Hugo

Star sign: Gemini 

Follow me: @riothugo

At Elite Model Look we say: “your differences make our world”. What makes you different? 

When I start something, I’ll commit to 2000 percent and I never give up on something I’m focused on.

What is your passion?

 I love to travel, and discovering new cultures and people. I’ve been to some beautiful places and have memories of them that will last a lifetime. I’ve loved travelling since I was little. My grandfather wanted my brothers and I to see everything, so every year we went on trips. I like travelling because you learn a lot about the customs and traditions of different countries, it's important and keeps you openminded and helps you to grasp a better understanding of the world we live in. I’ve been to lots of concerts in London, Paris and Brussels with my friends. I still have a lot of places I want to tick off my list though!

 If you could go anywhere in the world – where you haven’t already been – where would you go?

 I would love to go to Japan, Japanese fashion and culture is cool and very different, I would love to go there with my friends to experience it for myself. I think my friends and I will try to plan a trip there soon 

If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say and at what age? 

I would say to myself: "Enjoy every moment of life, and all the people who make you happy and believe in you" 

Tell us your favourite...

Sport:  I like training outside because everyone helps each other to improve and it makes exercising more fun. I played handball for 10 years to a pretty good level, I used to train 3 times a week and competed at weekends. It’s a sport that taught me certain values such as respect for one’s opponent and team spirit. The value of sport and being part of a team is invaluable for children when growing up.

Inspirational quote: One quote that inspires me os by the French writer Alfred De Musset, “Pour réussir retenez bien ces 3 maximes : voir, c’est savoir ; vouloir, c’est pouvoir ; oser, c’est avoir.” It means that everything it’s possible if we want it enough and you must to take some risks to reach our dreams.

Music album: I can listen to “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP” of A$AP Rocky over and over because I like all of the songs on the album, he’s an artist who has such a unique style and this album is perfect for any time of day or occasion if you want to dance, or just chill.  When I started to see him on billboards modelling for Dior I really started to get interested in the world of fashion and I really appreciate his style.

Model: I like lots of different models but I met Han Vanwijnberghe the winner of Elite Model Look Belux 2017, I found him really charismatic and impressive.

  If you could give $1m to any cause, what would it be and why?

I think there are many causes that I would love to be able to help with as there are so many difficulties and injustices in the world. If I had to pick one cause I think it would be UNICEF because there are too many children who don’t have water, or manage to eat enough every day. I think everyone should always help if and when they are able too. 

Do you believe in horoscopes?

 I think sometimes horoscopes are true, I’m Gemini and I think that the description of a Gemini fits my personality but, I don’t think that they should be taken too seriously.  

If you could have an all-expenses paid trip to see any famous world monument, which monument would you choose?

I will choose the Machu Picchu in Peru because I have never been to Peru and I really like the mix between nature and old buildings. It’s also a spiritual place that I would like to experience.

How does it feel to represent Luxembourg at the 35th Elite Model Look World Final?

I have no words to describe this feeling. We have been preparing for this for so long that when I heard that I had won I didn’t believe it and definitely didn’t expect it. I feel very grateful to represent Luxemburg  in the Elite Model Look World Final. I heard about the contest from my friends who encouraged me to apply, I followed Elite on Instagram and kept up to date with news of the competition. I went to the casting in Luxembourg, my friends really supported me, I was so scared at the start but then I quickly got into it. At the World Final, I hope I’ll be able to give it my best shot and to represent Luxembourg in the best way and maybe win! I’ve learnt to walk on the runway which has been really useful and boosted my confidence, Ilan coached us on how to walk well and the importance of controlling speed and I’m hoping this will be useful for the final as I would love to walk for the top designers one day.

Tell us about Luxembourg!

Luxembourg is famous for its economy, there are large buildings, good restaurants and we make a very good living. It is very important and powerful in the business world. This is a stronghold of Europe with European Institutes and big companies and corporations. Luxembourg is famous for the Duke of Luxembourg, Andy Schleck, a cyclist who won some great races, and Xavier Bettel. I am proud of Luxembourg because it is a multicultural country, there are more than 160 nationalities living there. I also think that rubbing shoulders with people from all over the world is rewarding. I really believe in the importance of diversity and think that if we can manage to get along with lots of people we can build a better world for tomorrow and for future generations.