Malika Louback

“During my studies, I had to understand many notions from mechanics, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. I was interested in everything, some classes more than others of course, but I wanted to be focused on what I was doing. I always worked by setting priorities. When I left Djibouti, my priority was to be an engineer in a specialty that I was passionate about and in which I projected myself. That is why I absolutely wanted to finish my studies before starting anything else.”

“When I started modeling, everything was really new and fascinating for me. That’s why I devoted a lot of my time and attention to it. I call this period “ the full immersion ”. Today I have managed to find a balance in both careers. Whenever I have time between jobs I work on a project that I would like to develop in Djibouti. For the moment, I prefer to remain discreet about my ideas. I like to talk about my projects once they are finished. I aspire to offer a concept that is new and very natural in the Djiboutian landscape.”

“I have already been confronted with several challenging situations as a Black woman, as a Black woman engineer, and a Black model but all these events have finally had a very positive impact on me,” she explains. “I have turned all these criticisms and challenges into fuel for my engine.”

“And I always wanted to be an engineer. Probably because I have been fascinated by the knowledge and reasoning abilities of my father ever since I was a child. He is also an engineer.”

“The most outstanding show I’ve walked for is Saint Laurent. The whole staging and the energy throughout the show was unique and electrifying.”

“What really pushed me to be a model is to represent my country, Djibouti, in this industry. To be the first Djiboutian woman represented on the cover of this prestigious magazine is a tremendous source of pride for me.”

“Being a model is to inspire, to make people dream and to promote diversity at the same time,”

“At our first meeting, the team made me feel I had potential. I signed a few days after.”