There are models who simply wear clothes—and then there are models who wear the weight of experience, resilience, and purpose with effortless grace. Giovanni belongs to the latter category. Born in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, and raised across a constellation of cities—Paris, Morocco, Cape Town—his story isn’t just global, it’s emotionally grounded.
“I grew up with my late mother. She was amazing,” he shares. “I never lacked anything, but whenever I acted like a spoiled brat, she’d remind me she had other kids to care for—my cousins. She kept me grounded.”
From an early age, he learned to balance strength with softness, a trait he credits to his extended family. “They shaped me to be firm, strong, but loving. Consciously or not, they made me the man I am today.”
Though his childhood was nomadic, the frequent changes in school environments never felt disruptive. “I saw it as richness. I met people from all walks of life, and it widened my view of the world.” He eventually earned a diploma in Business Management, followed by a bachelor’s degree. But his creativity didn’t fully awaken until he stepped into the world of fashion.
“I never saw myself as particularly creative,” he admits. “I learned instruments like piano and flute, but modeling—it unlocked something else in me.”
And it all began quite spontaneously. After relocating to Cape Town for his studies, he found himself surrounded by models—many of whom insisted he should give it a try. Eventually, he did. And his first major opportunity? A smile—literally.
“A model friend brought me along to a shoot. I smiled—huge and genuine. That one shot got me direct booked for a nationwide campaign. I didn’t even go to the casting!” he laughs. “I had to smile through the entire shoot.”
Since then, Maurice Giovanni has landed work with brands like Puma, Fubu, and Edgars, with TV commercials airing across the UK, the U.S., and Africa. But some of his favorite moments have been deeply personal.
“Walking for my dear friend Odunayo—I’ll never forget it. It meant the world to both of us,” he says. He also treasures his editorial shoots for Lewis Magazine, ManMag and collaborations with photographers like Louis Botha, Migal Vanas, and Jr West. “I’ve loved their artistry so much. Working with them felt like co-creating.”
Of all the cities he’s modeled in, two remain close to his heart: Cape Town and Milan. Both offered creative energy, beauty, and a sense of purpose.
Outside of fashion, Maurice Giovanni hasn’t been idle. With a solid 9-to-5 rooted in his academic background, he’s been taking time to recalibrate—but he’s not stepping away. In fact, quite the opposite.
“One of my biggest projects is launching an NGO for orphans in Africa,” he shares. “Being an orphan myself, I know what that life feels like. I relate. I want to give what I wished I had.” He also hints at a personal brand in the works, adding, “I won’t spoil everything—but stay tuned. There are surprises coming this year.”
As for what the future holds?
“I just want to be better than I was yesterday. Every day, a bit better. And to make a difference.”
His advice to aspiring models is grounded and real:
“Give yourself time. Give yourself the means. Keep learning. Don’t shut the door on other paths either—you never know.”
And when asked for the one message that defines his journey?
He smiles—naturally.
“As long as you live, it’s not the end.”
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