New York, again.
New faces, fresh energy, and another chapter of Vanity Teen’s ongoing series dedicated to the young models shaping the scene.
This time, we meet Laurent Savaria: a 24-year-old Montreal native with a mullet-free past, a serious love for music, an obsession with acting, and an unmistakable golden-retriever spirit.
Photographed in New York by Francis Wintour, Laurent takes us from Longueuil to the fashion world, sharing the stories, sounds, obsessions, and little details that make him who he is.
Name:
Laurent Savaria
Age:
24
Height:
6’1”
Instagram:
laurentsavaria
Hometown:
Longueuil, on the South Shore of Montréal, Québec. Better known as Longueuil Beach.
What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
The beach. I’m kidding — I’m not even sure if there’s a beach in Longueuil. I think it’s more of an ironic, affectionate nickname that tries to make Longueuil sound less suburban. It low-key reflects how self-conscious you can feel about where you’re from when you’re younger, always looking across the river at the big-city skyline. Then, once you’re in the big cities, you sometimes find yourself holding onto those memories of the little strip mall, the house parties, or the public school very dearly.
How were you discovered?
I applied online to my mother agency with the most poorly lit Polaroids and a mullet. I got signed at our first meeting, and the rest is history. I did get rid of the mullet, though. RIP.
What was your first modeling job?
An underwear e-commerce shoot for Simons. Terrifying, right? It was actually such a safe space, surrounded by incredible people. It was probably one of the foundations that helped me become so comfortable in front of the camera. I’m a Simons boy for life.
What were you doing before modeling?
I was finishing my Bachelor’s degree at university while working as a receptionist at a Holiday Inn. Cue “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull.
What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
DJ. 100%. I have a crazy connection with music, and I’m always either the one on the aux, the one dancing, or both. I love telling a story through the songs I queue up, and I think my sensitivity allows me to pick up on what the people around me want to hear.
What has been your favorite modeling experience so far?
I did this commercial shoot in Toronto where they painted my buzzcut blue and drew lemons on it. The directions were simple: dance around and smile at the camera. Dancing and smiling with a dyed buzz? That’s what I do best.
What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?
I can’t sit still, so I’m either biking, running, playing tennis with my dad, squeezing in a CrossFit workout, or doing some hot yoga.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m always listening to Lil Wayne, but I’d say I’ve had “TEA” by Rema on repeat an unhealthy amount lately.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Matt Reeves’ The Batman. As a geek and cinephile, I’m always saying that if I ever made a Batman movie, I’d want it to be exactly like this one. Superhero movies shouldn’t be a genre, but rather a topic that can incorporate elements from horror, neo-noir, and so much more. Pattinson’s journey from Twilight to THE Batman is also mad inspiring. So, either this or Shrek 2.
Favorite fragrance or beauty product?
MYSLF by Yves Saint Laurent. My catchphrase when I tell non-French speakers my name and they don’t quite get the pronunciation is, “Laurent, like Yves Saint Laurent.” Aside from the aura points it gives me, it’s also a great fragrance to layer with.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Acting. It’s been my dream job ever since I watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as a kid. Acting might be the only time when I actually feel like I’m living in the moment.
What place would you love to visit?
Brazil. The culture, the scenery, and the people. That’s where the dyed buzzcut belongs.
A letter to your future self:
No matter how much the world values being nonchalant, never stop showing how much you care. There’s nothing cooler or sexier than being caring and expressing your sensitive side.
Last but not least, if you were an animal, which one would you be?
As much as I’d love to say something cool like a lion or a wolf, I’m definitely a golden retriever.
Photo Editor: Giulia Calbi