We speak to our new Male Model James and ask him a few questions about himself and what it’s like to be a model!
Who is your style icon?
Past: James Dean. How can you not pay respect to a past style icon who still to this day photographs of him exude what I consider to be the epitome of cool. James Dean for me, whether it be in a basic tee and jeans or a sharp suit, was always looking amazing. If I were alive during his prime I would definitely have looked toward him as my style icon.
Present: David Beckham. We are constantly bombarded with images of Posh and Becks – in print, at events, photos of them walking down the street, and rightly so. They are a stunning couple and their fashion sense is almost always spot on. David Beckham is my style icon because he always looks amazing no matter what he is wearing. He isn’t too outrageous in what he wears and the way in which he dresses makes it feasible in my mind that anyone can mimic this style and pull it off looking just as fantastic as he does. There is almost an effortlessness to his style as well, in the sense that for David Beckham he doesn’t appear to be trying too hard to look good: but he just does – every single time. Whether it’s casual daywear, night time or formal wear I look to Becks as a present day style icon.
How did you find out about BGM?
I read an article online which featured BGM founder Darrianne Donnelly talking about the lack of plus size male models in the modelling industry. I had always been told by people that they thought I had great eyes and smile and thought “why not?” So here I am!
What do you love about being a model?
I think the most important thing about being an “authentic” plus-size model is having the confidence within yourself to portray a healthy body type. It’s about embodying positive self-esteem and being a role model for those who are not the equivalent of a size 6 and showing that you can be big and beautiful; and, at the same time healthy.
What is your favourite brand?
I tend to gravitate towards Ben Sherman, MARCS and ZARA MAN when I shop. There is something about the quirkiness of the Ben Sherman designs that draws me to them; while the winter trends of MARCS allow me to either dress up with their range of jackets and trench coats while their knit sweaters are great for casual everyday wear in colder weather. I love ZARA MAN because it’s very unique to Melbourne men’s fashion. The designs are very European and I can almost guarantee I will find something there that I can’t find anywhere else.
What’s unique about you?
Physically – My dark features such as dark hair, eyebrows with a combination of my light coloured eyes (they change between blue/green/grey) allow me to morph between looking typically Caucasian as well as appearing European. Personality – I have a quirky personality with the ability to make almost anyone laugh or I’ll die trying!
