Like the elegant animal her name takes inspiration from, Gezelle “Gigi” Renee is as graceful as it gets. Born in Ghana, the influencer and model has become an in-demand content creator, thanks to her natural sense of style, statuesque physique and warm vibrant personality. Having grown upand forged her career across three continents, Renee is an unstoppable force who has big plans of attending law school while nurturing her thriving profile as a stylish social media star.
What’s the backstory to your nickname, Gigi?
For as long as I can recall, my family has called me Gigi. I prefer it because my full name tends to get misspelled, which is annoying considering it’s usually right there in the e-mail or elsewhere! People tend to misspell it as Gisele, like the supermodel, or Gazelle. I make a conscious effort to be respectful of everyone’s names, because where I’m from, we have unique names that hold beautiful meanings to them.
You grew up in Accra, Ghana, and you also lived in Belgium. What was that like?
I’ve always felt that Belgium is a place where people have their lives (mostly!) together. You start a family, raise your kids and benefit from good health care and a great pension. It offers stability, but it can be a bit dull at times [Laughs]! There aren’t that many opportunities there for multi-hyphenates.
Did you always know that you would work in fashion?
Absolutely! I’ve always been fascinated by models, fashion and its textures and colors, as well as architecture. I was that kid who covered her walls with cutouts from magazines! But I never imagined it would actually come to fruition.
What brought you to the United States?
I moved here for college. New York offers better opportunities for individuals like me who are interested in exploring multiple creative pursuits.
How do you think your mix of backgrounds and now living in NYC has shaped you?
It’s been grounding. My mom was incredibly strict while I was growing up. Now, I appreciate that more than ever because of the values she instilled in me. I find myself capable of adapting to wherever I am in the world, thanks to an innate curiosity that drives me. Observing how people live their daily lives fuels me and has broadened my perspective, fostering acceptance of beliefs that may differ from my own.
What have been some recent career highlights?
Oh, I doubt I’ll ever get over working for Prada! I once had a dream where I walked in their runway show, which I thought was crazy even as a dream, so it’s still a surreal moment for me to even think about it happening. Working with them was such a pinch-me moment, as was working with Dior and Burberry. I hold every opportunity dear to my heart.
You’re always traveling somewhere fabulous. What recent destinations have been memorable?
Paris with Longchamp was the happiest trip for me. Everything was so special; I felt like I was in a movie. A recent trip to Aspen with Saint Germain was incredible and amazing, too. I also went to Thailand a few months ago with [shoe brand] Dolce Vita, which was cool.
Where’s next?
Probably Switzerland with my mom. I haven’t seen her in a year, so I’m excited. I was in Zurich for New Year’s Eve, but I would love to explore beyond the city and experience it in warmer temperatures. The picturesque villages are so quaint. I think being near a Swiss lake would be a perfect summer vacation spot.
Do you have any surprising or unexpected hobbies?
I used to play the saxophone, but it’s been years since I last picked it up. I would absolutely love to start playing again!
We hear you also have a background in law. Tell us more!
I studied human rights law. It’s always been a path I wanted to pursue, so I can become part of a nonprofit organization and worked globally to craft policies that positively impact my community. Once my loans are paid off, the plan is to go to law school!
What else are you passionate about?
Life! Love, sisterhood, fashion and jazz music. Black culture, joy, family and art.
What makes you feel your best?
Pilates has been life-changing for me. I generally feel my best when I’m moving my body in some way. Being by the ocean or under the sun—that’s where I truly thrive.
When are you at your most confident and beautiful?
When I feel good, I look good. I find joy in loving and being loved, being seen innately, feeling considered, being valued, staying true to my beliefs, working out and basking under the sun. I feel the most beautiful then.
What’s your biggest career dream that you’re actively working toward?
My goal is to eventually go to law school, but in terms of fashion, oh my, it’s endless! But for now, one day being invited to a heritage house fashion show in Milan or Paris would be amazing.
What’s your parting advice for those hoping to follow a similar career path in content creation and modeling?
Wake up every day and work toward your goals, because time will pass you by if you don’t, so why not at least try?
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Maxim magazine.