Tina Kunakei. “Social networks allow us to open doors inaccessible to some young people”

Sometimes you have to force your destiny, “force your luck” in the words of Rene Schar. Very early on, Tina Kunakei took charge of her own future as if due to an emergency. “At the age of 15, I went to live alone in Madrid to learn and improve my Spanish,” recalls the young woman, who is now 27 years old. “I loved fashion magazines, haute couture, Azzedine Alaïa… Along with my studies, I started modeling.” His engine? “Freedom and independence”.

Stunning beauty, sunny personality, modern French chic look, Tina Kunakei is one of the most popular fashion models. When she’s not posing for luxury houses or magazines, she’s sharing her lovelies on social media, with whom she’s hyper connected. “I’ve grown up in this very connected culture since I subscribed to Instagram when I was 14,” she explains. “Social media allows us to open doors that are inaccessible to certain young people.”

Birth of an influencer

His universe attracts almost 1.4 million followers worldwide who follow him on his Instagram page. In her posts, this influencer shows off her inspirations, her taste and her wardrobe tailored to the times: XXL tops, blouses, sheath dresses, low-waisted skirts or structured suit jackets… And all kinds of outfits she spices it up. up, focusing on multiple accessories, such as a small designer bag. Her latest fashion fave? The iconic Pasticcino bag, a classic from the Weekend Max Mara collection, of which she is an ambassador. “This bag is an ideal companion for both casual wear and elegant evening dress.”

Like young women of her generation, Tina Kunakei doesn’t hold anything back and explores different fields; he has created a production and art direction company, forging partnerships with brands. When he’s not appearing on the red carpet or in the front row of fashion shows, he’s starring in a video for a music star (A$AP Rocky, Pink Noise, etc.) or posing in front of the camera lens of an artist like JR. “It’s no coincidence that Tina is so interested in the younger generation,” J.R. emphasizes. It combines disarming power with a very high level of demand.”

Multiple origins

When you meet Tina Kunakei, you quickly realize that her life’s journey between several countries, languages ​​and cultures has shaped her alert personality, curious about what’s around her. Born in Toulouse to a Franco-Togolese father and a Sicilian mother of Andalusian descent, Tina is fluent in four languages: French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. He grew up in the cosmopolitan world of Paris, London and South West France; “I have been traveling since I was a child,” he explains, “because I followed my father who was working abroad. All these wanderings have opened my mind. I perceive the difference not as a threat, but on the contrary, as an advantage.”

One of the last countries that has left its influence is Brazil. “Rio is the city where I can relax the most. Between the sea and the mountains, we are much more connected to the natural elements and what we feel.” Passionate about sports (she participated several times in French swimming championships), Tina presents herself as an extremely disciplined young woman. He surfs to refocus. “I grew up in Biarritz and I like to surf in the off-season between Bidart and Guettari. The Basque coast is my anchor. I regularly meet my loved ones there. I was fortunate to grow up with loving parents who always supported and encouraged me. I try to spend as much time as possible with them, with the family.”

Devoted mother

Young mother of Little Amazon, 5 years old (that she had an affair with Vincent Cassel, her ex-husband, Editor’s note), Tina Kunakei makes a big contribution as her mother. “I encourage my daughter to make her own choices so that she becomes a free and independent woman in the future. He must learn to assert himself, improve his taste as well.”

In life, Tina displays this determined temperament and surrounds herself with like-minded friends. “I feel particularly close to Adele Exarchopoulos, one of my sisters. She is one of those women who does not consider her peers as competitors, but on the contrary is ready to encourage sisterhood. This is quite rare in the competitive world of film and fashion.”

Photographs courtesy of Hotel Château Voltaire, Paris.