This Norwegian male model had never walked a runway before Balenciaga’s iconic 'snow globe' show

When most fashion models hit the runway they normally pray for blue skies, hold the downpours. But for 25-year-old Jonas Bahri conditions couldn’t have been more different. As the Norwegian stepped out to walk the Balenciaga fall 2022 ready-to-wear show — the very first of his career — at this year’s Paris fashion week, he was met with a blustery, apocalyptic scene – a total whiteout. But, ever the true professional he marched on. Fast forward a few months, and he’s still on a bit of a high from the other-worldly experience.

He sits down with Vogue Scandinavia to share his highlights from the show, the items he couldn’t live without, his hopes for the future of fashion and how he plans to celebrate Norway's biggest day 17.mai.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Jonas Bahri, I just turned 25 and was born in Trondheim, Norway. I currently live in Oslo after moving there last summer. I’m in my first year of fashion design at Oslo metropolitan university which is an outlet for my creativity.

How did you get into modelling?

I got in to modelling by doing a little work with the local photography school in Trondheim when I was in high school, but I never took it that seriously or did many jobs besides some campaigns here and there, because my passion and aspiration were always in sewing and creating clothing, along with conceptualisation and universe building within fashion design, playing with silhouettes and palettes. After starting fashion school, I’ve really fallen in love with the construction and pattern-making aspect – it’s so fun to be able to construct a piece from the fundamentals to realisation.

This year's Balenciaga show was the most talked about – what was the whole experience like?

The show was cold! The falling snow itself was artificial and there were wind machines as well. Though, the ice and snow on the actual floor was real, so we had to be really careful not to step to either side or we would slip.

From a concept, storytelling, and message point of view, it was amazing, but what truly amazed me was the countless talented and beautiful people working with the show behind the scenes that the general public never gets exposed to. The people backstage were so warm, welcoming, and including – it truly felt like a safe place.

Everyone took such good care of me and I appreciated that so much, especially as it was my first show. I was nervous because it’s such a big production and I’ve only previously seen it from the outside looking in. As well as my genuine admiration for Demna and his team from a design and universe building point of view. Seeing just how much work gets put in to it really made me appreciate shows a lot more.

How do you describe your personal style?

My personal style changes a lot with how I feel. Previously, I was very stuck in a universe I built for my style that kind of limited me and put me in a mental box. But in the last year, I’ve just been dressing in thread with my emotions day-to-day and I feel a lot better now with no boundaries.

What is the one thing in your wardrobe you couldn’t live without?

I really love my black leather bomber jacket that was a hand-me-down from my father after he emigrated from Tunisia to Norway in the 90’s. I wear it all the time.

Who are your style icons?

I mostly get inspired by combinations of random people on the street and old films (which is my second biggest passion besides fashion) mostly from pre 00’s. My favourite era is between the 70s to 90s and directors like Wong Kar-Wai, Lynch, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Park Chan Wook, Polanski, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, and Federico. But it’s really not like the actual styling itself but the emotion it gives me that drives a certain feeling for what I want to wear and express. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my friends and cultures when travelling.

What are your three favourite places in Norway?

My favourite places in Norway are a beautiful place called Fjellværsøya, a small town on the island of Hitra, which I have many emotions connected to. As well as this, Trondheim for all the history and, as cliché as it sounds, Oslo – I love being in nature and sitting at cafes people-watching.

How do you celebrate 17.mai?

I always celebrate the 17.mai with my old school friends. We meet early and everyone brings a couple of homemade dishes and a lot of cakes, plus a lot of champagne. Then, we usually go into town where the main celebration happens to eat lunch, drink some more champagne and watch the parade. Afterwards, if it’s not snowing, we usually listen to music and have some beers by the sea before everyone spends some hours with family and have dinner. Most years you'll find me on the sofa, or in between my little brother’s toys, sleeping... Then we usually go to a party in the evening.

What hopes do you have for the fashion industry?

I hope consumers will not only talk and share stuff on social media, but will be more aware and conscious that the negative side of fashion is still driven by money. Think twice before buying, do your research – it matters. Buy less, care for the pieces you buy and the talented people behind them. Plus, buy second-hand, redesign and give away, don't throw away!

What’s next for you?

I’m focusing on school and learning, whilst juggling work and traveling. I like to always have some rough idea about what I want to work towards, so I stay driven. I’ve learnt that I don’t work well in tight mental boxes, and I need to have some space within those ideas to move left or right...