self-interest and help build society in a more positive way.

QUESTIONS I CAN’T ANSWER: 
Oh there are a few of those! You’d have to ask first though.

MY GREATEST ADVENTURE:
Traveling!

EVENTS I WISH I’D WITNESSED: 
Woodstock. 

THINGS I’D LIKE TO IMPROVE ABOUT MYSELF: 
Organization—I’m pretty messy if left to my own devices…

GAMES I PLAY:
I love Uno and Jenga, but also some beer pong and bowling too!

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT:
I’m pretty sure my great masterpiece is still being built—the best is yet to come.  

MY GREATEST VICE: 
That’s between me, myself, and I.

THINGS I’LL BE REMEMBERED BY:
Let’s see, life is far from over just yet.

SOME THINGS I’D RATHER FORGET:
There’s way too many of those to just list here. Suffice to say, there are a few.

MY IDEA OF HAPPINESS: 
Being in nature, surrounded by the people that I love. Either that or a Sunday in bed with my husband.

ONE LAST FAVOR I’D LIKE TO ASK:
Any chance of some nachos, please?

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