Rayan Ricci and the Power of Self-Made Identity: “Acting pulls at my heart, but modelling is in my DNA”

With Lebanese-Italian roots and a Parisian upbringing, Rayan Ricci is stepping into his own spotlight—one grounded in emotional depth, creative discipline and a fearless sense of self.

Rayan Ricci doesn’t believe in moulds. Born in Paris to Italian and Lebanese heritage, the model and actor has transformed aesthetic and cultural fluidity into his greatest asset. After a stint in Dubai and a growing presence in Los Angeles, his trajectory has become a visual manifesto — blending physical discipline, emotional expression and a bold redefinition of traditional masculinity codes.

“My journey has felt like a series of leaps — as daring as they were inevitable,” he confesses, reflecting on his early steps in the industry. What began as a side dream quickly became a launchpad to explore new cities, work with brands like ASOS, H&M, and wear pieces by Dior. He featured in publications including The Perfect Man and Sorbet, but it was his shoot for the latter — clad in Prada and YSL — that marked a personal turning point: “That experience felt like validation.”

His versatility has also flourished through fashion. “From my Italian side, I inherited a love for tailoring and elegance; from my Lebanese roots, a passion for contrast and expressive colour. And Paris gave me an instinct for understated luxury.” This cultural mix allows him to navigate effortlessly between minimalism and maximalism, classic and experimental styles, always maintaining coherence.

At the same time, his generation lives image through the digital lens. “I try to remember that my identity isn’t defined by metrics,” he says. On social media, he shares workouts, travel, and spontaneous moments — ditching the pressure of perfection. “That transparency helps me stay grounded.”

The next step came naturally: acting. “I’ve always felt I was more than an image. Modelling teaches you presence; acting allows for narrative depth,” he explains. In ‘Tied to My Dangerous Mafia Husband’, he explored conflict through emotional truth, discovering how mental and physical balance are key to his craft. He trains, meditates, eats clean and writes regularly. “Without balance, everything starts to crack.”

When asked about his style, he reflects on the shifting norms of masculinity. “Men today can be bold, soft, dramatic or minimal — without judgement.” He draws inspiration from Californian streetwear, European tailoring, artistic movements, and his mood. “I like to mix structure and softness — a strong silhouette with a fluid texture.”

Cinema now dominates his creative horizon. He’s drawn to complex narrative worlds like ‘Euphoria’, ‘The White Lotus’, and even the Marvel universe. “I’m looking for projects that blend tension, identity and emotional depth.” While acting has become his centre of gravity, he doesn’t see it as a departure from modelling. “Acting is where my heart leans more and more — but modelling will always be part of my DNA.”