The world of modelling and music have collided with some impressive results. Carla Bruni has delivered some true French pop classics, whilst there’s a genuine high-energy fun in Heidi Klum’s recent dance-centric cover of eighties new wave hit Sunglasses at Night. We would add that we harbour an unapologetic love for Naomi Campbell’s Baby Woman opus which sparked top forty hit Love and Tears. The boys have also delivered some gems from Sundy Jules debut EP Seul, whilst Manu Noraced delights us with his regular album drops. However, out top spot for models turned musicians, is reserved for the beautiful Baptiste Giabiconi, regular collaborator with the late great Karl Lagerfeld.
The Marignane born Baptiste would carve a hugely successful global modelling career with collaborations with major fashion houses Chanel, Fendi and the previously mentioned Karl Lagerfeld. Appearances in fashion spreads in the likes of Vogue, Elle, Numéro Homme, V Man, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire, added to Baptise becoming a household name in the world of modelling and fashion. Whilst Baptiste’s career was going from strength to strength, the star also embarked on exploring another passion – music.
Baptiste sensationally dipped his toe in the musical world with the release of his debut single Showtime, an English language banger that shined with Baptiste’s French accented vocal, 2010s EDM beats, and production from Mats Rossander and Thom Carslym. After positive response to his debut, Baptiste would hit the studio again to record his English language debut album Oxygen which boasted singles including R&B infused electronic pop treat One Night in Paradise and bilingual gem Speed of Light. Boasting thirteen original tracks, Oxygen would showcase Baptiste as a formidable and charismatic pop talent – with the French public in agreement seen by the album hitting #1 in the nation’s album charts.
Unlike Oxygen which was released through fan-funded platform My Major Company, Baptiste’s sophomore album effort, Un homme libre, would see him release through Sony Music subsidiary, Be 1st Music / Smart. The LP recorded entirely in French language saw the launch of singe Je t’emmène avec moi, a high-spirited slice of guitar pop and Je te aime, a romantic mid-tempo. Whilst the set showcased Baptiste’s songwriting skills and musical finesse, it never quite high the same chart highs as Oxygen.
Baptiste would find himself at new chart heights with his most-recent single to date, a 2016 cover of Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder disco hit Love to Love You Baby. The number would see Baptiste channel the sexy intrigue of the original, but against updated tropical house inspired production. Baptiste shined when leaning into more dance-centred territory and paid fitting tribute to the disco classic, resulting in a top five hit for the musician. The track came accompanied by a titillating video which saw Baptiste collaborate with stars including Hailey Baldwin.
Baptiste continues to captivate with a successful career in the world of fashion and modelling, whilst also managing the responsibilities of fatherhood. The star has never confirmed whether he has closed the door on music, but we have high hopes that musician Baptiste will make a return in the future. Check out some of our favourite Baptiste Giabiconi hits below.
Showtime (2010)
One Night in Paradise (2012)
Speed of Light (2012)
Je t’emmène avec moi (2014)
Love to Love You Baby (2016)