Manu Noraced x The Flow House

For the shooting with Frankie Morello, we met the French model and singer Manu Noraced in Milan and talked with him about his biggest passion, his new album and of course men’s fashion. In exclusive for The Flow House and Frankie Morello.

The Flow House: How did you become a fashion model?
Manu: Four years ago, I replaced a model last minute at a Saint Laurent fashion show. I met a photographer named Gabriel Quartino there. I wasn’t really modelling at this time, so, we worked together and he shot the first pictures of my book. Then, an agency noticed them and I was contacted on Facebook. Two years ago, Metropolitan Management noticed me on Instagram and I signed my first big contract with this agency, which is based in Paris.

THF: Which brands have you already worked with?
M: I don’t remember all the names, but the most famous ones are: DIM (really well-known French underwear brand), Levi’s, Fred Perry, H&M, Faguo, Son Of A Tailor and French Disorder.

TFH: What fascinates you about fashion so much?
M: Fashion can change every day, season by season. Designers keep on creating new things with new prints, new shapes, new trends. It’s a development like a full circle with new perspectives every time.

TFH: What do you think about contemporary men’s fashion in general?
M: No matter how you feel in your own skin, what’s on your mind or how much money you’ve got, you can always find something that is going to fit you. You can’t compare contemporary men’s fashion with contemporary women’s fashion because designers used to focus on womenswear before menswear. But they realized that men are also interested in fashion and care about what they wear every day.

TFH: Who is your biggest Icon?
M: Yves Saint Laurent, who I wouldn’t be here without today. But Anna Wintour is definitely the most impressive woman in this industry.

TFH: How would you compare your style from 10 years ago with your style today?
M: Honestly, nobody would have bet on me becoming a model. I was kind of cheesy. But I’ve always worn basics and I always will. I’m not a huge fan of extravagance or crazy clothes (except when I’m shooting). Because it doesn’t belong to my personality on a daily basis. Even though it’s a real pleasure to discover new brands and new prints. I love wearing simple clothes, white t-shirts, fitted-jeans, sneakers. You know, when I’m on set, I’m always wearing beautiful clothes, with hair and make-up done. So, when I’m not working, I try to let go of all of this and wear normal clothes, just like everybody else.

TFH: What are the top trends for fall/winter 2018?
M: I would say oversized bomber jackets in black, vintage sweat shirts, ripped jeans and suede puma. Or jean jackets, oversized t-shirts, black jeans and black boots. Similar to what we shot with Frankie Morello, he totally gets how to create trends.

TFH: Which trend or style do you not like at all?
M: I don’t like pieces that are too crazy, too eccentric or unwearable with too many colours. I dislike real fur and I hate flip flops!

TFH: Do you have a favourite designer/brand?
M: Yes, Dolce & Gabbana – they are insanely talented. And COS: always classy, affordable and well-fitted.

TFH: Which fashion Items are always with you no matter where you are?
M: White or black tees, my leather backpack and my watch.

TFH: What is fashion?
M: Art. It is an open door for everyone, you can express your personality or your mood with your clothes.

TFH: What do your followers not know about you yet?
M: How grateful and thankful I am. I wouldn’t have such life without them. So, thank you again so much!

TFH: What is your main goal and where do you see yourself in ten years?
M: I don’t have a particular goal. I just want to be happy, which means being in good health, travelling as much as I can and modelling as long as I possibly can – I just love my job. But there might soon come a time when I’ll want to settle down, get married, have kids…who knows!?

TFH: What does music mean to you?
M: Music means everything. As you might know, my new album “Make It Happen” is out now. I don’t really know how to describe my love for music. I guess it’s mainly something therapeutic. I can’t prevent myself from writing songs. It’s the number one thing on my list, that’s why I built my own recording studio. So, my new record is something I’ve always wanted to do in my life. I’ve been working really hard on this project for about a year and a half and I really feel confident about it. A lot of people ask me to describe my songwriting process and my answer is always that it happens differently every time, that’s why I’m so in love with it. I hope you’ll like the album: I really put my heart and soul into it.

TFH: What are your favourite places you’ve ever been to?
M: In Europe: Madrid and Copenhagen. But the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to are Mexico, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. I was there this summer with my best friend for three weeks and it was incredible.

TFH: What about Milan?
M: I love this city. It’s my first time here and I’ll be back very soon.