Like her floral namesake, Ylang Messenguiral is in full bloom. An enigmatic Leo, she’s guided by an innate confidence; gratified by the thrill of a well-taken risk. For her, days are spent in the sensual company of a Sade soundtrack, dreaming of a slower, more peaceful existence on her island home of Madagascar – book in hand. Late nights are spent being seduced by the allure of the eclectic, neon-lit nightlife of Pigalle.
While her feet may be traversing the globe, Messenguiral’s sights are trained on wherever she is in this moment, grounded in her surroundings, taking each day as it comes and adapting like a chameleon to her ever-changing environment. The Madagascan-French model may not know where in the world she is at the best of times, but she’s grounded in knowing who she is.
My name is ...
Ylang Messenguiral.
I was named that because ...
My name comes from a tropical flower called Ylang Ylang, (“the flower of the flower”).
My age is …
22 years old.
The first thing you should know about me is ...
That I am half French and half Malagasy.
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I’m currently living in …
Paris.
The energy here feels …
It can feel quite hectic sometimes. But it’s always very creative.
But if I could be anywhere, I’d be …
I’d be in Madagascar; back on my little island, chilling under palm trees reading a book.
Something I’m known to indulge in is …
Reality TV shows, like Selling Sunset.
This chapter of my life would be called ...
“Nowhere”, because sometimes I don’t even know where I am – what country, or what time zone either.
My star sign is …
Leo.
It suits me because …
Leos are strong and independent.
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My worst trait is …
Sometimes I have a little bit of imposter syndrome.
Right now, I’m obsessed with …
Mexican art.
Late at night, you’ll find me …
At this bar called Pigalle Country Club in Paris.
I feel most in tune with myself when …
I’m travelling and discovering new countries and new cultures.
One thing I’ll never do is …
Stay in Paris for more than three weeks.
A lesson I’ve learned recently was that …
Whatever ‘where’ you are, whatever ‘what’ you do, just stay true to yourself. Be free and have fun.
The first person I share good news with is …
My grandparents.
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I am superstitious about …
Seeing birds in even numbers. It feels like bad luck if they are in uneven numbers.
A song that best describes me is …
Sade’s By Your Side.
The strangest thing I like to snack on is …
Bananas with hot sauce.
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I’m currently reading …
La salle de bal (The Ballroom) by Anna Hope.
My friends would describe me as …
Generous, and very good at adapting myself to every environment I am in.
The quality I admire most in others is …
It might be patience.
The future looks …
I don’t know, to be honest. I’m more of a day-by-day person, but I’m hoping the future is better than the day before!
To experience the Forbidden issue in its entirety, the November edition of RUSSH will be available on newsstands from 16 November and through our shop online. Find a stockist near you.
