Intermission: Where did you grow up?
Hanaa Abdesslem: Tunisia, in the Town of Nabeul by the coast.
IM: What do you appreciate most about your hometown?
HA: My hometown Nabeul (Neopolis) was founded by the Greeks of Cyrene, serving as a trade port. Today it is a tourist destination for history and archeology fans, but also a beautiful beach resort.
IM: Where do you live at the moment?
HA: I am based in Tunisia but travel often for work – between Paris, London and NYC.
IM: What’s the best thing about the city you’re in right now?
HA: I just landed in Tunisia and the best thing is, as always, I feel right at home!
IM: Who do you admire within fashion?
HA: I admire creativity and avant-garde designs.
IM: What was your dream job growing up?
HA: My dream job was to become a model, and my dream came true!
IM: What do you dream of today?
HA: Continuing my modeling career, and one day bringing my experience back to my country, to help the dreams of other young girls and boys make come true.
IM: What is the best gift you ever received?
HA: Flowers. Nothing is better than the smell of fresh flowers.
IM: What’s on your iPod?
HA: I listen to the latest radio hits. I like staying up-to-date.
IM: What are some things you never travel without?
HA: I always carry my moisturising cream, my mobile phone, a family photo, a soft travel pillow and a good book.
IM: What place would you like to visit?
HA: The Seychelles.
IM: What are you reading?
HA: A historical book, in French entitled Les Influentes by Danielle & Claude Dufresne.
IM: Who were your heroes while growing up?
HA: While growing up, it was my older brother Walid.
IM: Your favorite movie?
HA: The life story of Coco Chanel, Coco Avant Chanel – she was such an inspiring woman, with a great story. The movie tells the full history of Coco, from when she was a cabaret singer before she became Coco Chanel.
IM: Favorite magazine?
HA: There are so many amazing fashion magazines that I love, I could never name just one.
IM: What is your favorite food?
HA: Couscous.
IM: What is your very first fashion memory?
HA: My first real memory is the first editorial I shot for French Vogue, entitled Avant-garde Orientaliste in May 2011.
IM: What is the best thing about modeling?
HA: The best thing about modeling, for me, is the freedom of expression through art. That, anddiscovering different cultures, creativity and meeting interesting artists.
IM: Your favorite shoe designer?
HA: Azzedine Alaia.
IM: Who are your favorite architects?
HA: Right now, the one designing my new house.
IM: What is your current obsession?
HA: Building my family’s home.
IM: Your favorite scent?
HA: Jasmin.
IM: Favorite jewelry designer?
HA: I like Asian-inspired jewellery.
IM: What do you wear the most?
HA: Black pants or leggings – I can pair them with so many things and dress them up or down.
IM: What is your favorite holiday destination?
HA: Since I have been working and traveling so much, it’s always nice to come home and hang out with my family.
IM: And your favorite city?
HA: Paris.
IM: What was the last thing you bought?
HA: A little black dress.
IM: What is the craziest party you’ve ever been to?
HA: I just co-hosted the V Magazine Halloween Party in New York, that was crazy! It was my first time dressing up for Halloween and I went as Ziggy Stardust!
IM: How do you feel looking back at your career so far?
HA: I feel proud and lucky.
IM: Who are the most inspiring people you’ve met?
HA: My manager, Sophie Galal; Farida Khelfa; Carine Roitfeld & Jean Paul Gaultier.
IM: What do you find attractive in a man?
HA: His intellect and his modesty.
IM: What’s the first thing you notice on a man?
HA: His overall elegance.
IM: When do you enjoy your work the most?
HA: During a photo shoot, because I can express myself artistically.
