Reducing Kenza Fourati to her plastic would be heresy, and for good reason. As a committed model, Kenza has made her silhouete a vehicle for ideas in order to emancipate herself from stereotypes and labels around the body, and a forori the female body. Thus, in 2011, the young woman made the front page of Tunisivisions magazine. By turning her plastic into a painting with strong messages, she gave a new symbolism to the body. Perceived as a contemplative object, an object of desire, she has made it active, expressive and militant.

A shot of inspiration

Now a young entrepreneurial mother, Kenza continues to prove that modeling is a formative experience that has allowed her to grow as a person, to go beyond her mental limits and to see bigger. She goes beyond, de facto, the “superficial” aspect, that is, the first degree of reading of this environment, taking us into its interstices, enlarging our visual spectrum. Instead of being satisfied with the podium, we plunge, with her, behind the scenes of the “most beautiful job in the world”.

Confessions of a role-model of the century

It is in an interview given to Dali Jnifen, that Kenza unpacks her bag of “advice”. If modeling rhymes with Glamour, the co-founder of OSAY, a high-end brand that pays homage to our babouche, this shoe emblematic of our habits and clothing customs, wanted to sweep away our “preconceptions” about the fashion world with a backhanded sweep. Self-taught, Kenza hammered out his answers of “hard work, sacrifice and ambition”, values which are dear to him and which allowed him “to reach his goals while continuing to progress”.

The young woman also stressed the importance of “keeping her head on her shoulders” and showing a steel mind. ConfeVs are all well and good, but what really counts is what you can do with it, how you can reappropriate it to make your dreams come true and fly on your own.
No, Kenza is not a “Social Barbie” modulated by a superficial industry but an accomplished woman who holds the strings of her destiny. She is the sole decision-maker.

Kabeah wanted to honor this woman and young mother with a portrait that does not lack bite. 3, 2, 1 ... it's questionable!

Hey Kenza, so, ready?

1 - How did you manage to go from the ethic of “daughter of” to the super status of Kenza, the accomplished woman?

Hello, to be honest I never thought about it.

I started my modeling career very young, I left very young.

My mother is my mother: protective and caring, she works with passion and care. And that's a big inspiration for me.

Accomplished woman? :))) I am not sure what that means … Everyone establishes their own success criterias. And then, each day is rather a battle, with its successes and its losses!

2 - Mom, model AND entrepreneur, how is the “cohabitaion” going?

Every day is different and we manage.

But the truth is that my children are still very young. We have a lot of friends around here in NY, but no family who can help with the kids. And that, I think a lot of young families can relate to this situation, is not easy.

OSAY is growing well. OSAY's values are becoming more and more “mainstream”, especially with the young population. And that makes me happy! I strongly believe that we will have to consume and think differently in the future.

Model has been my identity for years, this is where I am the most comfortable.

3 - What is your best memory as a model?

I have a lot of them but I'm enjoying being on a photoshoot more and more now. Also being a client now with OSAY, I understand even better all the dynamics that happen in a team on a fashion shoot.

4 - What advice would you like to give to young models?

Have a clear vision of how you want to be seen. It is above all a projection profession! Your image is seen in 1001 ways so always keep that in mind. For example, if you want to take sexy photos, that's great, but you have to be the one who wanted it in the first place.

5 - And to young women entrepreneurs ?

GOOD LUCK!!! :))

No seriously, surround yourself with a good team because it is a job of sharing and keep the integrity of your values intact.

6 - What is the biggest trigger you've had?

If you don’t stand for yourself, no one will. 

7 - What is your favorite historic period?

I love the freedom of the seventies

8 - What is your favorite place in Tunisia ?

Home! At my parents! In my garden with all my family!

9 - What do you miss the most in Tunis ?

My family and the sweetness of life which is difficult to describe.

10 - What is your “madeleine de Proust”?

The orange blossom. I can't live without it, I put it in essential oil everywhere at home, I use it as a spray for the face, I drink it….

11 - What is the Kabeah fragrance that most characterizes you?

I love Lily Chérie!

12 - Why?

It’s a smell that reminds me of the carelessness of being a teenager!!!!

13 - How do you see yourself in five (small) years?

My kids will be a little older so it will be a different life cycle. I hope I can spend more time in Tunis.

I dream of seeing OSAY expand into other products, other territories and other markets. I hope I have time to be able to develop the STORY part more.

But above all, it has been a difficult year for many people so more than anything I hope that in 5 years, things will be easier and above all that the health will be good!