Fatou M'Bow - Meet The Models

Hi Fatou, Thanks for sitting down with us to answer our questions:

1) How did you get into the industry?

When I lived in Belgium, I joined a casting agency that secured exciting roles for me. After relocating to the UK, I registered with an agency in Leeds as a supporting artist. In 2018, I was discovered by their modelling department. Since then, I have primarily focused on modelling and acting jobs.

2) Do you remember your first job?

In the UK, my first job was for a Legoland commercial, where I portrayed a supporting friend at a football table in a pub.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

NEOM skincare has been my favourite campaign due to its dynamic nature, involving the application of creams and soaps on my body. Additionally, I already used their skincare products, which added to the experience.

4) Any advice to new faces?

Take ownership of your career and endeavour to steer it in a direction that aligns with your vision. Don't be afraid to ask questions and invest in building your portfolio.

5) Do you have a beauty routine?

Yes, I have a beauty routine. I drink fenugreek before I sleep and keep my skincare quite simple. In the morning, I apply vitamin C, and in the evening, I use retinol.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

Shooting in heavy rain.

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

My dream is to break into the editorial market with Chanel during Fashion Week. When I first became interested in modelling, it was the era of Karl Lagerfeld that captivated me with his grace and elegance. In the commercial market, a dream collaboration would be with OhPolly. I frequently wear their clothes and find them to be body-positive and flattering to my hourglass body type. I believe this collaboration would be very rewarding as I genuinely adore the brand's clothing.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

My biggest passion lies in water advocacy. Growing up in a developed country and visiting my country of origin in the developing world highlighted the stark contrast in water infrastructure. This stark contrast fuelled my passion from a young age. I wanted to address significant global challenges, and water management became a personal focus. I am currently the proud Founder of the African Youth Parliament for Water, where I collaborate with the United Nations and national governments to advance African Youth Policies within the water sector.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

Yes, during my first commercial work in the UK for Legoland, I was starstruck when meeting Thierry Henry and Marcus Rashford on set. 

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why? 

If I could only take three things with me to a desert island, they would be a paint set, a lighter, and a Kindle. The paint set would allow me to unleash my creativity and express my thoughts through art. A lighter would be essential for cooking food and keeping warm at night. Lastly, the Kindle would provide me with an escape into different realities through books, giving me the feeling that I am constantly traveling around the world, despite being on a desert island.

11) What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a model. Despite sounding cliché, I was encouraged to explore the world of modelling, which sparked a keen interest in me. I was deeply fascinated with the latest modelling news and trends. However, at the age of 15, one of my parents advised me to focus on my studies, and so I put my modelling aspirations on hold until I came to the UK.

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

If I weren't a model, I would likely have pursued a career as a fashion designer, which was a dream during my early years. I still have drafts of designs that I created when I was around 10 years old. Later on, around the age of 15, my passion shifted towards water policy and engineering, which led me to come to the UK in the first place. Aside from my modelling career, I am actively involved in water engineering and advocacy. This work has provided me with a broader perspective on the world and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to utilize my modelling platform for positive change in the future.

 To book Fatou please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.

@fatoudesign