Just a few years into his modelling career, Pierre Louis Bonnifay reigns supreme.

Pierre Louis Bonnifay defies the norms with his extraordinary journey from fashion runways to the kickboxing ring and now, the realm of fine art. Emerging onto the scene at Kuala Lumpur's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, this 19-year-old prodigy has swiftly become a sensation within fashion's inner circles. With an innate confidence and a magnetic allure, Pierre effortlessly commands attention wherever he ventures, all without a hint of effort. Reflecting on his whirlwind trajectory, Pierre shares, "These past few years have been a whirlwind." Amidst the flash of camera bulbs, he adds, "I feel like I've matured immensely, refining my organisational skills and academic discipline. But above all, I've embraced independence like never before."
During our laid-back chat with the burgeoning model hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Pierre delves into the importance of prioritisation, uncovering his potential, and the art of maintaining humility, which, for him, equates to simply "going for a ride."

How did you find yourself navigating the world of modelling and fashion? Was strutting down the runway always your dream? Well, I sort of found my way into modelling through a mix of social media networking and connections within the industry, you know, friends of friends kind of thing. It wasn't necessarily a lifelong ambition of mine, but I saw it as an opportunity to gain some valuable experience while still being able to focus on my studies. It's been an interesting journey so far, and I'm grateful for the chance to explore this side of things alongside my academic pursuits.
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What was your first experience in fashion? How did you feel at that time? My first foray into modelling was quite an adventure. I remember feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, not knowing exactly what to expect on that first shoot. Little did I know, it would turn out to be the beginning of a journey I hadn't quite anticipated. As I started landing more gigs, the thrill only grew, especially considering how long I'd been aiming to break into the modelling scene. It was a pretty exhilarating time for me, to say the least.

What do you love the most about what you do? One of the best aspects of my job, hands down, is collaborating with a vibrant and imaginative team. It completely transforms the atmosphere of the shoot and adds a whole new level of enjoyment, especially when meeting new faces. Each time I step onto a new set, I'm greeted with a diverse array of personalities and talents. It's incredibly enriching to interact with such a variety of individuals, and I find myself learning something new from each encounter.
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Balancing modelling and studying is no easy feat. Despite the challenges, you valued education highly. What motivated you to prioritise completing school while your modelling career was gaining momentum? Right now, my main focuses are on my studies and advancing my modelling career. While I understand that modelling might not be a lifelong endeavour, I'm committed to obtaining my degree as a solid backup plan. It's important to me to have that safety net in case modelling doesn't pan out long-term. I'd encourage others to consider pursuing a degree as well, even if it's not their ultimate passion. In today's competitive landscape, having a degree can provide valuable stability and open doors to opportunities that may not otherwise be available.

Was there ever a moment which made you think, &ldquo;Wow, I&rsquo;ve made it as a model?&rdquo; Honestly, there's never really a moment where I feel like I've "made it." Even during the good times, I'm always thinking about what's next. I haven't even had the chance to model outside of Malaysia yet, and that's definitely one of my upcoming goals. Sure, I do reflect on how far I've come sometimes, but there's always this drive in me to keep pushing forward. I'm constantly seeking out new opportunities and challenges because I know there's still so much out there waiting for me.
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You&rsquo;ve been appearing in a good number of campaigns and editorial spreads. What&rsquo;s the biggest lesson you&rsquo;ve learnt by far about modelling in the digital age? Being new to the industry definitely comes with its challenges. It's common for some people to try to take advantage, whether by negotiating lower rates or asking for extra unpaid work. It can be tough, especially when you're still finding your confidence. But one of the most important lessons I've learnt is the power of saying no. It's essential to stand up for yourself and your worth, even if it means turning down opportunities that don't align with your values or fair compensation. Setting boundaries is key to building a successful and sustainable career in any industry.

&ldquo;&hellip;one of the most important lessons I've learned is the power of saying no. It's essential to stand up for yourself and your worth, even if it means turning down opportunities that don't align with your values or fair compensation.&rdquo;

In our last chat, you mentioned your desire to acquire a new bike. Have you managed to get one, and if so, what's the longest ride you've taken with it? Yes, I did! I actually bought a CBR500RR before the end of last year, and it's been my pride and joy ever since. I've been able to take it on some pretty epic rides too. My longest one so far was about six hours with a few stops along the way. It might sound like a lot of time on the road, but when you're riding, it's like time just flies by. Those six hours felt more like 30 minutes, especially on a smooth stretch of road. There's something about being out there on two wheels that just makes every moment feel exhilarating.
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How so? Whenever life starts feeling a bit overwhelming, I like to escape on my bike and hit the open road, especially through natural landscapes. It's like hitting the reset button for me. I truly believe in the importance of being surrounded by nature regularly, even if it's just once every couple of weeks. Don't get me wrong, I love the energy of the city, but sometimes all the hustle and bustle can become a bit too much. I think there's definitely a subconscious impact on our mood and mentality from being constantly surrounded by people, buildings, and noise. Reconnecting with nature helps to ground me and bring a sense of calm and clarity back into my life.

Cardigan, top, trousers, necklace, bracelet & ring DIOR

You&rsquo;re also active in kickboxing. What inspired your involvement in this sport? I&rsquo;ve been into martial arts since I was a kid. My dad got me started with Taekwondo when I was eight, then I moved on to Muay Thai, did a bit of boxing, and eventually ended up representing my university in kickboxing last year. It's been quite a journey, exploring different martial arts disciplines and honing my skills along the way.
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Following that, what has kickboxing taught you about life? I've really come to embrace the idea of trusting the process, as cheesy as it may sound. It's all about putting in the time, and effort and staying consistent. With those ingredients, I truly believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. It's not always easy, but the results are worth it in the end.

With such a packed schedule, how do you carve out time for yourself? What does your ideal 'me' time look like? For me, the perfect "me time" involves hitting the gym. There's just something about those post-workout endorphins that leave me feeling fantastic. Alternatively, I also enjoy dedicating a day to cleaning my house, cooking up some delicious meals, and tackling chores. It might sound mundane to some, but there's a sense of satisfaction and tranquillity in having a clean and organized space, plus the joy of creating something tasty in the kitchen.
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Before we end, what does your skincare routine look like? Simple is key when it comes to skincare. Stick to the basics: cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. Don't overlook the importance of exfoliating once a week to keep your skin fresh and radiant. And of course, always remember to apply sunscreen whenever you step outside. Consistency is key for healthy, glowing skin.

COVER CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief John Ng Photography Chuan Looi Creative Direction &amp; Styling Colin Sim Words Syazil Abd Rahim Grooming Crystal Fong / Plika Makeup Hair Keith Ong All clothing and accessories DIOR

March 2024 Cover: Pierre is going bigger (and better)

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