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JOHN HALLS & TIDIOU M'BAYE (Co-Founders of The Model's Masterclass)

John Halls and Tidiou M’Baye, both London natives, have forged remarkable careers in the fashion industry, collaborating with premier global brands. Their combined experiences span decades and continents, culminating in the creation of The Model’s Masterclass—a platform dedicated to mentoring aspiring models and sharing invaluable industry insights.

JOHN HALLS: From professional footballer to fashion icon

Born on February 14, 1982, in Islington, England, John Halls exhibited a passion for football from a young age. At just 10, he joined Arsenal’s youth academy, realizing a childhood dream. Under the mentorship of Arsène Wenger and alongside legends like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, John honed his skills, making his first-team debut at 17. His football journey included stints with Stoke City, Reading FC, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, and Brentford. However, at 30, an injury led him to retire from professional football.

Transition to Modeling

Shortly after his football career concluded, John was scouted by Next Models. His modeling debut featured a cover shoot for “Man of the World,” signaling the start of a successful new chapter. Over the past 12 years, John has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, collaborating with esteemed brands such as:

  • Armani: Embodying the brand’s sophisticated elegance, John has been a recurring presence in Giorgio Armani’s fashion shows, including the Fall/Winter 2025 Men’s Show and the Spring/Summer 2025 Men’s Show. 
  • Dolce & Gabbana: Featured in the Fall/Winter 2015/16 advertising campaign, John was part of the #DGFAMILY series, celebrating familial bonds and Italian heritage. 
  • Brunello Cucinelli: Reflecting his appreciation for luxury craftsmanship, John participated in the Fall/Winter 2025 and Spring/Summer 2025 Men’s Presentations, showcasing his adaptability to the brand’s refined and understated elegance. 
  • H&M: Through both runway appearances and advertising campaigns, John showcased H&M’s accessible fashion-forward designs, demonstrating his capacity to connect with a broad audience while maintaining a high-fashion appeal. 
  • Hackett: Collaborating with Hackett, John embodied the quintessential British gentleman, representing the brand’s commitment to impeccable tailoring and classic style. 

His versatility and charisma have graced the covers of magazines like GQ, Men’s Health, Da Man, Details, and L’Officiel. 

 

TIDIOU M'BAYE: A global journey rooted in London

Born on February 27, 1992, in London, with Senegalese-French roots, Tidiou M’Baye’s entry into the fashion world was influenced by his brother, Sacha M’Baye, a successful model. Encouraged by Sacha, Tidiou attended a casting at Select Model Management, marking the beginning of a modeling career that has spanned over 15 years and six continents. 

Modeling Milestones 

Tidiou’s first significant break was a Benetton campaign in London, blending the city’s gritty charm with the brand’s iconic bold colors. He soon became a familiar face for Tommy Hilfiger, participating in numerous campaigns and shows. His work with Uniqlo took him to Mallorca, capturing minimalist collections against sunlit backdrops. Tidiou’s diverse portfolio also includes campaigns for: 

  • Land Rover in Barcelona: Braving the Spanish heat to showcase the brand’s rugged elegance.
  • Nintendo’s Mario Kart in Bucharest: Merging pixelated nostalgia with high-energy styling in a surreal shoot.
  • ASDA in the English countryside: Capturing cozy knits in serene, dawn-lit settings.

Throughout his career, Tidiou has collaborated with brands such as H&M, Amazon, and Esprit, showcasing his adaptability and global appeal. His proudest moments include walking for Versace in Milan and infusing Senegalese flair into Ted Baker’s London studio.

FOUNDING THE MODEL’S MASTERCLASS: EMPOWERING ASPIRING MODELS

Recognizing the need for transparency and guidance in the modeling world, John and Tidiou partnered to establish The Model’s Masterclass. Their mission is to demystify the industry, offering aspiring models insights drawn from their combined experiences. The course delves into various facets of modeling, from securing castings to understanding the nuances of different markets. John and Tidiou aim to equip newcomers with the tools and confidence to thrive, whether they’re aiming for high-fashion runways or commercial projects. 

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE: EXPERIENCES ACROSS CONTINENTS

Collectively, John and Tidiou’s modeling careers have taken them across the globe: 

Europe: Walking for Giorgio Armani in Milan, where the fusion of classic tailoring and modern design creates timeless elegance. 

Americas: Collaborating with Brooks Brothers in New York, capturing the essence of American heritage and sophistication. 

Africa: Participating in vibrant campaigns in Cape Town, where the ocean meets urban edge. 

Asia: Engaging in editorial shoots that blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion narratives. 

Beyond: Exploring diverse locales, from the turquoise waters of Antigua to the Nordic cool of Copenhagen. 

LOOKING AHEAD: CONTINUING THE LEGACY

Today, both John and Tidiou remain active figures in the modeling world, continually seeking new challenges and opportunities. Through The Model’s Masterclass, they are committed to mentoring the next generation of models, emphasizing authenticity, resilience, and professionalism. Their journeys underscore the importance of adaptability and passion in building multifacetedÂ