𝐙𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬: Breaking Barriers as a Top African Male Model
From the heart of West Africa to the runways of Milan and Paris, Zaquel Mendes is becoming a name that fashion insiders can’t ignore. Born in Guinea-Bissau, Mendes has already built a profile that blends editorial gravitas, runway presence, and commercial potential. Here’s a deep dive into his career, physique, and what makes him a model to watch in 2025 and beyond.
Profile & Physical Stats
- Nationality: Guinea-Bissau
- Based In: Lisbon, Portugal (Elite Lisbon is his mother agency)
- Height: ~189 cm (6 ft 2.5 in)
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Shoe (US / EU): US ~9.5 / EU 42
Additional measurements:
These proportions give him a strong, model-friendly silhouette that is adaptable for high fashion, runway, and editorial work.
Agencies & Representation
Zaquel is represented by several top modeling agencies around the world, which is both a testament to his versatility and the demand for his look:
- Mother Agency: Elite Lisbon
- Other representation in major fashion hubs: Paris (Metropolitan / M Management / Makers), Milan (Elite Milan), London (Elite London), Stockholm (Select Model Management Stockholm), Copenhagen, Barcelona (Uno Models), Hamburg (Kult Hamburg)
Having representation in all these cities helps him access a wide variety of work — from editorial shoots in magazines, to campaigns, to major runway shows.
Notable Runway & Show Appearances
Zaquel’s runway resume is strong and growing, with shows for major luxury and fashion houses:
- AWGE S/S 26 Show – 27 June 2025
- Emporio Armani S/S 26 Men’s Show – 21 June 2025
- Versace F/W 2025 Show + Backstage – 28 February 2025
- Wooyoungmi, Prada, System, Bottega Veneta among others for F/W 2025, S/S 2025 etc.
These shows place him in the upper echelon of runway talent, especially given the prestige of these brands. Walking for Prada, Versace, and Armani is a strong signal of his acceptance by both the fashion press and the buying market.
Editorials, Campaigns & Print Work
Beyond the runway, Zaquel has secured significant editorial and campaign work, which helps build his profile and credibility:
- Regular editorial features in magazines like Vanity Fair Italia (“Athletic” editorial), Numero Homme (“Boys Bands”), HERO Magazine (“Double Feature”)
- Campaigns & lookbooks: via Uno Models, Select, and other agencies, he’s featured in lookbooks/catalogs for brands such as Daily Paper, Commas, and others.
- Presence in backstage shoots & promotions (e.g. Versace backstage) enhances his visibility not just on runway but behind the scenes and media content.
What Sets Him Apart
The fashion industry is saturated, but several factors make Zaquel Mendes stand out:
- Diverse Portfolio: He balances runway, editorial, commercial campaigns, and lookbooks. This range means he’s not pigeonholed; brands can use him for both high-luxury and more accessible fashion.
- Strong Ethnic Representation: As someone from Guinea-Bissau, he contributes to the increasing visibility of West African and Lusophone African talent in the fashion world. This resonates well in markets valuing diversity and authenticity.
- Physical Attributes: His height, proportions, strong features (hair & eyes), and ability to adapt to various styling makes him highly versatile. He fits standard high-fashion male model criteria while also having something distinctive.
- Global Reach: Agencies in multiple top fashion capitals plus strong editorial spread mean he has both visibility and staying power.
- Momentum in 2025: His involvement in S/S 26 shows, new campaigns, editorials indicate an upward trend. Not just maintaining, but growing.
