He also continues to serve as a prominent face for his own university, headlining the official Dennings merchandise campaign and walking their campus fashion runway....
US TALK
Tall and commanding at 6’3”, effortlessly debonair and fiercely passionate, up-and-coming model and actor Faisal Memon is rapidly rewriting the rules of the local fashion scene. Charting his journey from the historic town of Gambat in interior Sindh to navigating a rigorous LLB degree at the Denning Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship, his path to the runway has been anything but conventional.
After catching the eye of Zinc Talent, Faisal has been on the fast track to success, carving out a niche for himself in a competitive industry. From walking for powerhouse designers like Amir Adnan to collaborating with Alkaram and fronting campaigns for contemporary brands like Zephyr and Wear Hype, his versatile look is undeniably turning heads.
He has also seamlessly transitioned into commercial screen work, recently starring in a campaign for Bean & Co. coffee shop and featuring in Saif Samejo’s music video ‘Zaroori Taa Naahy’. He also continues to serve as a prominent face for his own university, headlining the official Dennings merchandise campaign and walking their campus fashion runway.
Us: What first sparked the idea that you had what it takes to be a model?
Faisal Memon: Honestly, I dipped my toes into content creation quite a while ago. I initially built a solid, loyal following on TikTok, but the moment Instagram Reels blew up, I switched gears and focused my energy there. As my digital footprint expanded, I started crossing paths and interacting with fashion industry heavyweights. Watching them do their thing inspired me to level up. I already had the height, so I hit the gym, got hyper-focused on my fitness regimen and put in the sweat equity. As the physical transformation kicked in, the modelling gigs naturally started lining up.
Us: Since stepping into the fashion industry, what has been your ultimate moment?
FM: Meeting Tabesh Khoja. He is the ultimate fashion icon, a true maestro, and has become my guiding guru and mentor. Beyond his genius in the industry, he is just a genuinely phenomenal human being. He didn’t just give me the space to step into this world, he actively opened doors for me, putting his trust in my potential and personally getting me onboard for key projects. No matter how chaotic the industry gets, he has remained completely available for me, offering hands-on guidance whenever I’ve needed to navigate a career move.
Us: Your runway debut wasn’t exactly a standard, run-of-the-mill story. You were cast for a major show without a proper portfolio, right?
FM: It was absolutely surreal! For Parishae Adnan’s Darbar show, I didn’t even have a formal modelling portfolio or lookbook ready. The designer spotted me, saw the vision and bypassed the usual red tape entirely. She called me in straight for rehearsals, and a week later I was walking the ramp. I just went out there, trusted my gut, did my thing and thankfully, it went phenomenally well.
Us: Let’s talk a bit more about the Darbar show. What was the overall energy like backstage, considering it was your absolute baptism by fire?
FM: Honestly, it was immaculate vibes all around – just an incredibly positive, uplifting environment. There’s a very specific kind of creative synergy that locks into place when everyone’s energy is perfectly aligned. It completely cured my backstage nerves.
Us: What inspiration have you drawn from Parishae?
FM: Her unremitting dedication and the way she is completely locked into the details. She is absolutely uncompromising when it comes to perfection and seeing her command that level of authority and excellence at such a young age is incredibly inspiring.
Us: Since that breakout moment, what kind of work have you been securing?
FM: I’ve been making sure my portfolio stays versatile instead of boxing myself into one category. Aside from freelance projects, I’ve locked in seasonal campaigns for prominent local brands. I’ve also had the privilege of representing my own university – I modelled for their official merchandise campaign and walked the runway for their exclusive campus branding show. It’s always great to contribute to the place that’s shaping my mind.
Us: Fame, money or success – if you had to prioritise, how would you stack them?
FM: [I’d pick] success, hands down. The other two are just byproducts that naturally follow once you’ve truly achieved success. For me, success isn’t just about being a recognisable face; it’s when my name itself becomes a seal of quality. I want to get to a point where my attachment to a project is a guarantee that people will show up to watch.
Us: What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of maintaining a career in this industry?
FM: Staying in demand. The real hustle is reaching a level where people feel their projects are incomplete without you. To stay ahead of the curve, I know I have to keep my fitness on point, stay ahead of changing trends and master the technical side – knowing how the camera moves and how to command the spotlight when you’re sharing space with a dozen other models.
Us: Do you think having good looks and the right connections are the real keys to making it big today?
FM: Look, they definitely give you a massive head start. There’s no denying that good looks help you stand out in a crowded room, and the right connections let you skip the queue entirely. But let’s be real: connections only get you through the door; they won’t keep you in the room. If you don’t have the raw talent to back it up, the hype dies down. Only genuine talent has staying power.
Us: How do you handle phases of self-doubt?
FM: The moment doubt creeps in, I give myself a quick reality check: “You were chosen and signed for this project for a reason, so step up and deliver.” I remind myself that I lack nothing, that I’m a quick learner and that absolutely nothing is bigger than sheer will and determination.
Us: What is the current status of your acting endeavours?
FM: Acting is definitely on my immediate radar. I was actually just cast in a really compelling role for an upcoming drama serial starring Dananeer Mobeen and Shahveer Jafry. The production team needed me on set in Islamabad the very next day. Unfortunately, the stars didn’t align – I was tied up in Karachi with a conflicting shoot scheduled for the exact same time, so I had to pass on it. It was a tough pill to swallow.
Us: How much has your modelling career changed you as a person?
FM: Growing up, I was incredibly introverted, very skinny and tall and I was severely bullied because of it. I just didn’t have any confidence. I remember telling a school friend back then that I wanted to start going to the gym. He just laughed it off, looked at me and said, “Go eat something first. What are you going to do in a gym?”
Us: That kind of scepticism can either break someone or fuel them. How did you handle it?
FM: It fuelled me. Now, two or three years down the line, that exact same person is texting me, asking me for diet tips and fitness advice. That is the ultimate kick for me. It’s not about arrogance; it’s about proving to the people who made me feel small that effort makes a real difference. I wanted to show everyone who bullied me for being the “skinny, tall kid” what that kid could actually become.
My date of birth and zodiac sign are
May 5, Taurus.
The best thing about being a teenager was
Having an endless abundance of time to just vibe, hang out with my boys and live completely rent free without a care in the world.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
That awkward phase of navigating adult situations before you actually have the tools or maturity to handle them.
I was always listening to
I listen to my heart, but I execute with my brain.
My favourite subject was
English was my absolute love.
My least favourite subject was
Mathematics was my mortal enemy.
My friends were
Adventurous, bold and always down for the next big thing.
The artists on my playlist were
A heavy rotation of KK and Atif Aslam.
My favourite actors were
Ranbir and Shahid Kapoor.
My fitness inspirations were
Internationally, Chirag Khanna – his sheer charisma, elite fitness and shape-shifting ability to transform for roles is insane. Locally in Pakistan, Taimur Rumi sets the standard.
What hurt me the most was
Bullying and double standards. I absolutely cannot stand fake energy.
My fitness goals were
Being consistent at the gym. No off days for the vision.
My favourite sport was
Football.
