AMCK Models Chat To PAUSE
Jos Whiteman
What’s the difference between modelling in Milan to London?
Milan has bigger shows, bigger productions and there’s different places which gives it more character I believe.
What Milan shows have you walked in, this season and in previous ones?
Best shows in Milan include Neil Barrett, Andrea Pompilio, Costume National. That’s Milan so far.
What shows do you want to walk for in the future and why?
One more show I’d like to do is Prada because I feel like it defines fashion in terms of modelling and shows. You can’t get better than that.
What would that do for your modelling career?
It would clarify that I’ve done well and I’ve achieved what I wanted to.
Three tips for a model coming to Milan for the first time?
Relax, be friendly, don’t let it get to your head and just enjoy it.
Jonathan Mitchell
What’s the difference between modelling in Milan to London?
The difference I think is that there’s a lot more brands for diverse models like Vivienne Westwood, Philipp Plein.
We have the same amount of brands in London?
I think the brands in London are for the more generic models whereas the tattooed models I think there’s more work here for them.
What Milan shows have you walked in, this season and in previous ones?
This is my first season in Milan.
What shows do you want to walk for in the future and why?
Philipp Plein because they put a lot of money into the shows so it’s a lot of fun, there’s a lot of famous people there.
Three tips for a model coming to Milan for the first time?
Go to the castings as soon as they start, don’t leave it till the end otherwise you’ll be queuing for hours. Make sure you have internet on your phone otherwise you’re never going to get around anywhere. Definitely go to all the fashion parties where you can network and get to know some cool people.
Alexander James
What’s the difference between modelling in Milan to London?
I would say the quantity of requests I get as a tattooed model is a lot more because there’s a bigger demographic for it here. London is a lot more classic, I think in Italy they seem happy to break through rules.
Why do you think that is?
I think in Milan you have all the biggest brands and it’s nice to come as a tattooed model and be in the same castings as guys that are a lot more classic. I’ve been told that I have quite a classic look with a modern sort of vibe to it as well so to try and merge the two together is quite a big difference to London. There’s more opportunity here for a tattooed model.
What Milan shows have you walked in, this season and in previous ones?
I’ve never been to Milan, this is my first year.
What shows do you want to walk for in the future and why?
Philipp Plein because his shows and his events are just legendary and if I could walk that show I’d feel like I’ve done my bit and I’ve definitely achieved something, that and Vivienne Westwood primarily because before I was a model I saw her shows and it had tattooed models in it and I think if I could reach that level then that would again be a massive achievement.
Three tips for a model coming to Milan for the first time?
Get a good moisturiser, be open-minded, be ready for some sleepless nights. It’s not something you can come to unprepared.
David Valensi
What’s the difference between modelling in Milan to London?
I actually think if anything they are becoming a bit more similar, just because of the diversity of the types of models that are being used. With people like Marcelo Burlon showing it’s a lot more urban and streetwear style.
What Milan shows have you walked in, this season and in previous ones?
In Milan I’ve done… I’ve done County of Milan twice. I’ve also done…
What shows do you want to walk for in the future and why?
I’d love to do Givenchy. I’ve done Phillip Lim and it’s the same casting director so maybe if I do eventually go back to Paris then Givenchy is the one I’d love to do.
Three tips for a model coming to Milan for the first time?
Make sure your phone works, enjoy the city and make the most of it because it’s a beautiful place and just have fun really.
Aaron Miller
What’s the difference between modelling in Milan to London?
Well for me specifically it’s a great honour to be out here having dreadlocks, being mixed race, there’s hardly any of us out here. The main difference that I’m noticing is that it’s a lot more strict and there’s a lot more people in the lines. The lines can be two and a half hours and it’s brutal because you’re only in there for literally four seconds.
What Milan shows have you walked in, this season and in previous ones?
I did Philipp Plein exclusive in the summer of 2015 and I’ve walked for Generation Africa (Pitti Uomo).
What shows do you want to walk for in the future and why?
Vivienne Westwood because they’re looking for bad boy mixed race guys so if they don’t book me then something’s wrong!
Three tips for a model coming to Milan for the first time?
Number one, have a heart of stone. You need to have a heart of stone because it’s so cut-throat. Number two, don’t trash up and go partying all the time because you need to look fresh. If you’ve got a spot, because they’re so strict, they will cut you. Number three, be happy and make sure you have positive energy. A lot of people they doubt themselves, you need to believe in yourself.
Noa Thomas
What’s the difference between modelling in Milan to London?
I think London is different in the sense that the designers seem to prefer models that are from the city, if there’s a London boy versus a boy from somewhere else I think they will gravitate towards the London boy. I don’t know if that’s necessarily true but that’s what I’ve seen. In Milan it seems that whoever is there has an open chance. It’s not a bad thing, I can definitely respect loving where you’re from. London and Milan are two different worlds.
What Milan shows have you walked in, this season and in previous ones?
In Milan, last season, I did Bottega Veneta, Neil Barrett … Corneliani.
What shows do you want to walk for in the future and why?
In this industry if you feel like you really want to do something and then you don’t get it, it feels personal. If you just say I’m going to go and whatever happens happens then you’ll be happy with whatever. Burberry is a show that I’ve done before and it’s an amazing show and the team is just phenomenal, they’re people I really enjoy working with. I would be ecstatic to do it again.
Three tips for a model coming to Milan for the first time?
Go to every casting they give you, the more time you spend going to castings the directors will see who is actually interested. I think if you’re really trying, people read that. Get a lot of sleep, for me during fashion week I don’t really go out much at this point just because I’m so drained and tired. For me personally I really like to eat healthily, I need to eat in a way that my body is okay with.
Interviewed by Johnson Gold
Transcribed by Selina Islam
