From Paris to Los Angeles, Rayan Ricci has charted his path in fashion and acting by embracing change while staying true to himself
Born to Italian and Lebanese parents and raised in Paris, Rayan Ricci grew up in a multicultural household that encouraged him to shape his own identity and stay curious about the world. That openness carried him across cities, each leaving its own mark: Paris sparked his passion for fashion, art and cinema; Dubai taught him independence; London sharpened his social instincts; and Los Angeles—the city he dreamed of since childhood—is now where he focuses on both fitness and acting. “Doing it on my own, without anyone, was hard,” he admits. “But here I am and I feel grateful every single day.”
DAMAN: Was there a defining moment when you realized you wanted to live a creative life?
Rayan Ricci: Since I was very young, I watched movies with my parents. I remember not being interested in the cartoons other kids my age were watching. I always wanted to be part of a new story, a new set, a new role. I grew up with so much creativity inside me and wanted to share it with everyone. At school, when they asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said I wanted to be an actor, though no one took me seriously.
DA: Your career started with sharing content online. How did that evolve into collaborations with major fashion houses the likes of Dior, Prada and Hermès?
RR: I started by sharing my travels, taking good pictures—or at least people liked what I was posting. At first, I focused more on the places I visited than on myself. Then, as my audience grew, I thought, “Why not?” and started showing more of me. When I arrived in Dubai, many good souls encouraged me to use the potential they saw in me, and I signed with a modeling agency. These brand opportunities came along during a Sorbet Magazine shoot in 2020, just after Covid. It was exciting to work with brands of that level in a city like Dubai. I didn’t realize it would be the start of a new journey.
DA: Was there a specific campaign or first big job that felt like your real breakthrough moment?
RR: I wouldn’t say it was one job or campaign, but I remember a huge wave of appreciation after my look at the Burberry show right after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. I had picked a few items from the store and decided to style a Burberry monogram mini skirt—it was originally supposed to be a kilt, but I thought the mini skirt was cuter. And it was a hit. At the show, a few guests asked to take pictures with me, which I didn’t expect. I was very shy but happy people responded to my message: “Anyone can wear a skirt.” After the show, the photo I shared became my most reposted ever—it was really something.
DA: What have you learned about the fashion world that you didn’t know before entering it?
RR: The fashion world is amazing as long as you know how to play with it. It can be very dark at times, but the most important thing is to enjoy it. If you take yourself too seriously, you won’t have fun.
DA: When you’re on set, how do you switch between being yourself and embodying the character of a campaign or editorial?
RR: I’m an actor and I love playing different personas. So when I’m asked to be someone else, it just happens. I enjoy pretending to be another person for a moment—I find it fun.
DA: What drew you into acting after building a modeling career?
RR: Acting has always been my first passion. Modeling came unexpectedly once I moved to Dubai and my friends sent my photos to agencies. Honestly, I didn’t love it at first. I was used to taking pictures a certain way, and having someone direct me felt unfamiliar. But I’m glad it happened because it helped me understand my image and how to play with it in front of the camera.
DA: What has been the biggest surprise about the acting industry compared to modeling?
RR: In modeling, you represent a product. In acting, you represent someone. Both are ways to tell stories, but acting definitely requires more background work before shooting. When you play a role, there’s a lot to study so you can deliver the best performance. In modeling, you just show up and pose.
DA: You’ve trained at schools like Cours Florent and the Lee Strasberg Institute. What did you take away from that experience?
RR: These schools mostly taught me how to let go, to not always be in control of my image in front of someone or a camera. They teach many methods, but what I value most is the training and the network you can build there.
DA: Both modeling and acting demand a lot of discipline physically and mentally. How do you maintain that balance in your everyday life?
RR: Some people have therapists; I go to the gym. It’s my way of letting go and feeling better. That’s where my motivation comes from. At first, I only worked out to get abs and look good. Then I realized it made me feel good not only physically but also mentally. Exercise has such a positive effect on your mind. For me, it’s the only time I can think clearly, plan my days and feel comfortable.
DA: Fitness clearly plays a big role in your lifestyle and career. What does your daily workout routine look like?
RR: I try to plan my days around my workouts, but when work takes over, I fit them in where I can. I usually leave at least two hours between my last meal and my workout so I can digest properly. I also hike early in the morning and play tennis. Nutrition is a big part of my routine too, since I need fuel to perform at my best. Chicken, rice and broccoli are my best friends.
DA: What inspired you to create the Ricci Fitness App, and what do you want people to take away from it?
RR: The Ricci Fitness App was my way of helping and giving advice to the people who followed me and wanted to start working out. I didn’t have a coaching license, but I wanted to share the tips I personally used to get where I am. My clients really liked it, and we had amazing results.
I realized that when you stop posting or being present, people forget you. Now I take time off social media and enjoy the moment
DA: You have quite a following on social media. Do you ever feel there’s this pressure to always be “on” for your followers?
RR: I don’t anymore, but I used to. I realized that when you stop posting or being present, people forget you. I like to take time off social media and enjoy the moment. I don’t put as much pressure on it as I once did.
DA: Looking back so far, what’s been your proudest moment—either personal or professional?
RR: Moving to LA is something I had planned since I was a kid. Being here helps me grow more and more. Doing it on my own without anyone was hard, but here I am and I feel grateful every single day.
DA: When you imagine yourself five years from now, what do you hope your life looks like?
RR: Honestly, I’d be happy working full time as an actor. I hope to be in good health, still fit and living a peaceful life without the stress of trying to make it happen. And I really want a dog—a Doberman!
DA: If you could design your dream project—one that combines fashion, acting and also entrepreneurship—what would it be?
RR: I love to write, so maybe creating a script based on my history and life experiences. I don’t think my life is more interesting than anyone else’s, but I’d love people to see what I’ve seen and feel what I felt growing up.
DA: And for our final question, what’s something about you that people might be surprised to learn?
RR: I might come across as pretentious to some people, but at the end of the day, I’m very simple.
Photography Lensbymi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Model Rayan Ricci