Monday, February 9, 2015

Chad White: Sexiest Man Alive Interview Part 4!



You are most known for your editorial in the June 2006 issue of L’Uomo Vogue shot by Steven Klein, how would you describe working with such a talented photographer? It was surreal. Having the opportunity to work with such an influential name so early on in my career truly cannot be summed up into words. I will never forget that experience, especially now, since I can fully understand the magnitude of it all.

However, I remember that back in 2008 you did “Icarus” editorial for Out Magazine, was that fun to shoot? Were the wings heavy?  And most importantly, did you get to keep them? (I have a slight obsession with wings LOL) That shoot was definitely a ton of fun. The wings were on the heavier side but the adrenaline from the excitement of the day made me completely forget. Unfortunately, I did not get to keep the wings or else I would be more than happy to let you try them out! –




I don’t want to put you in an awkward position by asking you your most treasured project so far; instead I’d like to know, what is your most and least favorite part of being a model? My favorite part would have to be the amazing people I get to meet and the places I get to travel to. Every single person I have met in this industry is incredibly passionate about what they do and you can’t help but have it rub off on you.




My least favorite part would have to be the negativity that a competitive nature can bring about. I have been extremely fortunate to work with friends that build each other up and support one another but I know that this is not always the case. I think this can be found in many different work environments. People need to remember that someone’s success is not the equivalent to your failure. ­– I couldn’t have said it better myself.




If you could give just a piece of advice to anyone who wants to become a model, what would it be? Perseverance is key. If I gave up when a door was shut in my face, I definitely would not be where I am today. If you really want it, you’ll make it happen. It may not follow the timeline you have planned out, but belief will be your best friend and doubt, your worst.


Whenever you’re not half-naked you wear some stylish and dapper clothes in your campaigns and editorials, but that’s not your fashion, is it? How would you describe your style? My style is more laid back, casual. Throw on a t-shirt and a pair of jeans and I’m good to go. I always like to throw on a nice suit and class it up a bit as well.


Greatest fitness tip you can share. Switch it up. There’s nothing worse than doing your everyday routine and not seeing any results. I’m a huge fan of variety – boot camps, hiking, biking, surfing, etc. Surround yourself with people that will motivate you just as much as you can motivate them. – Great! Want to be my workout partner? ;)


Best and worst (if you have any) part of your body?  Hmm, I’ve always liked the height I was given (less fighting for the front at concerts/movie theatres is always a bonus). As far as the worst, there’s always room for improvement but I think far too often people get caught up in the little things. I don’t know how you can expect to look your best when you’re picking at your flaws. You eat right, exercise regularly, and live a balanced life because you love your body. Hate gets you nowhere.



Now let’s talk about birthdays and parties, what’s your cherished birthday gift or memory and why? Every fond memory I have always includes my family and friends. Of course, I’m not a complete saint. Gifts are pretty great. But nothing compares to celebrating with a group of people you love and that truly love you too.

­


Do you prefer cake, cupcakes or ice cream? (Do you even eat carbs?) Well, I’ve never been one to discriminate… - Me neither
Chad White’s signature cocktail. Tequila and Lime. Simplicity at its finest.  – Ay ay ay, salud!!!



If you are the beach do you wear a speedo, swim trunks, swim shorts or you go skinny-dipping? Well, this all depends on my crowd, and location for that matter. I have been known to rock quite a few speedos but typically stick to the swim trunks. Skinny-dipping is always a fun game changer. – Now we’re talking!



A guilty pleasure you can’t seem to quit. Billy’s Bakery – always worth the mini food comma aftermath.
Who is your celebrity crush and why? After shooting with the lovely ladies from Pretty Little Liars I may have picked up a crush… or four. – I have to agree, they’re very pretty!



Follow Chad White on Twitter and Instagram @chad__white 


Chad White: Interview Part 3

          

As one of the most popular male mods on the planet right now, Chad White is as sweet as he is gorgeous. This recently turned 30 guy also has some major wit and charm as you’ll read in the latest installment of ‘Male Model Moments.’
You know him from his work for  Dolce & Gabbana (“Domenico and Stefano have always been so awesome to me,” he tells us) and DSquared (“The twins are two of my favorites for sure”). And let’s not forget his work with Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Nautica. Our fave recent work with Chad is Michael Bastian‘s lookbook for his Spring 2015 collection.


Male mags love him too, with editorials in Vogue Hommes, Interview,  Maxim Italia, DETAILS, and L’Uomo Vogue, to name a few. You get it it, we get it, so so let’s get the 411 on Mr. Chad White… 


Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Current City: NYC
Single/Married/Dating?  Single
Nickname: Chaddycakes. Can’t remember who exactly is responsible but it just stuck.
What were you like as a kid in a word: A goof.


What’s your guilty pleasure? Billy’s Bakery. All the way.
How often do you call your Mom? I speak to my family as often as possible. Being on opposite ends of the country makes it difficult sometimes
What’s your number one fitness tip? Just get out there. I don’t think I’ve ever said, “Man, I really regret that workout”.
Who is your biggest fan? My family


Where would you like to retire? Give me a beach and I’ll be happy.
How many times do you go on Instagram every day? Ballpark or rough estimate? Pretty frequently. Adding it to the list of guilty pleasures.
Do you read the comments?  Whenever I have the chance, I do. I appreciate everyone’s support and some provide a good amount of comedic relief to a hectic day.


What websites do you go to? Besides Instagram? Models.com, GQ.com…and of course Fashion Week Daily.  (Editors note: Thank you, sir.]
Any desire to act? Absolutely! It’s something that has peaked my interest quite a bit lately.
How many times have you watched Zoolander? I’d say too many times, but I know that’s not possible.


What quote do you live by?  I have quite a few, but one of my personal favorites came from one of my teachers – Mr. Freemark. He stuck a post-it note on my desk while I was sleeping during class that said “A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad sleep away his hour of opportunity.” It definitely woke me up.
What’s your specialty in the kitchen?  I can cook up a mean frittata.

What facial products do you use?  I’m pretty straightforward and simple when it comes to products. Eating right is the best thing you can do for your skin. I also swear by Aqua Velva after-shave.
What’s the secret to great skin? Put quality in and you’ll definitely get quality out. The cleaner your food is, the better your skin will look.


Do you have a favorite female model? Oh, geez. There are so many that I admire and follow as their careers progress. Do I really have to pick a favorite?  
When’s the last time you were scared and why? My dog [Batman] was recently attacked when staying the weekend at a doggy day care. It was pretty scary having something happen to someone who means so much to me. He’s recovered like a champ.
What word sums up your current state of mind?  Happy!


Chad White: America's Most Wanted SuperModel Part 2


Believe it or not, I've only just met Chad White as recent as backstage Perry Ellis and I fell absolutely in love with him. I even sent his agent Jason Kanner (who has played a major role in his career) a text telling him so. "I know...that voice," he replied. Sure he's got an amazing ass and a great set of abs but with Chad, it's so much more than that. With his beautiful smile and kind voice he is one of the sweetest people I've ever met.



Raised in Portland, Oregon, Chad's dreams of playing for the major leagues came to an abrupt halt with the injury of an elbow. With his sites set on the Navy, a chance phone call left him not only destined for greatness but working with some of today's most influential photographers.



And work he does. In addition to walking the catwalk for some of the world's most prestigious designers, Chad also devotes time to helping out when and wherever he can. Thus making him not only one of today's most sought after male models but due to his charity work for the gay community and AIDS research, somewhat of a gay icon.


He is shy, humble and FYI the magazines do not do his body justice. We love Chad White!


What up Chad?
JD Ferguson: Okay Chad, time for the 64 million dollar question. Gay or Straight?
Chad White: Straight.
JD: So there's no way I can talk you in to having sex with me?
CW:
Nope.





JD: Would a six pack of Pabst help?
CW: Maybe Heineken.
(laughs)

JD: Okay we'll come back to that. So your from Portland?
CW: Yep, Portland, Oregon.
JD: And your how old?
CW: 30





JD: And when did you start modeling?
CW: I started my senior year in high school working for Nike. I was pursuing baseball as a dream.





JD: Oh ya, weren't you like a known "up-and-comer" headed for the major leagues?
CW: Ya, I was under the wing of a retired major leaguer who was sort of my mentor and he started grooming me in that direction until I hurt my elbow. I started modeling more seriously as way to pay for the surgery.




JD: So did you know enough to say, "I have to get to New York if I wanna make it big," or how did you get back east?
CW: Well I joined the navy at that time.
JD: What!? The Navy? That's hot.
CW:
Well I was drinking and partying a lot so I needed a little structure and discipline and I thought that would be a good way.




JD: Okay so how did you go from the Navy to being Steven Klein's muse?
CW: (laughs) Uh, Jason Kanner had seen Polaroids of me and called me the day before I was shipping out.
JD: No way, talk about destiny.
CW: Ya.
JD: So Jason Kanner literally saved you from the military. Are you happy with the way it's all worked out?
CW: Ya, it's a dream come true.





JD: And besides your obvious good looks, you have won over fans by donating your time for charities. How did you fall in to that?CW: Well my booker Jason is one of my best friends in New York and whenever he comes to me and presents
opportunities to give back I'm always all for it.
JD: So you are obviously aware that you have a huge gay following. How does that feel?
CW:
I'm honored. A fan is a fan gay or straight, it's all the same to me.




Interviewed by JD Vision

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Noah Mills: Not Your Typical Poster Boy!


Noah Mills (born April 26, 1983) is a Canadian model and actor.
Noah Mills is not your typical poster boy. Shuffling around his new Los Angeles home, he’s quick to loosen up and share stories, bursting into laughter and cussing like a sailor between anecdotes.




“When I was young,” he says, “I would act out in crazy ways to make sure people cared about me—I even ended up in jail for a night.”





He was in a Canadian boarding school at the time, where drugs and car theft were an unofficial part of the school curriculum. That was after a stint at a rural school in Australia, where the local sport was shooting kangaroos and bashing other kids.


“I’ve always been a bit of a chameleon, because I jumped around so much,” he says, before describing the look he rocked at an inner-city school in Oakland—“a fake gold tooth and chains, and my pants around my ass so I wouldn’t get beat up.” He pauses. “You gotta fit in, you know?”





Fitting in is not something that has come naturally to Mills, best known as the glistening Adonis on billboards for Dolce & Gabbana. His globe-trotting youth—from Toronto to Baltimore to Australia and then back to Canada—has left its imprint.




“I think Mom wanted us to be worldly and not get trapped in an American neighborhood lifestyle,” he says. “She wanted us to go out and have experiences, not be close-minded suburban kids.”



Mills’s ability to adapt quickly proved valuable when he moved to New York at age 18 to pursue modeling. Lost in a spiral of temptation in the big city, he found solace in acting.





“When I started modeling, I didn’t really know what I was passionate about,” he says. “My agent at Wilhelmina told me, ‘Why don’t you go and act? You have a certain energy and spark that should be used.’ It was definitely a form of therapy with what I was going through.”





His first acting jobs -- a memorable romp with Kim Cattrall in Sex & the City 2 and a recurring role in the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls -- played up his good looks, but did little to liberate his creative energy. “I saw the value and fun of opportunities like Sex & the City,” he says, “but I felt like I was in a creative clog. The things I was auditioning for were so far from the commitment level that I wanted to find in a character. So I thought, Let me write something.”




Now he has. In Wracked, a short film that Mills wrote and produced, he plays Sean, a tattooed, foul-mouthed guy from the wrong side of the tracks who returns home after a five-year prison sentence. It won him a Best Actor nod at Manhattan’s the Golden Egg Film Festival. “My character and I share the same internal struggles,” Mills says.





“The desire to love and be the leader of the pack, the alpha male -- all those self-destructive behaviors have definitely been part of my life.”


NY to join Milan, London & Paris for Menswear in July 2015!


New York will cement its status as world fashion capital in July by launching a men’s fashion week to showcase the luxury masculine clothing market.




The Council of Fashion Designers of America said Men’s Fashion Week would take place twice a year, the first from July 13 to 16 in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan with collections for spring/summer 2016.




“American menswear has never been stronger or more creative,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA.
“There are many reasons the CFDA is launching New York Fashion Week: Men’s.




“It gives the designers a business platform to show during their market dates and is an opportunity to demonstrate the collective talent of an important segment of our industry.”
The week will showcase catwalk shows, presentations and special events.




US designer Tommy Hilfiger has been one of the chief advocates of men’s fashion week and will showcase designs alongside stalwarts such as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Rag and Bone.
New York now joins the fashion capitals of Europe — Milan, Paris and London, which already host men’s weeks alongside twice-yearly weeks spotlighting women’s fashion.


    New York is joining the ranks of Milan, London and Paris with its own week dedicated to men’s fashion. The CFDA announced Thursday it is officially launching New York Fashion Week: Men’s, a standalone showcase for American men’s fashion at Skylight Clarkson Sq. The biannual, three-day event will kick off July 13, 2015 with the Spring ’16 collections.


New York Fashion Week: Men’s will feature a mix of runway shows, presentations and special events. The CFDA, which owns the Fashion Calendar, will organize the shows aligned with New York Men’s Market Week. Amazon’s fashion sites, Amazon Fashion, East Dane, and MyHabit, are Presenting Sponsors. Shinola will provide additional support.

CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said, “American menswear has never been stronger or more creative. There are many reasons the CFDA is launching New York Fashion Week: Men’s. It gives the designers a business platform to show during their market dates and is an opportunity to demonstrate the collective talent of an important segment of our industry.”
CFDA board member Tommy Hilfiger, an early champion of New York Fashion Week: Men’s, will participate in the inaugural event. Calvin Klein Collection, Michael Kors, Rag & Bone, Public School, Billy Reid, Todd Snyder, Michael Bastian, Ovadia & Sons, Robert Geller, Duckie Brown, Patrik Ervell, Orley and Kent and Curwen, will also present their collections. More names are to be confirmed.

The program was developed under CFDA’s director of strategic partnerships Adam Roth, and Mark Beckham joined in a consultant capacity as project director for New York Fashion Week: Men’s.


New York Menswear's Fashion Week July 2015!


Last summer, designer Michael Bastien sparked a  talk about the relevance of New York Fashion Week for men’s designers when he decided not to show as usual. Bastien had shared, “September for men’s just doesn’t really work. I know everyone is trying hard to figure this out, but for now July is when we’re still selling the collection. It made no sense to show in September.


Men’s buyers are in town for Project [tradeshow]; Michael Kors and Rag & Bone have started doing things in July.” It seems that Bastien and menswear designers will get their wish as the Council of Fashion Designers of America push forward with efforts to secure funding for a New York Men’s Fashion Week, slated to launch in July 2015.


CFDA chief executive officer Steven Kolb revealed to WWD, “We have a little bit of money committed, but we need a little bit more. We have designer, editor and buyer interest. There are still a lot of boxes that need to be checked, but we have tentative dates for July of ’15 to be the first one.” 
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