AA: Jamil, it was such a pleasure photographing you during your visit to NYC!
Your profile is incredible to photograph, and you brought such a strong energy to the shoot. How was the experience for you, especially being part of the giant denim jeans series?
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JM: Thanks a lot for your words! It’s always interesting for me to hear about how people perceive my energy. It shows me different ways to look at myself that I usually don’t think about. I really enjoyed the shoot. It felt to me more like a casual conversation between 2 people talking about who they are, their aspirations and how they see the world.
AA: You currently reside in Barcelona—a city I’ve always wanted to visit.
What’s life like there for you? Can you share a bit about the culture, the architecture, and the food? What makes it feel like home?
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JM: Barcelona is the people, the beach, the vibes. It’s a place where people come to live life.
At least that’s what Barcelona is for me.
I travel often and even though I fall in love with every new place I discover, in the back of my mind I’m always longing to be back in Barcelona. It’s the place where I feel home.
It has such a rich and diverse culture that whatever your interests are you will find it here.
AA: Beyond modeling, what’s your world like?
Tell us a bit about the work or passions you focus on outside of the camera lens. What inspires you creatively in your day-to-day life?
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JM: Outside modeling I’m a design geek, I work on designing softwares, apps and digital tools. I enjoy swimming a lot, being in nature, you will always find me on the beach in winter and in summer. I’m inspired by cultures, I love discovering new cultures and witnessing how people from different cultures live.
AA: During the shoot, I gifted you some of my incense No. 1.
Have you had a chance to try it? How do you like the scent, and do you enjoy incorporating elements like fragrance into your personal space or routines?
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JM: Scent for me is related to memory. A memory of a childhood moment, a place I like or a person dear to me. Trying your incense reminded me of some of the conversations we had during the shoot. I loved how scent was a medium where you channel your creativity.
Personally I gravitate more toward natural, earthy, and subtle scents.
AA: Barcelona has such a rich creative energy.
Do you feel like living there influences your sense of style or creativity? Are there any places in the city—maybe a favorite spot or hidden gem—that you’d recommend for inspiration?
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JM: For sure, as someone who loves discovering and experiencing places, any place can influence my style. Barcelona’s laid back and effortless vibes are definitely present in my style.
Not very hidden but of course the beach is my favorite spot for inspiration and creativity (By now you can see a pattern). Especially during the early mornings where life is still slow and idle, and during sunset hours where life is going back to its balanced rhythm.
AA: Shooting you was such a great experience, and I’d love to do it again.
If we were to collaborate on another shoot, what kind of concept or vibe would you love to explore? Something bold, experimental, or more pared down and intimate?
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JM: One of the reasons I enjoy modeling is because I get to shoot different concepts and explore different vibes. I would definitely love to shoot something experimental and maybe with different artistic mediums.
AA: Finally, where can people keep up with you?
Do you have any projects, work, or creative endeavors coming up that you’d like to share?
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JM: I’m actually very excited for 2025! Last year was all about laying the foundation for my growth, both as a model and as a person. Now, I feel ready to embrace this next phase and take things to the next level.
While I can’t talk about all the projects at the moment, there’s so many endeavors that I’m personally looking forward to. With modeling, I’m planning on heading to Paris later in the year and see where that takes me.
I’m excited and very curious what this new phase will bring me. people can keep up with me on my ig @jamilwins where I’ll be sharing more details on the go.