The new faces of IMG get wiggy with it

Hairstylist Sadek L. knows a thing or two about a lace front wig, having worked closely with a number of drag artists and performers over the years. Joining forces with visionary Camille Mompach, the two Paris-based creatives shot five models from worldwide modelling agency, IMG – among them: Mica Tosi and Lissandra, who were both featured on Models.com Top Newcomers SS20. Elsewhere, Bingbing Liu, Janet Jumbo, and Agi Akur also feature. 

Creating dynamic, structural shapes, Sadek’s wigs defy gravity. Taking on new heights, his otherworldly creations transport spectators through space and time – think Futurama meets The Hunger Games. Set against a minimal white backdrop and reflected onto a mirrored surface below, the hair and make-up are harmoniously juxtaposed in centralising the observers gaze to Sadek’s wiggery.

Here, we quizzed the five girls on everything from genetic mutations to colonising Mars.

AGI AKUR

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you live?

Agi Akur: My name is Agi, I am a 23-year-old Australian-born model of Sudanese descent. 

When do you feel most beautiful? 

Agi Akur: When I’m expressing my own wants, needs, and desires. Walking down the runway in a look selected to be worn by me gives me such motivation.

Favourite model, living or dead and why?

Agi Akur: Alek Wek – she’s a huge inspiration! As a fellow South Sudanese model, and woman of colour it was so refreshing to see African beauty represented within the fashion media growing up. Her charity work has helped many people in the refugee camps in Sudan, my family included.

If you could commit a crime and get away with it, what would it be and why? 

Agi Akur: If I were to commit a crime and get away with it? I probably wouldn’t tell anyone… but I’d sleep in a public place. I enjoy myself a good nap so why not nap somewhere it’s prohibited? 

It’s the year 2121. Climate change has caused all humans to genetically mutate. Would you rather have two heads or four eyes?

Agi Akur: I’d probably choose two heads so I can watch my own back. That’s only if the second head is facing the other way. Wait… would it have a mind of its own? That would give life itself a whole new meaning. I’d choose four eyes.

BINGBING LIU

Tell us how you came to model.

Bingbing Liu: I had a meeting with my mother agency Paras Talent Management in Shanghai. They signed me and presented me to the IMG network. I’m represented by them worldwide.

Who are you listening to on repeat right now?

Bingbing Liu: I can’t stop listening to “Bad Guy” by Billie Elish. There’s something so catchy about that track in particular, but I’m obsessed with the whole When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? album.

Which fictional character do you most relate to?

Bingbing Liu: Shi Miao. She’s the female protagonist in Take My Brother Away. It’s a comic series that was adapted for TV and film. She exudes a powerful, feminine energy that is both strong yet vulnerable. I can definitely relate to her characteristics. 

You have to donate a feature/limb of your body to an icon of yours. You get nothing in return. What feature/limb do you give and why?

Bingbing Liu: That’s a tricky question! I’m pretty attached to all my limbs but my favorite feature would definitely have to be my lips. They’re nice and plump.

Feet for hands or hands for feet?

Bingbing Liu: Hands for feet. I don’t think I’d get many jobs if if I had feet for hands. Who knows, maybe in the future that’ll be considered beautiful?

JANET JUMBO

Describe yourself in three words.

Janet Jumbo: Beautiful, confident and fun.

What’s your best piece of beauty or wellness advice?

Janet Jumbo: Accept yourself for who you are and exercise. I recommend yoga, it’s really helped to keep me in shape and is great for my mental health.

Favourite fashion city and why?

Janet Jumbo: Paris because I debuted there at Louis Vuitton. It was such an unforgettable experience. 

If you entered a beauty pageant, what would your talent be and why?

Janet Jumbo: Acting, because I like portraying different personalities. I’m just waiting for my big acting break. 

You’re on your way to a shoot, you receive news that the world is going to end. What do you do?

Janet Jumbo: I would pray to make heaven.

LISSANDRA

What does modelling mean to you?

Lissandra: It sounds cliché but more than you can imagine. It always seemed like an unattainable dream growing up in a small town with limited opportunities.

Name one beauty product you couldn’t live without.

Lissandra: It’d have to be one of my natural hair products. My hair can prove difficult at the best of times and they’re the only thing that can tame it.

What would the soundtrack to your life be? 

Lissandra: Third Heaven – “I Will Believe”. It’s a song that’s always resonated with me. It reminds me that with God’s love I can overcome anything, even the bigger obstacles that life throws at me.

You have to replace your body with that of an animal or a mythological creature. What do you go for and why?

Lissandra: It’d have to be a dolphin. They’re calm, intelligent and loyal, just like myself. They adapt to situations easily and have a strong sense of belonging.

Would you rather colonise Mars or build a utopia in the centre of the Earth? Why? 

Lissandra: I would build a utopia in the centre of the Earth. We have everything we need already. The Earth is beautiful along with all that inhabit it.

MICA TOSI

Can you tell us about yourself?

Mica Tosi: My name is Micaela, I’m a 19-year-old model from Argentina. I was born in the province of Mendoza before I moved to Buenos Aires last year to pursue modelling full-time.

If you weren’t modelling, what would you like to do for work?

Mica Tosi: I’d be a director of a global business. I would want to be in a job that allows me to travel and explore the world. That’s why I love modelling, I get to visit places I’ve always dreamed of. 

What does beauty mean to you?

Mica Tosi: For me, beauty is not just physical. A person can be very beautiful on the outside but not so beautiful on the inside. Beauty also encompasses a set of traits – honesty, kindness, and empathy.

Your house is on fire and you only have time to grab one possession. What do you choose? 

Mica Tosi: The two photos of my deceased grandparents that I have on my bedside table next to my bed.

What age do you wish you could permanently be and why?

Mica Tosi: I think my current age, 19. I’m confident in my looks and people often can’t tell my age which I like. 

Photography Camille Mompach, art direction Charline Barber, Clement Louis (IMG Paris art department), hair Sadek L., make-up Leslie Dumeix, nails Hanaé, lighting assistant Melissa Wagolala