Daily Front Row

2012 January 23

From The Daily Berlin: Meet the Zombie Boy!

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Rick Genest aka "Zombie Boy"
Colin Singer View Gallery

(BERLIN) Until being discovered on MySpace by Gaga stylist and Mugler creative director Nicola Formichetti, Rick Genest was just your average twentysomething living in Canada with a penchant for tattoos. Suddenly, he became the most talked-about model on the Paris runways. Next up? Berlin, of course. BY ASHLEY BAKER

We understand that you only recently got a passport…so is this your first time to Berlin?
I was in Berlin last month for a short project, but this time I’m doing a number of projects related to Berlin Fashion Week. I’ll be here for a week.

What impressions do you currently have about the city?
I can feel that Germans are super-cultured and have a strong appreciation for fashion. Berlin seems to be a very cool place with good underground stuff. I’m looking forward to this experience.

What are you excited to see while you’re in town?
I’m open to whatever comes my way. It’ll all be good.

What do you expect to see at Berlin Fashion Week? 
Meeting and working with talented and interesting people!

How would you describe ‘fashion people?’
Wow! They are risk takers!

Who is your favorite German?
Mozart, Einstein, Claudia, Heidi, Boris, Steffi!

How did you get hooked up with Stüssy to DJ their party?
Our agent in Berlin!

Who are your go-to designers in terms of what you wear every day?
Honestly, I’m a real DIY fan so I try to stick to ‘Stuff by Rico.’ Pants, shirts, vests, caps and boots are in my zone.

How has your life changed since you were approached by Nicola to appear in his Mugler show and the Gaga video?
More travel. I’m also getting involved in projects involving acting, music, endorsements…more mainstream stuff.

Who came up with the term ‘Zombie Boy?’
The media, actually.

You like?
I’m good with it.

How do you think the Berliners will feel about your body art?
I think they are very cool, and they understand the artistic side of my body art.

Exactly how many tattoos do you have?
I like to think of this as one large tattoo!

Any new ones on the horizon?
Yeah. I’m finishing the backs of my legs now!

Are you working on any other projects?
Wow! Endorsements, a documentary film, and a cool music project are now in the works. And we are doing a live sideshow in April. I’m really psyched about the next four months!