World Premiere Interview: Chad White

by Christopher Uvenio

Behind every iconic model like Gisele, Kate, or Naomi, there are usually four or five male models starring in the same shoot who never receive the attention they deserve. Here at MTV Style, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to remind you that there is such a thing as a male supermodel, and no his name is not Derek Zoolander.  His name is Chad White, and we chatted to the American model - who has starred in fashion campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and H&M - about his crazy workout regime, what it’s like to work with those Pretty Little Liars, his adorable puppy Batman, and of course, his signature look. Seriously guys, Zoolander’s ‘Le Tigre’ ain’t got nothin’ on Chad’s ‘Le Joker’!

Hey Chad! How’s it going?

Chad White: It’s going great! How about yourself?

 We’re super, thanks! So talk us through an average day in the life of a male supermodel…

Chad: I’ve learned that in a model’s life there is no such thing as an ‘average day’. Having said that, I do like to keep whatever routine my schedule will allow.

My mornings are typically early, something I prefer. I get up, whip up some breakfast and then head out the door to beat my butt in the gym, or run to whatever appointments I have scheduled. My days are usually spent outside, travelling, or out and about around the city, so I like to bring with me what I’m going to eat throughout the day. I love to cook and the better I eat, the better I feel, so the two really go hand in hand.

My evenings are more relaxed. Maybe squeeze in an evening cycle or boot camp, and then it’s back home to cook up once more (usually some type of protein, veggie, and carb - quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato), before winding down.

 Having appeared in countless fashion campaigns and editorials it is safe to say that you have mastered the art of posing, but do you have a signature look?

Chad: Well, since ‘Blue Steel’ is already taken… Usually my smile always wins it for me. I’m a jokester and I am all about having a good time on set.

In all seriousness, I think staying true to your personality and having fun is crucial when modelling. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing photographers and like to think that I keep it pretty versatile depending on the job.

 So what should we call your signature look?

Chad: Hmm, ‘Le Comic’? I’m liking this French theme. ‘Le Joker’? Seeing as my dog is named Batman, it’s only fitting...

 Let’s go with ‘Le Joker’ then!  It’s hard not to notice that you appear shirtless A LOT in magazines - what do you like to do to keep fit?

Chad: I like to eat clean, trying not to eat too late or close to bed. I workout at least an hour a day and usually vary exercises to keep it interesting. Walking/hiking/swimming/running are all great alternatives to the day-to-day gym visits. I’m also a huge fan of boot camps (shout out to Barry!). Cycling is also a favourite of mine. I joined some of the other guys at my agency Soul Artist Management recently to host a charity ride at Flywheel to benefit Boys and Girls Club. 

 Is there a particular exercise in the gym you secretly look forward to?

Chad: I don't need much equipment for abs, making it super easy to do anytime and really anywhere. I’m also an advocate of the squat – body weight exercises are too often overlooked!

You recently shot with those naughty Pretty Little Liars girls for GQ!  We can’t believe they tried to rip your towel off you?!

Chad: Four against one, the odds were not in my favour..

 They so weren’t. Who was the most mischievous on set?

Chad: They’re all pretty mischievous; I had to step my game up for sure.

 They didn’t happen to tell you who ‘A’ is, did they?

Chad: … I’m not really at liberty to say.

 Hmm. So what would be your dream job to book in the fashion industry?

Chad: This is a tough question... I really love Dolce & Gabbana. Domenico and Stefano have always been so awesome to me. The twins Dean and Dan are rock stars that own DSquared2, they are two of my favourites for sure... Of course I like Ralph Lauren too. I grew up dreaming about RL clothes, and now the people at RL are all my friends, so the company means a lot more to me. And I can't forget Giorgio Armani. That's too hard of a question to narrow down to one for me.

If MTV happened to cast you in a fantasy editorial (photographed by Mert & Marcus, obviously) who would you choose to star in it with you if we gave you the choice of Rihanna, Britney, or Miley? 

Chad: All the above? I admire all three ladies. They all bring something different to our music/pop culture scene and think the combination could be pretty amazing, don’t you?

 We think we’d die. So we recently read on Twitter that your puppy was attacked by another dog at doggy day care - is he okay now?!

Chad: He is okay now. It was unfortunate because I really trusted this day care to take care of him and now will be thinking twice before I let anyone look after him. Batman has become a huge part of my life since I adopted him. I’ve always been a big animal lover and would hate to see this happen to anyone’s pet.

 Being a model you have to be disciplined most of the time, but do you have a guilty pleasure you can’t seem to quit?

Chad: This is easy... gelato.