These are the future fresh faces we hope to see walking in the most prestigious fashion shows and posing for top-notch magazine covers. Meet Emmanuel Franklin, an upcoming model whose ready to change his life.
As part of our latest series, ‘Conversation Skills’ – DDW sits down with upcoming model Emmanuel Aifuwa Franklin – a fresh-faced fashion mogul turning heads in Germany. The 22-year-old, represented by the International Model Management team, CM Models, who is of Nigerian descent, Benin-city, has since moved to Bonn, Germany, to further his career. Today he lives his life pushing himself to greatness. Franklin opens up about how he plans to fulfill his dream in the fashion world and why you should never give up.
How did you meet CM Models, and how have they changed your life?
My journey to becoming a model started In 2018. I applied to model agencies; I never got feedback, but I wasn’t disappointed. I took it as a challenge to work on myself, then I used it again in 2020, and I got accepted.
I met CM Models through the internet. I searched for agencies in Germany, and based on their ranking (level of professionalism) I was very impressed, and I knew they could take me to the next level.
They’ve changed my life in so many ways, but one of them is I was just an African kid with a dream of being in commercials, TV screens, and so on but right now, with the help of CM Models, I am living my dream.
Why did you become interested in modeling Emmanuel Franklin?
I felt great because we all just have one life, and it’s better to know you died trying to achieve your dreams then always thinking of you had wanted to achieve it.
Growing up, I lived with a mum who loved fashion. She was always with the Coolest clothes and accessories, and she made me love Fashion; also, she would style me and take pictures of me, so I just got used to it, and I have loved fashion, the cameras, and all since then.
What was your first-ever shoot like?
The first official shoot was with YFood it was a combination of videography and photography, and it was great. They were a fantastic team; it was all good vibes through the shoot.
Who are your style icons? And who would be your dream publication or person to work with?
Sidney Blu, Kanye West, and R.I.P Virgil Abloh are my style. Icons, my dream person to work with, would be Sidney Blu. Sidney Blu, the artist, is my dream collaboration, I love what he stands for and all the work he brings to light on mental health awareness. I also love his fashion style and designs; most importantly, he is my big brother.
What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned so far?
The most important thing I’ve learned so far is to be nice to everyone, spread love, and most importantly love yourself. Be a vibe anywhere you go, spread love, no hate, be confident love yourself where you are now and where you are going, it’s time, and never give up because you would never know what the result will be if you had continued fighting.
How has your career influenced your style?
My career has influenced my style a little bit because I was brought up by my mum in fashion helped me to know how to combine the old and modern looks (outfits).
Name one thing you can’t live without Emmanuel Franklin.
I can’t do without family. They mean everything to me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself as a top model and will have worked with leading magazines, brands, host for awards and maybe movies.
What don’t you want to die wondering about?
I don’t want to die wondering where I would have been if I had pursued my dreams.
Catch Emmanuel On Instagram: @aiifuwa
Management Team: CM Models / @cmxmodels