Model, DJ and undisputed hunk Willy Monfret is coming to the Pearl River Delta. Possibly most notable for his sensual roll in Nicki Minaj’s music video for ‘Right Thru Me,’ Monfret is rolling through Guangzhou and Shenzhen this week to show off his own musical proficiency, hitting the decks at Suns Bar Lounge (July 7) and Club Viva! Shekou (July 8).
When we heard he'd be coming to town, we knew we had to chat with him, although getting ahold of the globe-trotting Parisian proved harder than we thought. To quote Mugatu, “he’s so hot right now,” and getting him on the phone between appearances in Ibiza, France, the States and Hong Kong took some time.
When we finally managed to talk with Monfret this weekend, he was halfway up a mountainside in Hong Kong on a leisurely Saturday hike. Luckily for us, and our readers' insatiable curiosity, Monfret took a few minutes to chat with us about DJing, Derek Zoolander and, of course, Nicki Minaj’s body odor.
Excited to be back in Asia?
Well, I mean, it’s always a pleasure to come to Asia, you know I’m in love with Asian culture and I’ve been in Shenzhen so many times. In Guangzhou also. So it’s a big, big pleasure to come back, you know? I know the Asian crowd, very energetic, so it’s an honor to be here.
When were you last in Guangzhou?
Guangzhou, I think like four years ago.
Your career has been wildly eclectic, with success in both modeling and DJing, as well as film, give us a brief rundown of how this all started.
When I started traveling as a model, I met other people in the nightlife industry and we were interested in creating parties together. One day in Hong Kong actually, stuck at this party called ‘Rooftop,’ I just decided to DJ to my own party. It went very well, and through traveling as a model I got other shows all around the world, and then it took over.
You had a steamy, starring role in Nicki Minaj’s video for ‘Right Thru Me.’ How did you get involved with that project?
When I moved to New York city six years ago it was actually one of my first jobs. After two months, I got involved with a casting director and I did a few different acting situations, and then Nikki just picked me and I flew right away to Los Angeles to do her music video.
Seeing as you have been up-close and personal with Minaj, can you comment on whether she really smells like cotton candy?
[Laughs] That’s an amazing question. I’m not sure she smells like cotton candy but she’s a really, really beautiful woman and we had great chemistry together.
Watch Minaj’s video for ‘Right Thru Me’ below (VPN off):
Outside China? Watch on YouTube.
Who would you consider a better role model for young models: Derek Zoolander or Hansel?
Zoolander, for sure.
After chatting with people prior to this interview, it's safe to say that most consider you a major heartthrob. Tell us a bit about how you stay in shape and keep yourself looking drop-dead gorgeous.
Well that’s the idea. When I travel I try to do different stuff, like right now I'm hiking, so that's a workout. Running around the city is a workout, but at the same time I discover wherever I am. Most of the time when I travel I ask for a hotel with a gym, so I really try to keep in shape. It’s a pretty interesting balance.
Any particular dishes you are looking forward to eating while in Shenzhen and Guangzhou?
I’m open. You have to show me what’s local.
Oh, you definitely have to try the dim sum!
I love to go to dim sum restaurants, so hopefully I’ll try that. I’m really into food.
Anything else you would like to say to get people hyped for your arrival?
No, just that I’m the one who's hyped. We’re going to have a great, great, great time together. It’s going to be fire.
Thank you so much for chatting with us, we really appreciate you taking the time out of your hike.
Of course, always, thank you so much.
Guangzhou: Fri Jul 7. Suns Bar Lounge.
Shenzhen: Sat Jul 8. Club Viva! Shekou.
WIN!
Want to have dinner with Willy Monfret? For a chance to admire his face from close up (or ask him about his musical inspirations, it’s up to you), head to Club Viva! Shekou’s Thursday Ladies’ Night – where two lucky ladies will be selected to join the star for a meal at Brasserie La Maison in Shenzhen.
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