Crotch Issue 7

Crotch 1

Crotch

2 Crotch

Crotch 3

issue 7

RESORT WEAR 21/22

Crotch 11

So much has happened since the last issue of Crotch: Britney’s free, Kylie’s moving back to Australia, and America is allowing us Brits back in. Speaking of big changes, we’ve made some of our own. Crotch has moved into new premises, with our own photography space so we can bring readers the best shoots possible. We tell you this good news to keep you abreast of developments and also so you can update your records for postcards, mail, and Christmas card lists (JK, sort of).

We do love it when you guys reach out to us. Yes, we pride ourselves in finding beautiful sexy men around the world. Our internet stalking is off the scale. But we also love to hear from you. Whether you want to be photographed, have someone you want to see in Crotch or simply want to tell us who your favourite Crotch guys are, it’s always great to hear your feedback.

This issue we celebrate going out again with the boys from London’s Hard Cock Life club night, profile the Dutch wonder that is Matthias Vriens and his latest venture in digital dick, bow down to all things redhead in the Red Hot phenomenon, and we’ve got the sexiest shoots of the hottest men from all around the world to share with you. Feedback on those much appreciated.

And if you like what you see, show us some love by wearing it on your sleeve with your very own Crotch merchandise. Our Crotch tee’s are re-stocked, the popular white tee with ‘Crotch’ graphic is back, alongside the new black tee with white logo.

And we have a new ‘Crotch’ mug. Perfect for your morning coffee, or to get your colleagues talking when you’re back in the office.

Whether you’re back at work or just at play, until next time take care, Frank

Crotch 13

Editor-In-Chief Frank Strachan / Art Director Chris Williams / Editorial Director Colin Crummy / Editorial Consultant Jamie Hakim / Fashion Editor: Jessica Johnston / Editorial Assistants: Tom Lawrence and Cameron Long.

Contributing Photographers; Christian Vermaak, Ramon Christian, Torian Lewin, Nicolas Aristidou, Antonio Eugenio, Matthias Vriens, Amer Mohamad, Thomas Knights, Eden Yerushalmy, Hubert Pouches, Alexis Robardet, Elie Villette, Monsieur Kay, Ivan Muselli, Peter Fingleton, Pisces Dreams. crotchmagazine.com Socials: @crotchmagazine Crotch, Studio 5, Make Space Studios, Newnham Terrace, London SE1 7DR Advertising and wholesale enquiries: editor@crotchmagazine.com

Special thanks to: James Probert, Gregory Vaughan, Christopher Shannon, Steeve Beckouet, David Roberts, Kay Barron, Simon Lyne, Steven Moore, Fascination Management, A&P Management, Massive Management, Ben Furnival & David Skelton, Annabel Caley. Theresa, Angela, Linda, Brenda, George & Harold, Richard Wilbraham, Cesare Polini, Jamie Golunski, Zack Tate, Jonathan Wheatley, Lauren Jones, Johann Andersson, Gavin Myall, Shane Jenek, Francisco Vargas, Mollie, Louise, Kylie, Steps, Pull The Pin Out, Cindy and Wanda.

14 Crotch

14

18

20

54

64

78

130

144

158

226

Crotch 15

24

26

34

92

104

118

176

200

210

16 Crotch

Red Hot A quick chat with Thomas Knights, creator of a red head stanning world

Can you explain how Red Hot 100 first came about?

I was on holiday with my best mate and we decided to shave off my hair. I had dyed it blond for about ten years to escape being ginger. I always hated it. But I couldn’t be bothered to dye it any more and just got to that point when I thought ‘fuck it’. When I was back in London I started to get all this attention for being ginger, and for the first time I realised it was something different that I could be proud of, and that I could use to my advantage.

That was a game changer. I suddenly ‘owned it’ and it felt good. It felt empowering. That feeling…. that was the moment I realised I needed to shoot a project about ginger empowerment, but it took a few years for that idea to become Red Hot. How has shooting Red Hot changed over the years?

It started as a photography portrait exhibition that turned into an art book - mostly head and shoulder shots of guys against a blue background, all shot in my bedroom. Now the photography mostly focuses around two annual calendars both with full on productions, different themes and creative directions, often on locations with big crews. The calendar shoots are now events that we build the whole year’s creative around, and we are expanding further into underwear so we are shooting more editorials. The biggest change is socialmedia content. When we started there was no Instagram.

Now we work with an army of ginger content creators around the world who shoot themselves.

Has appreciation of redheads changed?

There is now a much more acceptable love for ginger guys, especially in the gay scene. There is also a huge scene on social media where ginger guys are celebrated.

When I started the project there was literally no positive ginger male representation at all, so things have improved massively.

Beauty ideals have diversified since you started too - is that something you’ve seen?

Totally. Now people who are different from the ‘norm’ can find each other and create whole movements that help other people celebrate their own uniqueness. At Red Hot we are telling the ginger story but there are

Crotch 17

18 Crotch

Crotch 19

so many more stories out there and so many more to tell. Everyone has a space and a voice on social media and then that is informing brands, advertisers and magazines. It’s a super exciting time, a lot is changing.

Who has been your favourite lad to shoot?

Ken Bek is always fun to shoot. We grew up together during the crazy whirlwind of the Red Hot 100 exhibition tour. We have shot together loads of times over the years and always get amazing shots; there is just a trust and chemistry between us. We collated these images into an entirely Ken Bek calendar for 2022.

Who has been best most exciting find?

We just found a guy called Tom Knight on Instagram who caught my eye as he was literally my namesake and has turned into our latest underwear model for the new Core Collection. He is amazing and is a totally new find, never modelled before. You can see him all over our website at the moment.

Has anyone scammed their way into the Red Hot 100 with hair dye?

Not intentionally, but some guys now actually dye their hair ginger and message us which has never happened before. It’s tricky to police, but we do try our best to only shoot natural ginger guys.

Does the full-frontal aspect make it trickier to find men?

It’s got easier to find guys to go nude. This year’s full frontal calendar, ‘The Red Hot Motel’, we had about fifteen guys in one picture which was the most we have ever shot. We have a legacy of calendars so the guys know it’s going to look awesome and quite often they want to be seen in that way. It’s a massive boost to their confidence to be celebrated like that, especially if they have grown up thinking they were unattractive. We always do a non-nude calendar. This year it is called ‘Super Gingers’ and showcases guys with that superginger, neon-orange hair. We often feature guys on our social media with just portrait shots and are about to start a video series called ‘Red Hot Stories’ - a screentest-style series going to the heart of our ‘Own It’ slogan. www.redhot100.com @RedHot100 @ThomasKnights

20 Crotch

Strip Meet Vincenzo from Palermo, Sicily who describes himself as a ‘boy next door’, and is our fantasy neighbour

Self portrait

Crotch 21

@HausOfVins

22 Crotch

Dick Matters A longer conversation with photographer Matthias Vriens about his latest online adventure

Matthias Vriens is primarily known as a global fashion

up supermodels - he was creative director and editor-in-

and celebrity photographer but the Dutch-born, Los

chief of the groundbreaking Dutch magazine. An early

Angeles-dwelling

advertising

pioneer of gender fluidity, sexual expression, and street

creative director, a magazine editor, interior-design

fashion, Dutch caused photographers to rethink their

expert, and a gallerist. In November 2021 he added

stories and models their poses and positions. It paved

another title to his outsized resume, that of digital creator;

the way for magazines such as Full Service, Document,

He launched Dick Matters, a site that offers enlightened,

Perfect and, even the Crotch you are holding in your

adult, digital content and which celebrates sexuality,

hands now.

creative

has

been

an

in particular male sexuality, without the restrictions of regular social media platforms.

Born and raised in Amsterdam, Vriens was schooled as a classical ballet dancer, but a leg fracture ended his

Dick Matters is arranged in a magazine format, with

career prospects in dance and saw him focus on his other

stories and topics under the umbrella of a curated point

interests, design, and publishing. After Dutch, Vriens

of view. It’s different from Instagram, Vriens explains,

served as creative director for Armani, senior art director

“we welcome selfies of your dicks, videos of you jerking

at Gucci, and, after developing his photography skills

off or having sex with someone, plus content showing

and relocating to New York, he shot for the likes of I-D,

your passions, interest, and lifestyle. We are encouraging

The Face, Vogue Hommes International and The New

celebrations of not just dick, but also fashion, art, film

York Times. He has since become a chronicler of the star-

and television, literature and erotica, design, music,

making machinery of show business, the arts, fashion,

interiors, cookery, embroidery and textiles, gardens,

music, and entertainment, at the helm of memorable, sex-

floral design, among other ingredients on our menu of

positive photo sessions with Rihanna, Cate Blanchett and

delicious, tantalising content.” Content providers can

Jennifer Lopez.

charge for their content or not, and someone who isn’t

The morning Vriens and I speak, he’d just had a post

providing content is free to roam around the site without

censored on Instagram. “I’m too old for this hypocrisy,”

having to pay. The only thing required is registration for

laughs Vriens. “Actually, everyone is too old for this

proof of age.

hypocrisy. I have fought for the permission to celebrate

Vriens is a master of content. During the last hurrah of print fashion magazines in the 1990s - glossy bibles all dressed up in Chanel and Armani and exquisitely dolledWords William Norwich

sexuality my entire career. And taking this fight to the next level is the leitmotif for starting Dick Matters.”

“Fashion models who have started Only Fans to make

Crotch 23

24 Crotch

Crotch 25

some money and control their content, and have some

enjoyment of sex is hard won in a society that would,

fun instead of just sitting around waiting for their next

and does in places, outlaw it – so sexual welcome and

job, are usually dropped by their agencies when they

permission are the governing principles of a photo or

find out! It’s that same hypocrisy, as I have experienced.

video shoot with Matthias Vriens.

Be sexy, but not too sexy. When I’m shooting advertising

With Dick Matters Vriens is also going to be a subject

campaigns or magazine covers and being told by the

of his work. “When I’m asked what my favourite body

editors that my work is too homoerotic, and to cool it,

part is, I don’t politely say oh, nothing, or it’s my eyes, or

that is what pushed me to me to create this platform. I’m

my beard, I say unabashedly, without any hesitation, that

hoping to create a more perfect union of sexuality, sexual

it’s my dick,” he says. “So, I will have a profile on Dick

expression, and commerce.”

Matters too. Jerking off or having sex with someone.”

With the latter in mind, Dick Matters invites brands

What will the style world make of that? “I am happy to

willing, and wanting, to offer new, provocative, sensual,

be a subject of my own work, and if the fashion set is

and sexy stories and engaging content. The ethos is

shocked, well, be my guest, find it scandalous. I don’t

to give new resonance and honesty to the venerable

care. I’m past that point. I’m proud of my sexuality and

advertising adage, sex sells.

my expression of it.” to

Vriens is relaxed around all matters dick related. He

sexuality,” Vriens says. “We are all obsessed with sex,

reminds me that the past few years he’s spent as the sole

while the various reincarnations of censorious types

photographer for Taschen’s Big Penis Book, scheduled

like Anita Bryant and Ronald Reagan and all the Popes

for publication in 2022. “I’ve seen so many dicks in the

attract so much media attention. But it’s really important,

past few years, it is no big deal for me to see a gay guy, a

especially now, to be honest about sexuality. After the

straight guy or bi man pull down his pants, fluff himself,

pandemic, and during the pandemic that still lingers,

and get hard for my camera. My acceptance also extends

there is not just a need but a lust for touching, to touch

to myself.” Vriens is busy completing photography now

others, to touch ourselves. To feel, and to flirt, and

for the book, which also means there’s an invitation

celebrate the electricity of sexuality, the vitality.”

he’d like to extend to readers of Crotch. “Anyone out

“Americans

are

schizophrenic

when

it

comes

taking

there with a big whopper let me know,” he says. “If I’m

photographs of models and celebrities, encouraging his

in your neighbourhood, I’m happy to photograph you.”

subjects to be sexual, vital, and energized. He asserts that

Dickmatters.com

For

his

entire

career,

Vriens

has

been

it is thanks to being a gay man - gay man’s pride and

26 Crotch

Strip Say hello to Nic who is a Minneapolis-based photographer and a people watcher who is worth looking at

Photography Ramon Christian

Crotch 27

@itsniclafrance @ramonchristian.photo

28 Crotch

Photography Amer Mohamad

LAR

N O I

U

C

IRC

MOT

Crotch 29

30 Crotch

Crotch 31

32 Crotch

Crotch 33

34 Crotch

Crotch 35

Amermohamad.com @ShootMeamer Model Dmitry Averyanov

36 Crotch

Crotch 37

COME ON AND

LET THE BLISS BEGIN

Photography Eden Yerushalmy

38 Crotch

Yuval wears trunks by Rufskin.

Crotch 39

40 Crotch

Crotch 41

42 Crotch

Yuval wears trunks by Rufskin.

Crotch 43

44 Crotch

Crotch 45

Yuval wears trunks by Rufskin.

46 Crotch

Yuval wears trunks by Rufskin.

Crotch 47

48 Crotch

Crotch 49

50 Crotch

Yuval wears trunks by Rufskin.

Crotch 51

52 Crotch

Crotch 53

54 Crotch

Crotch 55

Yuval wears trunks by Rufskin. @Yuval_Sliper @HairLightandShadow

56 Crotch

ROLL WITH IT Photography Christian Vermaak

Crotch 57

58 Crotch

Crotch 59

Previous page & above: Eddy wears sweater by Ralph Lauren. Opposite: Eddy wears briefs and socks by H&M.

60 Crotch

Eddy wears briefs by H&M.

Crotch 61

62 Crotch

Crotch 63

64 Crotch

@Edftmxx

Crotch 65

66 Crotch

i’m on the edge

Crotch 67

with you Photography Alexis Robardet

68 Crotch

Crotch 69

Previous page: Rayan and Cyril wear shirts by The Kooples, jeans by Levi’s and briefs by Eminence.

Opposite & this page: Rayan wears trunks by Le Slip Français, sunglasses by Ralph Lauren with bag by Tommy Hilfiger. Cyril wears swim shorts by Vilebrequin and cap by Ralph Lauren.

70 Crotch

This page & opposite: Rayan wears swim shorts by Ralph Lauren, Cyril wears shorts

by Tommy Hilfiger with briefs by HOM and sunglasses by Ralph Lauren.

Crotch 71

72 Crotch

Crotch 73

Opposite & this page: Rayan wears trunks by Fusalp, Cyril wears trunks by Ralph Lauren.

74 Crotch

Opposite: Cyril wears jeans by Levi’s with briefs by Eminence.

Crotch 75

76 Crotch

Crotch 77

Opposite & this page: Rayan wears hat by The Kooples with sunglasses by Ralph Lauren and boxers by Le Slip Français.

78 Crotch

This page: Rayan wears polo shirt by Vilebrequin with hat by Tommy Hilfiger and briefs by HOM. Opposite: Rayan wears briefs by Eminence. @theopiumqueen @Cyrlive @Rbch__

Crotch 79

80 Crotch

COLOUR

Crotch 81

ME BADD Photography Christian Vermaak

82 Crotch

Crotch 83

Previous page: Pakz wears satin shorts by Charlie by Matthew Zink, chain worn throughout model’s own.

Opposite: Pakz wears satin shorts by Charlie by Matthew Zink. This page: Pakz wears trunks by Rufksin.

84 Crotch

Crotch 85

Opposite: Pakz wears trunks by Rufksin.

This page: Pakz wears satin shorts by Charlie by Matthew Zink.

86 Crotch

Crotch 87

88 Crotch

Pakz wears trunks by Andrew Christian.

Crotch 89

90 Crotch

Crotch 91

Opposite: Pakz wears trunks by Rufskin.

92 Crotch

Crotch 93

Opposite: Pakz wears briefs

by Code22. @InstaPakz

94 Crotch

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE Photography Élie Villette

Crotch 95

96 Crotch

Crotch 97

98 Crotch

Crotch 99

100 Crotch

Crotch 101

102 Crotch

Crotch 103

104 Crotch

Crotch 105 @ElieVillette2 @VicMarbeuz

106 Crotch

CLOSE FRIENDS ONLY Photography Torian Lewin

Crotch 107

108 Crotch

Previous page: Adonis wears chain model’s own. This page: Adonis wears vest by Rufskin, briefs by Supreme, trousers by DSquared2. Opposite: Adonis wears vest by Calvin Klein, thong by 2Xist.

Crotch 109

110 Crotch

This page: Adonis wears vest and trousers both by Rufskin. Opposite: Adonis wears vintage sports shorts.

Crotch 111

112 Crotch

Crotch 113

114 Crotch

Crotch 115

This page: Adonis wears vest by Calvin Klein.

116 Crotch

Opposite: Adonis wears vest by Sean Jean, trousers by Rufskin and boots by Frye. Model Adonis Amer.

Crotch 117

118 Crotch

Crotch 119

TAKE A SEAT 120 Crotch

Photography Monsieur Kay

Crotch 121

122 Crotch

Crotch 123

124 Crotch

Crotch 125

126 Crotch

Crotch 127

128 Crotch

Opposite: Florent wears briefs by Modus Vivend

Crotch 129

130 Crotch

Crotch 131

Opposite & this page: Florent wears briefs by Modus Vivendi. @MonsieurKay @Florent_Fauverge

132 Crotch

WALL

FLOWER

Photography Ivan Muselli

Crotch 133

134 Crotch

Crotch 135

Previous page: Alexandre wears Shirtology Paris.

Opposite: Maurilio wears Shirtology Paris.

136 Crotch

This page & opposite: Alessandro wears Shirtology Paris.

Crotch 137

138 Crotch

Ilyas wears Shirtology Paris.

Crotch 139

Hyo wears Shirtology Paris.

140 Crotch

Opposite: Gian wears Shirtology Paris.

Crotch 141

142 Crotch

Crotch 143

Opposite: Rehjan and Shqiprim wear Shirtology Paris.

144 Crotch

Crotch 145

Opposite & this page: Matteo wears Shirtology Paris. @Iauei Hair by Gabriele Marozzi using Hair by Sam McNight and Upgrade.

Models (in layout order): Alexandre Sewa @Dmen @Alexandre_Sewa, Maurilio @KobraMulato, Alessandro Schiavina @A.X_L, Ilyas Fahmane @Dmen @Ilyass_Fahmane, Gian @Gianisotropic, Rehjan and Shqiprim Bruti @3mmodels @BrutiBrothers, Hyo @Boom @Hyogeunzo, Matteo Tagliabue @Ilove @MatteoTagliabue_

146 Crotch

Photography Hubert Pouches

Crotch 147

148 Crotch

Crotch 149

Previous page: Johnny wears backless pouch by Rufskin. Opposite & this page: Johnny wears mesh tights by Rufskin.

150 Crotch

Crotch 151

152 Crotch

Crotch 153

Opposite: Johnny wears mesh briefs by Rufksin.

154 Crotch

Crotch 155 Opposite & this page: Johnny wears ‘Ruf-erized’ tights by Rufksin.

156 Crotch

This page & opposite: Johnny wears mesh bodysuit by Rufksin. @HubertPouches @JohnnyBronco87

Crotch 157

158 Crotch

Crotch 159

160 Crotch

DADDY ISSUES A new comedy charts the drama, disappointments and relationship dynamics in gay mid life

Photography Pisces Dreams Styling and Art Direction Thomas Rodehuth-Harrison

Crotch 161

162 Crotch

Crotch 163

Previous page: Trevor is wearing briefs by Thorns. Rich is wearing trunks by Thorns.

Opposite & this page: Rich is wearing singlet by Mlaed. Trevor is wearing shorts by Mlaed.

164 Crotch

Crotch 165

Trevor is wearing trunks by Boy Smells.

166 Crotch

Crotch 167

Opposite: Trevor is wearing towel by Mizar & Alcor. Rich is wearing jockstrap by Charlie by Matthew Zink and robe by Mizar & Alcor. This page: Trevor is wearing briefs

by Charlie by Matthew Zink. Rich is wearing jockstrap by Charlie by Matthew Zink.

168 Crotch

This page: Trevor is wearing trunks by Boy Smells. Rich is wearing briefs by Boy Smells.

Crotch 169

170 Crotch

This page: Trevor is wearing briefs by Charlie by Matthew Zink. Rich is wearing jockstrap by Charlie by Matthew Zink. Opposite: Trevor is wearing pyjama top by Jordan Piantedosi and satin pants by Flamingomama. Rich is wearing robe by Jordan Piantedosi and boxer shorts by Chuochu.

Crotch 171

172 Crotch

Crotch 173

Opposite: Trevor is wearing briefs by Thorns. This page: Rich is wearing boxer shorts by Chuochu.

174 Crotch

Actors Trevor LaPaglia and Rich Burns are the

work again” terror that he has. I also worry about

leads in the new series The Disappointments, a dark

retirement. It’s not easy to set yourself up for the

comedy about gay men in the throes of middle life

future in this business unless you’re very lucky.

crises. Here they explain the show, the inspiration ,

Ray is looking for that one breakthrough, that big

and their characters, lovers Dwight and Ray.

payday. I welcome that breakthrough, too. My reallife friendships carry the same importance for me.

What is The Disappointments about?

My friends are my true family. Relationship-wise,

Rich: The Disappointments is a dark comedy about

Ray’s experience was inspired by different guys I’ve

a close group of gay friends in their fifties who –

had in my life, but I’ve taken great liberties to make

triggered by the suicide of one of their own – take

his relationship with Dwight much more extreme

a hard look at their own lives. The truth: None of

and entertaining. It’s fun to flip the Daddy/Boy

the hopes and dreams they had for themselves when

scenario. We’re used to seeing the older guy paying

they were in their twenties have worked out. No big

for things. I thought it would be fun to explore the

homes. No fancy cars. No fat bank accounts. No

opposite happening, having Dwight, the younger

glamorous vacations. Instead, it’s been a series of

guy, paying the bills and making way more money

career missteps, financial busts, bad romances. And

than Ray. It seemed like an opportunity to look at

now, with retirement looming, they’re desperate to

how Ray would feel about himself, how he might

find a way to turn everything around.

find the situation humiliating, and yet he needs to

Trevor, how did you create your character?

be in that situation to survive. One big difference:

Trevor: When Rich first introduced me to my

Ray is taller than I am.

character Dwight, he told me that he was loosely

Trevor:

based on an ex-boyfriend of his. When reading the

definitely march to the beat of their own drum. We

script, it was hard not to notice the unique and

aren’t afraid to speak what is on our mind, even if it

interesting choices Dwight would make, oftentimes

makes others feel uncomfortable. Spontaneous public

impulsive. When Rich told me that his ex claimed

displays of affection was also something that wasn’t

to have Asperger’s (AS), it allowed me to approach

hard for me to embrace when playing Dwight. He

Dwight’s character a bit differently than had he not.

certainly loves to live in the moment and make his

People on the spectrum may behave, communicate,

love for Ray be known, with every opportunity he has.

interact, and learn in ways that are different from

Tell us about the beginning of the production.

most other people. Although my cousin does not

Rich: There was a dinner one night with a few

have AS, he is on the spectrum so when I flew home,

friends. James Campbell, one of the leads in the show

we hung out, and I started to use him as a point of

was there. The conversation turned into a discussion

reference. The character evolved from there.

about the number of friends and acquaintances we

How similar are your two characters to you?

knew in their forties and early fifties who had

Rich: Ray is definitely more insecure than I am, but

recently taken their own lives. This was probably ten

I totally understand his desperation. I did infuse a

years ago. We were wondering what was triggering

lot of my own life into the story and his character.

this. The common denominator seemed to be each

He’s a writer just as I am. He’s written TV movies

of these people feeling like they’ve failed in life, or

and has had a little success, enough to convince him

that their best days are behind them. They were

to stay in the game.

I’ve had more success than

all disappointed with where they landed in that

him, but enough dry spells to know that “I’ll never

moment, their businesses failing, career dreams not

I

will

admit,

Dwight

and

Trevor

both

Crotch 175

Trevor is wearing towel by Mizar & Alcor.

176 Crotch

Rich is wearing jockstrap by Charlie by Matthew Zink. Trevor is wearing briefs by Charlie by Matthew Zink. @PiscesDreams @Rodehuth Models Rich @HeyRichRay and Trevor @OhhhTrev

Crotch 177

panning out. Depression was a big part of it, and

appearance, although noticed by others, defines him

substance abuse for some of them. The show grew

less and less as you discover the depths and intricacies

out of this conversation. I started thinking about a

that make him the interesting character that he is.

group of friends who are forced to deal with their

Rich: First of all, thank you. Lol. I think Ray has

own disappointing lives, not by ending them, but by

issues with getting older. Part of the way he tries

taking action to try to turn things around. I knew I

to control his fears around aging is by staying in

wanted it to be a dark comedy. And I knew I wanted

the best shape he can. It’s a compulsion, but this

their efforts to kind of go sideways, to make things

is more of a secondary theme. It’s not out front in

worse but played for comedy. As far as the physical

the storyline in this first season. But it’s there. Also,

production of the show, I feel incredibly blessed

Ray is intensely attracted to Dwight and his very

with how it all came together – from actors working

sexy body. A single kiss from Dwight has the ability

on deferred salary because they loved the material,

to pull Ray out of a neurotic rant. So, the hunk thing

to our awesome crew working for a fraction of their

plays that way, but again, in the background.

normal rates and working tirelessly because they

Speaking

believed in the show, to friends, family, and even

ageing as gay men take in this show? Do you think

complete strangers on social media helping us

that it is often misrepresented in film and TV?

finance the production. The Disappointments would

Rich: This show is all about gay men ageing.

only be words on a page if it weren’t for all of these

There is one major health issue that comes up in

amazing collaborators.

this season for one of the characters. But Ray’s

Who do you think should watch the show?

neurosis about his time in the gym, along with

Rich: I’ve shared the concept with so many people –

the fears he shares with his friends about how

gay, straight, younger, my age and older... everyone

they will survive their golden years, is all driven

seems to connect to the theme on one level or

by their getting older. These are characters who

another. So many people I know look around, at

have held blinders up when it comes to the years

their job, family, home, what have you – it’s like

passing. Now, the blinders have been ripped off and

they don’t recognize it and they ask, “How is THIS

there’s no hiding from it. And yes, I do think that

my life?” If you recognize yourself in this, the show

ageing in the gay community is rarely represented

might be for you. And beyond that, there’s some

accurately or realistically. There are few if any

great comic moments and touching moments, so

older gay male characters that I can relate to or that

there’s lots of potential for anyone to connect to the

I find inspiring. The majority of the portrayals of

material. I will say, men and women from forty up

gay men my age in the media tend to be of clichéd

will connect to the show most strongly.

sad sacks, or they’re there for the campy one-liner

Both of you are obviously very muscular hunks.

or comic relief. I’m not saying Ray, or the other

What role does that take in the show and how

characters, James and Gary, are role models. But

much is that part of the story?

they’re relatable and based on real faults, real

Trevor: The first scene in the show is of us working

positive attributes and hopefully have more life to

out at the gym. Although it shows that we both have

them. I’m really looking forward to developing all

this hobby in common, it also reflects how dedicated

of this further in the second season.

and disciplined we can be. Aside from that, it doesn’t

The Disappointments streams on YouTube

really define my character Dwight. As you watch

with new episodes every Monday

the show, you will come to find that his physical

@thedisappointmentstv

of

getting

older…

What

place

does

178 Crotch

House Party

Photography Matthias Vriens Styling Andrew Vottero

Crotch 179

180 Crotch

Crotch 181

Previous page: Airon wears mesh tank top by The Underwear, pyjama pants by Rufskin, trainers on photographer by Adidas. Opposite: Airon wears briefs by 2Xist, vintage T-shirt, jeans by Rag & Bone, vintage belt by Yohji Yamamoto. This page: Hunter wears vintage speedo by Dior Homme.

182 Crotch

This page: Airon wears iridescent bomber jacket by John Elliot Co. shorts by N2N Bodywear.

Opposite: Airon wears vintage blue denim jean shorts by Marc by Marc Jacobs, with sunglasses by YSL.

Crotch 183

184 Crotch

Crotch 185

Airon wears briefs by 2Xist, vintage soccer T-shirt, jeans

by Rag & Bone, vintage belt

by Yohji Yamamoto.

186 Crotch

Crotch 187

Opposite: Hunter wears shorts by Rufskin. This page: Hunter wears tye die hoodie by N2N Bodywear.

188 Crotch

This page: Hunter wears briefs by 2xist with football jersey model’s own and trainers by Converse with bracelet model’s own. Opposite: Airon wears tie-dyed cotton Hanes briefs by The Dye Undies, vintage cotton tie-dye “Sublime” T-shirt, with sunglasses by Oakley.

Crotch 189

190 Crotch

Crotch 191

Opposite: Hunter wears sheer biker shorts by N2N Bodywear. This page: Airon wears neon yellow puffer vest by Patagonia, neon yellow see-through thong underwear by Rough Trade Gear LA, work hat by Buffalo Outdoors.

192 Crotch

Crotch 193

Opposite: Airon wears LA cotton classic jockstrap by Lockwood51.

This page: Hunter wears briefs by 2xist with football jersey and bracelet model’s own.

194 Crotch

Crotch 195

196 Crotch

This page: Hunter wears camo shorts by N2N Bodywear. Opposite: Hunter wears one piece

by Rufskin with trainers by Converse with bracelet model’s own.

Crotch 197

198 Crotch

Crotch 199

Opposite: Hunter wears jockstrap with metal ring by Rufskin.

200 Crotch

This page: Airon wears polo shirt by Kappa, LA classic jockstrap by Lockwood51, white bucket hat by Lids. Opposite: Hunter wears g-string by Rufskin with t-shirt by H&M. Casting Director / Exec Producer, Andrey T. @ Matthias Vriens Studio @atvottero. Post Production by BJ DeLorenzo. Models Hunter @ Pretty Management @hunterwarr_and Airon @ BMG LA @airon_mallars

Crotch 201

202 Crotch

a

close

Crotch 203

shave Photography by Antonio Eugenio

204 Crotch

Crotch 205

Javier wears jock by Charlie by Matthew Zink.

206 Crotch

This page: Javier wears trouser by Eytys with vest model’s own. Opposite: Javier wears jock by Charlie by Matthew Zink.

Crotch 207

208 Crotch

This page: As prevoius. Opposite: Javier wears jock by Charlie by Matthew Zink with trouser by Eytys.

210 Crotch

Crotch 211

Opposite: Javier wears briefs by Thorns. This page: Javier wears trouser and belt by Eytys.

Javier from @ OtherBoysAgency @MrAntonioEugenio @Des_Leon

212 Crotch

Photography Nicolas Aristidou

ELEGANT

SLUMMING

Crotch 213

214 Crotch

Previous page: Konstantin wears briefs by Thorns.

This page & opposite: Konstantin wears long johns by Ron Dorff.

Crotch 215

216 Crotch

Crotch 217

Opposite & this page: Konstantin wears briefs by Thorns.

218 Crotch

Crotch 219

220 Crotch

This page: Konstantin wears long johns by Ron Dorff. Opposite: Konstantin wears shorts by Ron Dorff.

Crotch 221

222 Crotch

This page: Konstantin wears briefs by Thorns. Opposite left: Konstantin wears briefs by Hom with socks by Perrin; right: briefs by Thorns.

Crotch 223

224 Crotch

Crotch 225

Opposite: Konstantin wears briefs by Calvin Klein.

226 Crotch

Crotch 227

Opposite & this page: Konstantin wears swim trunks by Ron Dorff. www.nicolasaristidou.com @nicolasaristidou Model Konstantin Resch @konstantin.i.am

228 Crotch

Hard Cock Life

A brief exchange with Josh, organiser of one of London’s hottest club nights You reopened Hard Cock Life in 2021. How did it feel to throw open the doors again?

Surreal, exhilarating, terrifying. During the two years away I went through various stages of grief. I spent a lot of 2020 and 2021 wandering around London with headphones on thinking that we’d seen the last of Hard Cock Life. So for it to finally return felt really good. And a little bit scary as I knew people had high expectations.

Did the party feel more celebratory than normal?

I’m a perfectionist and a pessimist, so I spend most of my parties obsessing about every detail and worrying the whole thing is a disaster. It’s only once I saw the photos I realised quite how joyful it had been.

Going through the photos post party must feel good, seeing all those people living their best life?

It

feels

genuinely

amazing!

There

is

no

other

party like Hard Cock Life, and it means so much to people. One message we were sent read: “So I’ve

confidence. I also wanted to subvert the idea that rap is

stopped using Insta but had to come online to say

just for straight people, so throwing an overtly queer

I had the best time on Friday. Literally, one of the

hip-hop night came quite naturally. That was way back

best nights of my life. The diversity, inclusion and

in 2012, and happily hip-hop has got progressively

representation

gayer since, despite an ongoing homophobic strain.

is

overwhelming.

Well

done

and

thank you.” That made all the work worthwhile.

What’s the story behind the name?

How did the night start?

It’s a dumb bit of wordplay - a pun on ‘Hard Knock

I had always been a hip-hop obsessive and had

Life’, Jay Z’s anthem based on the musical number

always wanted to DJ despite having no experience or

in Annie. I say dumb, but TBH it’s actually quite perfect.

What are the three must haves to make a great party?

A clear concept - a great party needs a USP. Whether that’s the DJ or talent behind it or something else, what makes your party unique and not just another techno night. Quality music - many people like the idea of putting on a cool party, but aren’t particularly passionate about music. Music needs to come first, everything

else

stems

from

that.

Attention

to

detail - venue, lights, sound, DJs, security, staging, temperature, decor, acts, branding, socials. A great party needs someone at the helm who cares about every last detail both in advance and on the night. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds and you have to be sober!

And finally, what are your three favourite tracks of the night currently?

Azealia Banks - Fuck Him All Night, Saucy Santana Walk, Shygirl - BDE @HardCkLife @PeterAF Photography Peter Fingleton

Crotch 229

230 Crotch

Crotch 231

232 Crotch

Crotch 233

Crotch 235

236 Crotch

Crotch 7