Model Watch: David Agbodji

          A renowned fashion designer once said "...the problem with using Black models is that people pay more attention to the model rather than the garments they're modeling."  This statement can very well be understood when one calls to mind the strong, ethnic features of African models in particular, but these very same features that some designers & photographers deem distracting are the exact physical attributes that other members of the fashion world exalt.  Such striking features couldn't be more apparent when one takes even the slightest glance at top international model David Agbodji. 

     Born on May 8, 1987 in Paris, France, Agbodji has been surrounded by creativity his whole life; his famly is chock full of artists who paint and draw.  When he came to live in the US he made the Bronx, NY his home and during high school he'd take trips into the city which is where the bug of modeling entered his ear.  Photographers and scouts from modeling agencies would constantly approach him after being stunned by his rich ethnic look but he'd continuously decline their offers.  It wasn't until he walked in a friend's fashion show while attending NYU, and saw all the female attention it garnered him, that he decided modeling would be an interesting path to explore.  He signed with Request Model Management in New York in 2009 and shortly thereafter his 6'1" frame blew the roof off of the fashion world!  He's currently represented by 8 different agencies across 4 countries.  In 2010 the Calvin Klein brand was so enthralled by his rich brown skin and signature full African features that they made him the face of the brand and renewed his contract for the following Fall collection.  Along with being featured in an article by Models.com which highlighted diversity in the modeling industry, Agbodji walks in just about every runway show for major high fashion designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and his chiseled jawline & piercing eyes have made his photographs to be some of the best seen.  Agbodji continues to fascinate & inspire the fashion world not only with his painfully striking looks, which make him one of the most versatile models in the business, but also with his humility and sincere love of art of all kinds.  Successful, in demand models like Agbodji, who are of African descent, make it clear to the naysayers that Black is most definitely beautiful.