A rising star in the modelling world, Alexandre (Alex) L’Abbée is based in Montrėal and represented by Dulcedo Management. He was featured in the recent Simons campaign and has walked the runway for Calvin Klein, fall/winter 2016 show.

In our summer issue, he tells us about his career rise over the last year and future plans.

Montréal-based Alex L’Abbée is a new model who is making a big splash in the industry.

1) Why modelling?

I actually got scouted at a nightclub. I never considered modelling because I was very busy playing hockey, but one night I went to a club with a friend and one of the directors of Dulcedo came up to me and asked if I was interested. And that’s where it all began.

2) Tell us a bit more about your early work.

My first project with Dulcedo was the Simons e-commerce launch. It was very cool, but I felt really lost and didn’t know what to do. I was super nervous and confused, but I got the hang of it eventually. So I remember my first time as being very nervous!

3) What has been your most memorable project so far?

The most memorable project was with Calvin Klein, when I worked for them in Milan. The whole experience working with Dulcedo and working for Calvin Klein was like a dream come true.

I went to a casting session in New York and aced the pre-selection. Then went on to another casting but I could never imagine how amazing it would turn out to be in the end.

4) What is one thing that excites you a lot about modelling, in addition to the actual projects?

Travelling!

L’Abbée on the Calvin Klein fall/winter 2016 runway.

5) You recently became very active on Instagram. Why? 

Well, to be honest, it’s because my agent told me to! He explained that Instagram is very important for clients and, as a model, I need to post as many photos as I can, as it is a vital part of my job. So that’s how it all started.

6) What makes a good selfie? And if you could choose one hashtag to describe your modelling and style, what would it be?

I think you need good lighting and beautiful skin. And the angle, of course, is also very important.

For the hashtag, I’d say: #beyourself. If you love yourself and what you do, good things will come to you.

7) Do you have a healthy ritual?

Not really, I have always been very active. I started playing hockey when I was 14, so I was always moving and eating moderately well. I do enjoy the occasional cheat meal where I’ll indulge in pizza or poutine. Oh and pancakes — I love pancakes!

8) What stereotypes have you come across as a model?

The most common one is that people think you are cocky and shallow. But that’s not at all true. It’s usually quite the opposite, and a lot of models are actually very shy.

L’Abbée with Italo Zucchelli.

9) What are your plans for the next year?

I would really like to move to New York and see what clients I can work with there. That is my next big dream.

10) Who is your favourite designer? 

Calvin Klein! That’s why walking for him was a real dream come true. I like everything by the brand: clothes, underwear, perfumes. By far, the best out there.