Electric Elegance: Willy Cartier's Parisian Portrait

Welcome back to "portrAIts," RED-EYE's electrifying series where we spotlight the trailblazers transforming fashion, art, music, and design. In this installment, we venture to the vibrant heart of Paris, capturing its spirit and art through Willy Cartier. As we continue to explore the forefront of fashion, PortrAIts remains our canvas for showcasing innovation, driven by our passion for shaping the industry's future. This series celebrates the diverse and dynamic individuals who make the fashion world spin. From visionary designers to trendsetting models, PortrAIts is distinguished by our groundbreaking collaboration with artificial intelligence, all under the creative eye of Rosario Rex Di Salvo. With Rex's expertise in photography and AI artistry, we breathe new life into traditional portrait photography, blending timeless aesthetics with the allure of modern technology. In our last encounter in Paris, we turn our spotlight to Willy Cartier, whose story is as captivating as his career in the worlds of fashion and art. With a multicultural heritage embracing Vietnam, Senegal, and France, Willy's life is a vibrant mosaic of diverse influences, now thriving in the pulsating heart of Parisian art. Amidst Paris Fashion Week, Willy generously shared glimpses of his upbringing surrounded by artists, offering insights into his formative years spent behind the scenes of the Opéra Garnier and Parisian cabarets. Through anecdotes about encounters with luminaries like Karl Lagerfeld and admiration for directors like Andrei Tarkovsky, Willy has unveiled layers of his creative essence, where integrity, admiration, and the ethos of "letting go" seamlessly intertwine. Through Rex's artistic vision and the magic of AI, we've crafted portraits that capture Willy’s essence, intertwining his multifaceted identity with the timeless elegance of Paris.

Willy Cartier is wearing a total look Alexander Mcqueen

Could you share your name, origin, profession, and, if you follow astrology, your zodiac sign?

My name is Willy Cartier, and I hail from a multicultural background, with roots in Vietnam and Senegal, although I was born in France. I am a multidisciplinary artist.

As for astrology, stemming from a family of sailors, I hold belief in the influence of the moon's powers on water and nature at large.

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

What three keywords best capture your essence, reflecting your aesthetic and mood?

"Let it go," "admiration," and "integrity."

Can you share a bit about your background and how it has influenced your career in modeling and acting?

Growing up surrounded by artists, my parents included, I spent my formative years in the backstage of Opéra Garnier and Parisian cabarets.

You've worked with some of the most prestigious brands and photographers in the fashion industry. What has been one of your most memorable experiences on set?

One of my most unforgettable experiences was encountering Karl Lagerfeld, who initiated me into the realm of analog photography.

Willy Cartier is wearing a total look from the stylist archive

Your unique look has captivated the fashion world. How do you think individual identity and personal style influence each other?

I aspire for my personal style to serve as inspiration. Individual identity is the canvas upon which an artist paints, and art, in turn, serves as a conduit for dreams.

Who or what are your biggest influences in fashion, film, or art?

Andrei Tarkovsky stands out as an incredible filmmaker, revered for his sensitivity and unwavering perseverance.

And now one final question: you are experiencing this shooting during the PFW, what is your relationship with Paris Fashion Week?

Paris Fashion Week represents a splendid moment when friends from all corners of the globe converge in my city. Together, we revel in the splendor of fashion and weave dreams anew.