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E D D I E R E D M AY N E ’ S C H O I C E On stage and in film, Eddie Redmayne has portrayed some of history’s most intriguing and complex characters. With a true love for both detail and variety, his choice of roles has established him as one of the most versatile and passionate actors of his generation, with accolades to his name including Golden Globe, Tony and Academy Awards. Proof that he not only loves a challenge, but also thrives on it.
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REACH FOR THE SKIES
On Cover 1 Channing wears Top Giorgio Armani Pants vintage Watch Omega On Cover 2 Top Loro Piana Shorts Prada On Cover 3 Swimsuit Burberry
Photography AKIRA
Editorial Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Stephen Gan Managing Editor / Production Director Melissa Scragg Photo Director Goran Macura Creative Producer Felix Cadieu Editor / Sales & Distribution Director Czar Van Gaal Digital Director Mathias Rosenzweig mathias@vmagazine.com Managing Digital Editor Dania Curvy dania@vmagazine.com Social Media Manager Kevin Ponce kevin@vmagazine.com Senior Editor Alex Blynn Weibo Editor Meng Ji Editor, Entertainment Greg Krelenstein Executive Assistant / Editorial Assistant Jacob-Cole Norton Contributing Editor-at-Large Derek Blasberg Copy & Research Editor Lynda Szpiro
Finance/Distribution
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Managing Director Todd Kamelhar
Publisher 93HUB Nicola Bernardini de Pace nicola@93hub.nyc
Distribution David Renard
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Contributors
Consulting Creative / Design Greg Foley
Inez & Vinoodh Hedi Slimane George Cortina Richard Burbridge Quentin De Briey Marie Tomanova Blair Getz Mezibov Grant Woolhead Menelik Puryear Domen & Van De Velde Brandon Salazar Tan David Roemer Ricardo Beas Emilio Tamez Kosmas Pavlos Giovanni Beda Artem Kononeko Matteo Greco Joel Palmer win.tam Orange Gao Chun Chen Edge Yang AKIRA Antoni Tudisco Kala Herh Kristopher Fraser Ahad Sanwari Bailey Bujnosek Trishna Rikhy
Freelance Graphic Designer Abigail Leuchter
Special Thanks
Magazine International Luciano Bernardini de Pace luciano@bernardini.it
Design Associate Art Director Shibo Chen
Fashion Fashion Director Gro Curtis Fashion & Market Editor Aryeh Lappin Assistant Market Editor Sam Knoll Fashion & Beauty Assistant Stephan LaCava
Contributing Fashion Editors Nicola Formichetti Anna Trevelyan Paul Cavaco Amanda Harlech Jacob K Joe McKenna Melanie Ward Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele Clare Richardson Panos Yiapanis Jane How Tom Van Dorpe
Press and Events Purple PR Andrew Lister andrew.lister@purplepr.com Amy Choi amy.choi@purplepr.com Dylan Hunt dylan.hunt@purplepr.com
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Interns Matthew Velasco Sonya Olomskaya Haoze Xu Sera Aksoy Bingbing Zhang Emma Walpole Carlos Chinn Jesse Leonard Cecilia Gardner Sarah Mercho Nicole Chaux Colleen Rodgers Angelina Zaphyria Caias Kim
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GUCCI Multifunctional Belt Bag in GG Supreme (with double "G" detail in gold finish and adjustable web belt) ($2,300, available at select Gucci stores nationwide.) Shunned stylistically, the belt bag or "fanny pack" to some has made a booming sartorial resurgence. Abandoning yesteryear’s nylon and colorblocked keepalls, Gucci is the latest luxury brand to offer an updated iteration of the controversial fad. A part of the brand's Hollywood-centric Love Parade collection, the Multifunctional Belt Bag in GG Supreme merges modernity with nostalgia. Maintaining the accessory’s original silhouette, the "GG" monogram shines while removable pouches on either side of the adjustable belt allow for versatility. Gold hardware, soft brown leather, and archival touchpoints culminate in a must-have accessory that certainly solidifies the contentious item as a fashionable mainstay. MATTHEW VELASCO
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Tom Ford Duke (with shiny acetate and shiny metal “T” logo on the temple) Ivan (with shiny acetate and shiny metal “T” logo on the temple) ($405, available at select Tom Ford boutiques.)
For spring/summer, there are only two names to keep your eyes on: Duke and Ivan. From the fine craftsmanship of Tom Ford comes sleek, chic acetate sunglasses, detailed with a shiny metal "T" logo on the temple. With refined frames and warm-toned, contemporary lenses, it’s only sunny days ahead with these glasses on. TRISHNA RIKHY
Spring is a time for rebirth, when we seek out new ways to express ourselves and tell others who we are. One of the most human experiences we know is the yearning for newness, and the warmer months bring with them the chance to engage in new forms of communication. And we are starting the new year with Hollywood’s original magic man, Channing Tatum. Already having reached legendary status, Tatum took time away from the camera to focus on his personal life. Now ready to relaunch, the actor-turned-director is looking to communicate his truth. He joined us at VMAN for a revealing photo shoot by Inez & Vinoodh, accompanied by an enlightening conversation with his longtime friend and costar, Jonah Hill, someone who knows the man better than most. But Tatum isn’t the only VMAN seeking a fresh change—top model Alton Mason is shifting his trajectory, as well. Set to appear as Little Richard in the upcoming Elvis Presley biopic, Elvis, the newly-minted actor is seen in these pages sporting heavy metal and leather looks while discussing life with his Elvis director, Baz Luhrmann. Or take our portfolio series shot by Hedi Slimane of up-and-coming actors around New
York City. These young men are all working hard on their craft to create new on-screen energy in this new decade. Athletes are also seeking new avenues in 2022, as seen in this issue's photo series featuring style-conscious young sportsmen; the type of guys who are interested in fashion but could be overlooked for more traditional models. It's hoped that this engaging spread of competitors will give inspiration and credibility to future model-athletes. Yet, as we look to the rest of this year with a hopeful spirit, we also pay our respects to those we’ve lost. As one of his final acts on this earth, the creative director and inspiration to many the world over, Virgil Abloh, handpicked the pieces for our bright and upbeat Louis Vuitton shoot. The photos pay homage to Abloh's genius, and highlight the designer's intriguing approach to clothing—outfitted on guys enjoying a sunny day at the beach in beautiful Miami. As we move into the new year, we must remember that rebirth comes with challenges— and as we charge forward, we are filled with optimism and gratitude for the positive energy permeating these pages. MR. V
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REPLENISH THE DAY
In this issue 28. VMAN News 30. Spring Break 34. VMEN Made In NYC 42. Alt-Alton 52. Channing Tatum's Second Act 68. A Cut Above 76. God's Country 84. Acting Up 92. Virgil Was Here 98. He's Got Game 106. Next Wave 112. What VMEN Want
Dior Men Dior Aqua Bottle with Shoulder Strap (gold-tone Grained Calfskin and Dior Oblique Stainless Steel) ($880, available at select Dior boutiques.) If you could sip the heavens, it’d be best done from Dior Aqua. High-tech sportswear accessories fuse with Kim Jones’ luxurious Dior this spring, cultivating a new legion of hybrid icons. Sleek and savvy, the Dior Oblique-engraved bottle is a thirst-quencher—for hydration, and for high fashion. Sheathed in a grained leather strap in black, yellow and khaki, the bottle is man’s best friend; the matching Dior Aqua flask with a jacquard sheath and detachable neck strap is man’s greatest accessory. Consider that insatiable thirst for Dior…satiated. TR
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GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI THE ECO-TRAINER Who doesn’t want a sustainable makeover these days? With climate change wreaking havoc globally and temperatures constantly shifting, humanity, as a whole, needs to make a drastic change sooner than later. That’s why Italian luxury powerhouse Giuseppe Zanotti is taking matters into its own hands with its newest release. A nod to the house’s beloved “Blabber” silhouette that debuted in 2019, the newly released “Ecoblabber” sneaker has received a sustainable update with a bevy of intriguing design features and touchpoints to boast. Maintaining the signature shape of the original Blabber silhouette, the newest iteration is available in low-top and high-top versions and focuses on eco-conscious materials and non-toxic production methods. Crafted from recycled plastic bottles and recycled leather, Giuseppe Zanotti is making sure to eliminate waste, CO2 emissions, and excess materials throughout the entirety of the sneaker’s design process. Even down to the Ecoblabber’s assembly, sustainability is at the top of mind. Water-based glues—free of harmful chemicals—are used to construct the shoe, while organic cotton laces add a thoughtful touch to the clean design. The sneaker also features a newly developed logo that reimagines the brand’s signature emblem through the lens of the universal recycling symbol. Not only environmentally friendly, the Ecoblabber is available in the brand’s signature black and white colorway and also in silver and gold options. Both sustainable and stylish, Giuseppe Zanotti’s Ecoblabber sneaker is sure to be a must-have silhouette for the SS22 season. Luca wears shorts Marcell Von Berlin Shoes Giuseppe Zanotti EcoBlabber white high-top trainers (made of recycled synthetic fabric) ($595, available online at Giuseppezanotti.com) In hair Oribe Creme for Style
FENDI THE NU-BAGUETTE “It’s not a bag, it’s a baguette,” Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw exclaimed while sporting the iconic rectangular-shaped accessory. Since that pop-culture cameo, the slinky baguette—designed by creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi in the late ‘90s—has been reimagined in eclectic colorways, shapes, and materials. This time around, the Italian house has updated the must-have baguette for its Spring/Summer 2022 menswear collection. Arriving in a shrunken trunk size, the ‘90s staple is updated through a modern lens thanks to its plexiglass facade and allover versatility. The signature magnetic “FF” clasp is on full display while new additions include a flexible leather strap and a top-down gradient effect featured in black, blue, and yellow colorways. While the iterations sported by Bradshaw and ‘90s icons were mainly worn under the arm, the latest version proves the never-ending options of the Fendi baguette. Whether you opt to wear the accessory crossbody, over the shoulder, or simply carry the pint-size trunk, everyone is sure to know you are rocking a baguette, not a bag. Luis wears all clothing and accessories Fendi Mini Baguette Trunk Bag (yellow and transparent plexiglass) Mini Baguette Trunk Bag (black and transparent plexiglass) ($4,700, available online at Fendi.com) 28
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PRADA THE CHANGED TRIANGLE Featured on distressed denim dresses, glitzy re-edition handbags, and emblazoned on top of slinky ready-to-wear, Prada’s triangle logo plaque has become a phenomenon in and of itself. While instantly recognizable monograms and boisterous design codes have been mainstays of other luxury labels, Prada’s trademark angular emblem has always exuded the understated aura of “If you know, you know.” Continuing with that distinct allure, the Italian brand’s Spring/Summer 2022 menswear collection featured its latest exploration of the logo in accessory form—the Prada Triangle bag. A nod to the brand’s heritage, the lightweight, three-dimensional bag takes the protruding shape of the famed triangular logo. Presented alongside co-creative directors Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada’s hopeful display of utopian-inspired ready-to-wear, the newly released accessory arrives in bold hues and fresh materials—hemp, raffia, and signature Saffiano leather. The bag also features utilitarian touchpoints like a removable pouch and adjustable strap that are made complete by the accessory’s unmistakable silhouette. Originally developed during the brand’s inception, the triangle logo is reimagined in bag form thanks to an of-the-moment high-frequency embossing technique. Available in bold, tone-on-tone colorways— yellow, black, white, green—the Triangle bag lets its shape and quiet details do the talking. Instead of imprinting a trademark or featuring a sprawling monogram, the accessory, itself, has become the logo. As always, Prada’s simplistic innovation is on full display, making the Triangle bag the perfect accessory for those in the know. Huxley wears all clothing and accessories Prada Leather Prada Triangle shoulder bag in sunny yellow Leather Prada Triangle shoulder bag in white ($2,200, available at select Prada boutiques.)
VMAN NEWS Makeup Kuma (Streeters) Hair Eric Williams (Streeters) Models Huxley, Luca Luci, Luis Paredes (DNA) Photo assistants David Eristavi, Alex APtsiauri Stylist assistant Stephan LaCava Makeup assistant Ayana Awata Hair assistant Karla Serrano Location Pier59 Studios
Makeovers are all the rage these days—from fresh takes on iconic logos to sustainably focused must-haves, the fashion crowd is always up for something exciting and new Photography Ricardo Beas Fashion Aryeh Lappin Text Matthew Velasco 29
SPRING BREAK Keep it cool—spring’s hottest looks are having a fashion mirage Photography David Roemer Fashion Aryeh Lappin
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From left to right Devin wears all clothing and accessories Valentino Watch Omega Raphael wears all clothing and accsesories CELINE HOMME Hedi Slimane Watch Bulgari Noah wears all accessories and shoes Prada Watch Cartier Matthew wears all clothing and accessories Emporio Armani Watch Bulgari In models’ hair Acqua Di Parma Barbiere Grooming Cream Light Hold All bikes Priority Bicycles
trends trends Noah wears all clothing Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus Jewelry Bulgari
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Makeup Akiko Owada (The Wall Group) Hair Takuya Yamaguchi (The Wall Group) Models Devin Moorman, Matthew Laureano (Next) Raphael Balzer (Heroes), Noah Kurzidim (IMG) Producer Kevin Warner Digital technician Tara Chumpelik Photo assistants Nick Sgaglione, Alex Powell Stylist assistant Sam Knoll Production assistant Javier Quinones
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Raphael wears all clothing Loewe, jewelry Cartier Matthew wears all clothing Alexander McQueen, jewelry Cartier
Noah and Matthew wear all clothing and accessories Fendi
Devin wears all clothing MSGM, jewelry Cartier
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trends Raphael and Devin wear all clothing and accessories Versace On Body Sisley Paris Body Sun Care SPF 15
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All clothing and shoes Loewe Earring David Yurman On face and body Milk Makeup Glitter Stick in Techno
VMEN MADE IN NYC Home to a new breed of powerful young creatives, New York City remains the place where perseverance is key—exemplified in our latest series of burgeoning talent whose hard work is paying off in the concrete jungle Photography Menelik Puryear Fashion Brandon Salazar Tan
TAMA GUCCI THE R&B ARTIST WITH TECHNO STYLINGS “My style is very clean. Even if it’s messy, it’s clean.” Tama Gucci is all about those contradictions. Oxymorons, if you will. But every word he sings, every beat he drops, every note he switches through, it’s all measured. Having grown up in Miami, where he couldn’t relate to much around him, Tama was forced to make his own way with foreign sources of inspiration. Finding a home in the vast embrace of the Internet and SoundCloud not only allowed him to develop a cult following through his cover of pop staples, but also embed himself within the underground queer scene. Even his name is this high and low culture mesh, a morphing of two of his favorite things from his youth—the Tamagotchis he bought from Walgreens every Thursday and Gucci. His music also exists in this space of blending themes that shouldn’t go together. As he describes, “It’s romantic but dark. Very emotional, but also honest. I guess you would call it R&B. But also pop.” It’s all about taking one thing with Tama and then adding something else to it to create his own unique formula. His latest EP, Almost Blue, is dedicated to Tama’s “comfort color” and being where he wants to be in life, love, in general. But it’s about almost being there, it can’t be that simple! Living in this space of vulnerability and openness that pairs with a ‘90s techno-pop sound, quickly flitting through words of pain or words of passion, like a rave that’s giving you all sorts of confusing feelings, Almost Blue is just the latest in the run-up to Tama’s long-awaited debut studio record which he, in usual fashion, is meticulously thinking through. But what he really wants to do is let the music take him wherever it wants to and just have fun with it. “When I put out my first mixtape, Out of Order, I felt like I had so much fun because I was just making sure I did everything.” “I want to just stretch out making these tracks and then choose, so that I can hear where I was emotionally and mentally throughout.” But he still holds a fondness for his classic themes in a digital-age vibe. Even his foray into fashion embraces his thought-out madness, like his recent collaborations with industry titans like Telfar and Hood By Air, which have made him consider entering the modeling industry, or his own handmade apparel hustle with @ tamascorner. “I’m a very particular person. If you see something looking crazy, it’s probably because I wanted it to be.” With more music and visuals in the books for 2022, it’s time we bow down to the contradictory crafted madness that is the Tama Gucci wave. AHAD SANWARI 34
Coat and boots Maison Margiela Top MSGM Shorts Marcell Von Berlin Necklace Tiffany & Co.
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TAPHARI THE SINGER SHARING HIS OTHERWORLDLY TALENTS Listen to one of Taphari’s upbeat, eclectic tracks, and you’ll instantly understand why the term most often used to describe him is “alien.” There is something out-of-this-world about the way he flows through bars on heartbreak, haters, and hustling over a symphony of synthetic beats. The 26-year-old Brownsville, Brooklyn native admits that he’s always felt out of place—in New York, in a heteronormative world, and even on Earth, itself. “I remember one time I told my grandma, ‘I know you’re built differently, because I would never, ever choose to settle down in New York,’” he says with a laugh. Describing his upbringing in New York City simply as “hell,” the rising rapper credits music as the way he processed everything going on around him. The intensity and sheer spectacle of awards show performances by industry legends like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga opened his eyes to the power of music—and served as a form of escapism for the young dreamer. “They had these big performances and larger-than-life personalities,” he notes. “Nowadays, you don’t really get that level of performing.” That coping mechanism of using the arts as a distraction from everyday realities still fuels his artistry to this day. Most recently reading the works of Langston Hughes and late feminist author Bell Hooks during quarantine helped him tap into “the increased openness and vulnerability that you find in my newer music.” After dropping his eerily prescient EP, Earth’s No Fun, in 2019, Taphari drew praise for his from-the-heart lyricism. His songwriting is born from personal experience but feels universal to the loner, the outsider, and the alien far from its home planet. The tracks on his 2021 debut album Blind Obedience show further mastery of self-expression, proving Taphari to be one of the most thoughtful rappers in the game today. “I flower through all occasions/ bloom heavy on my mind/ I flip it, collect the payment/ sign on the dotted line,” he spits with nonchalance on standout song “Table 42.” The title refers to the literal act of setting a table “or two,” or metaphorically reserving space in your mind for someone who’s long gone. The song, and the album as a whole, paints a portrait of their creator as toughened by the loss of love in an already cruel world. But Taphari promises his newer work will explore the softness hiding beneath that hardened exterior. “I remember being a kid and thinking that some of the stuff I experienced in my life would destroy me,” he recalls. “But getting through it, surviving, being in control, and not being in blind obedience to anybody—that’s where I’m at now.” Taphari has learned how to navigate this planet, and he’s primed to take it over, one quote-worthy verse at a time. BAILEY BUJNOSEK
All clothing Willy Chavarria Jewelry Tiffany & Co.
All clothing Ermenegildo Zegna Hat Lynn Paik Jewelry David Yurman 35
vmen Coat, pants, wings Dsquared2 Jewelry Tiffany & Co.
Vest, shorts, boxers Coach Top and cardigan (worn over) Heaven by Marc Jacobs Hood Liberal Youth Ministry Cuffs and shoes R13 Earrings Panconesi
HARLEY SUAREZ THE PIONEERING MODEL-TURNED-MUSICIAN Harley Suarez describes himself as a charismatic pioneer with a versatile style. The model, musician, and designer was raised in a hotbed of creativity (Miami) but surprisingly, did not discover his interests until his senior year of high school. However, thinking of bigger things, Suarez dropped out before graduating because the whole concept of school gave him “anxiety.” “I just didn’t feel the education system was for me,” he tells us. But, after a growth spurt and a couple of months of growing his hair out, Suarez was able to catch the attention of fashion brands like H33m and Hood By Air via posts on his Instagram. The brands started sending him clothes and asking him to model for them, and eventually, he was scouted by Midland Agency in New York City after a runway show he walked for Hood By Air at Art Basel. “Getting scouted at that show was my gateway,” he tells us. “I moved to New York full time. I knew that was where I needed to be.” The young artist was then approached by his friend Bryan Nelson Gonzalez, the designer behind Second&7th, to start his own fashion line, which he called Sundays Best, dubbing it so because, “Every Sunday in my life, something magical always happens.” The line offers cool bell-bottoms, tight shirts, and retro-futuristic elements, like a pair of men’s tie-waist pants. Suarez also recently began creating music while abroad during Paris Fashion Week, after meeting and befriending Hussein Suleiman, the founder of apparel brand Daily Paper. The entrepreneur invited Suarez to stay in Europe and explore music, and with Suleiman’s help, Suarez was able to record tracks and work with producers in studios across Amsterdam, Belgium, and London. Suarez says it took years of development for him to start showing any musical talent, but now, music has become the one thing that he feels ties all his worlds together. He describes his sound as “Harley’s genre.” “I don’t like boxing myself in,” he admits. “I like to let the people listen and decide for themselves. Right now, I’m working with a Los Angeles-based label called God Knows to produce my new album. So that’s next!” KRISTOPHER FRASIER 36
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QUIET LUKE THE PRODUCER MERGING MUSIC & WEB3 Quiet Luke, the underground musician, producer, and model, made it out of his Florida hometown thanks to an admission into NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. When he got to New York, he originally had no intention of finishing his degree. “It was a dream come true,” Luke shares. “But I had this romantic artist’s dream that I would drop out in two years, once I started making and producing enough music.” Luke—whose real name is Alexander Luke Bahta; the Quiet is from his natural demeanor—found his love of music at an early age. He loved to sing, and he was part of his school’s choir. His parents also set him up with piano lessons. “I had been producing music with software I downloaded off the Internet. That was how I realized I didn’t want to do anything else. At 16 I started taking music seriously.” Luke eventually released his first album in 2019, which he describes as a sweet spot between pop, rock, and R&B. Or, as he puts it, “a revisionist Motown mixed with Abbey Road.” It was during this time—at peak lockdown with a lot of time on his hands—that Luke started thinking about the intersection of music and technology, and how Web3 (the term for the concept of a decentralized World Wide Web) could start revolutionizing the music industry. “I wanted to do something that infused music, game theory, and blockchain, but I still have to think about what that will look like,” Luke relates about his digital plans.“One of my friends recently told me that he doesn’t think the medium I would best be able to express myself in has been invented yet. Music will always be part of my life, but Web3’s potential for community-building has really inspired me.” Lately, Luke has been loaning his talents to fashion brands like JW Anderson to score their runway shows; he also occasionally models, including with Bode, Converse, and Burberry. And up next, Luke has a folk album he wants to bring to the world. “The plan is to release the more pop album first, get enough notoriety, and then have Jack Antonoff re-record this entire album with me,” he confides to us. “I just want to put that out there into the universe.” KF
All clothing Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Hat Lynn Paik Socks Falke Shoes Nicole Saldaña
All clothing and accessories Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello 37
vmen Coat and hood Moncler + DingYun Zhang Pants Isabel Marant Necklace Tiffany & Co.
Coat and top Boss Pants The Row Boots Sunni Sunni Hat Lynn Paik Glasses Ray-Ban Bag Emporio Armani Ring Tiffany & Co.
OLUWOLE OLOSUNDE THE NURSE CHANGING FASHION Designer, stylist, and registered nurse Oluwole Olosunde gives the term “side hustle” a whole new meaning. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian immigrants, Olosunde’s childhood was defined by education. “We lived in a community that had many Nigerian-American children,” Olosunde says. “My parents were immigrants [and] they upheld education.” With both parents involved in healthcare—his mother is a nurse and his father works in medicinal IT—Olosunde became interested in science and attended vocational programs across the city. “Science stood out because it is universal,” he notes. “Everybody is human and we all have the same bones.” As Olosunde’s parents prioritized education, the young multi-hyphenate embraced New York’s burgeoning streetwear and arts scene amidst his studies. “I went to Billionaire Boys Club, Supreme, and Bape, because Pharrell [Williams], Wale, [and] Kanye [West] were inspirations. These multifaceted people showing intelligence through art made me connect with their stories.” As a teenager, Olosunde fast-tracked his education by skipping two grades and ultimately obtained a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. After two years at a bustling New York hospital, the pandemic overwhelmed the city’s healthcare system and altered Olosunde’s approach to science and design. Treating ailing patients, analyzing ever-changing data, and contracting COVID-19 himself made Olosunde realize the demographic disparities in New York, mainly healthcare access in lowincome communities. “I’ve slowed down from being burnt out. I was working a lot more, but then I got COVID [and] it was a reality check.” says Olosunde. While working long hours, the creative was steadfast in pursuing his label “Against Medical Advice,” or as he hyphens, AMA. “To leave the hospital against medical advice is to choose your prerogative over what advice is proven clinically,” the designer explains. “I chose that as the name because of the irony of being a designer and a nurse and living in these two opposite worlds.” From anatomy-inspired motifs to vibrant knitwear pieces that demand attention, AMA is pushing the boundaries of what a fashion label can be—by merging public health awareness with of-the-moment ready-to-wear, Oluwole is carving a unique, and unexplored, niche. The brand’s first collection, “Mitosis,” toys with Olosunde’s medicinal fascination, offering a mix of vibrant separates and graphic motifs that mirror scientific phenomena. For the designer, the collection holds a personal sentiment. “[Mitosis] feels like my child,” Olosunde says. “I was splitting and forming this new cell [and] new life as a designer.” Looking to the future, Olosunde plans to focus solely on AMA, but with his medical expertise leading the way. “I want to hold onto the humanitarian aspects of being a nurse, that’s why I even made Against Medical Advice. With the designs in my mind, it’s so much bigger. I want to do food programs [and] design from a public health standpoint.” MATT VELASCO 38
vmen Grooming Riad Azar (The Wall Group) Photo assistants Ryan Petrus, Ethan Greenfield Stylist assistants Dunya Korobova, Julia Wettreich Grooming assistant Alexandra DiRoma
LUCAS CRISTINO THE ARTIST SUPPORTING HIS COMMUNITY Whether from the east or west, north or south, every corner of the globe knows that the language of art is universal, knowing no bounds or limitations in the way that art can resonate with people who you have yet to meet—just ask Lucas Cristino, the model-turned-artist that’s got New York City buzzing about his latest moves. From gracing the runways to being featured in various editorials since 2012, Cristino’s entry into the mainstream world of fashion came through the route of male modeling—having been signed at the early age of 21, when he was discovered in his home country of Brazil. “[As a kid], I was always smiling, always happy—even with other difficulties in life.” he explains about his upbringing in South America. “My mind was always creative, I always had to be doing something.” It was that unwavering optimism and hungry spirit that led him all the way to New York, finding solace around other creatives in the concrete jungle while bunking with students from nearby colleges. “When I came here, I didn’t speak any English but I [ended up] learning and started to book [modeling] jobs—[becoming an artist] was an accident. One day, [my roommates] told me to draw something and when I picked up the pencil, boom! I felt like I found myself completely and discovered what was missing.” And in that euphoric moment of clarity, an artist was born. Having zeroed in on his newfound craft in the years to come, capturing the many colorful characters that inhabit the island of Manhattan, Cristino found muses in the people of his surroundings saying “I think it’s the Brazilian energy—I know a lot of people in New York because we are always friendly.” Cristino shares. “It’s a blend of people that I know and of people that want to be part of this.” And as each fiber of the brush in every masterful stroke of an oil paint color touched a fresh new canvas, people everywhere had begun to recognize the work of the Brazilian creative—having recently been tapped to complete portraits for rappers such as Vic Mensa and 24kGoldn. “It excites me [when someone recognizes my art] because it feels like I’m onto something.” Now as the industry’s brightest begins to take notice of the budding talent, Cristino is already looking for ways to level up and bring his craft to the next frontier while also giving back to his local communities back home. “I feel like if I can make it happen here, I can give so much back to the kids back home that look like me. I can say to them ‘If you can dream it, you can believe it because it’s possible.’” KEVIN PONCE
Overalls R13 Top (worn under) Canali Hat and glove Maison Margiela Sandals CAMPERLAB Jewelry David Yurman
All clothing MCM Socks Falke Shoes Maison Margiela 39
VMAN
SEIZE THE SEASON GET A GRIP ON THE BEST OF MEN’S SS22
Photography Richard Burbridge Fashion Gro Curtis Glove Hermès Bracelets and pinky rings Cartier Ring (on index finger) Balenciaga
ALTALTON Starring as “the architect of rock and roll” himself, Little Richard in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming blockbuster hit, Elvis, the industry darling goes alt-rock in the season’s most daring looks Photography Richard Burbridge Fashion Gro Curtis Interview Baz Luhrmann
In conversation with Baz Luhrmann, Alton Mason details how he landed the coveted role of Little Richard, his master plan to inspire the next generation of multihyphenates, and the influences fueling his forthcoming foray into music. Baz Luhrmann: Alton, do you remember how we met because we didn’t meet in this traditional way. I was sitting in a chair and I heard a voice. That’s how I’ll start the story and you tell the rest. Alton Mason: So you’re sitting in the hair makeup chair, and I walk in and they’re like, “Hi, how are you doing?” I’m like, “I’m doing good. How are you doing?” And I remember you just looked at me and I looked at you and I said, “I like your hair.” And you were like, “I like your hair.” (Laughs) BL: (Laughs) Yeah, believe me, I was aware of you. You weren’t aware of me. To give context we were at the GQ Awards. Alton was getting the Supermodel of the Year award. We just got talking in the makeup chairs and I saw you later on stage. And then I definitely saw you on the dance floor, later [at the after-party]. AM: Yes, so I wasn’t familiar with you. But I was always familiar with your work. I remember after my acceptance speech, you received your award. And since we were in your hometown, you could feel the energy radiating off of you. What you were saying was very heartfelt, especially what was going on in Australia at the time with the fires. But then, your [directing] reel was playing, and I was like, “That’s who made this? That’s who I was just talking to?” Then at the after-party, I was on the dance floor, and I was just vibing, grooving, dancing. I remember turning around and my mom was running up to me. And I’m like, “Mom, what’s going on?’ She’s like, “Baz wants to talk to you.” After that, you came up and said to me, “That was a beautiful speech. It’s very genuine. And you could tell it came from your heart.” I remember I looked behind you and I saw Austin [Butler] and Olivia [DeJonge] looking in our direction as well. Then you asked, “You’re a model, but do you do anything else? Where are you from? What’s your background?” And I remember I was like, “Well, I’m just starting to really dive into music. I’m a descendant of Mahalia Jackson so music has always really been in our family. And I’m tapping into that.” And with your eyebrows raised you said, “Mahalia Jackson?” BL: By then, there was only one thing I was thinking: Little Richard! I didn’t even talk about it that night. We met the next day with your mom and your lovely family in this little 1930s cinema and it was only meant to be a catch up, but we spent so much time together. AM: And you were supposed to fly out the night before, Baz. BL: Yes. Well, it was quite the night, so we didn’t really make it and we all decided to stay. You’re known for modeling which—I mean you were getting Model of the Year Award—so that says everything. But from the moment I met you I was aware of two things: you danced and you not ony loved music but you made music. Talk a little bit about your dad and the Mahalia connection. I think he’s from Shreveport, which I think features very much in Elvis’ life. AM: Yes, absolutely. It’s actually crazy how my parents are so influential with the way I was raised and how it correlates to the Elvis film. On my mom’s side, we have Mahalia Jackson, on my dad’s side, he’s from Shreveport, Louisiana. So we have deep, deep, deep roots in Louisiana. And before I even flew out to Australia to come meet you, I spent a lot of time in the South, really getting familiar with the energy and the essences. I spent time comparing and contrasting and learning, rebuilding and destroying and surrendering. Then coming to Australia and having to quarantine was like me cleaning the slate in my little cube. And then I remember traveling to Gold Coast and seeing you and it was like paradise there. BL: You know something I remember about that journey when you arrived. I don’t want to say too much about the film right now. But one thing that’s true, is that there’s a lot of generalization when you start to say the word Elvis because he became somewhat like wallpaper. But when you dig into Elvis, the person and you look at his journey, there’s so much there to unpack. From the start we had a really amazing cast. We had Yola playing Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who as you know, discovered Little Richard. Gary Clark Jr. playing Big Boy Crudup, and Kelvin Harris Jr. as the amazing B.B. King. And we’re all out to dinner one night, and you were there—and this is the story I tell to everyone about you. You were there along with these really significant artists. But I remember, there were a bunch of young surfer guys on the Gold Coast, and they’re all pointing and one came over and said, “Hey, mate! Are you Alton Mason? What are you doing here?” I’m thinking like all of the firepower in that room and you stood out, but it showed the power of fashion, actually. It just shows that through your movement in modeling and the way you’ve expressed yourself, you’ve touched many. You’ve never been a clothes hanger, 42
you illuminate clothes. But these young surfer dudes knew you from that kind of work. Can you talk a little bit about your attitude to modeling? To fashion? You had really important and profound relationships in fashion, friends, and fairy godmothers like Naomi Campbell, and of course, you were close to Virgil, just talk a little bit about that journey for you. AM: Well, honestly, it’s really profound because fashion has always been a passion of mine, subconsciously. I’ve gotten to really dive into so many different cultures and see their aesthetics, which I always applied to myself. My dad played basketball overseas, we were always traveling to places like Greece, Amsterdam, Belgium, Czech Republic, so I kept my imagination and applied that to fashion. Also growing up in theater school, we were always in the theater’s fashion closet going crazy and being creative. My teacher, Miss Flack would allow us to wear what we wanted in the class, so that also influenced my style, which encouraged freedom of artistic expression for me. I think what made fashion fun for me was being fearless. And then [fashion] was something that I chose subconsciously or maybe it chose me. Like I said, not on purpose, but on purpose, I guess. Either way, when stepping into this industry, I wanted to be something that I didn’t see enough of and something I thought the industry needed. I wanted to break the mold and apply what I learned from my dance and gymnastics background to fashion. And in applying that when I’m in front of the camera, it doesn’t really become about selling the clothes, it’s so much more. That has brought me to a place where I’m identified as a creative individual and not one particular thing. That’s really what I want to do; continue to inspire the generations to come and it doesn’t have to be dance, it doesn’t have to be gymnastics. But really being fearless and applying what you know, and what you love to what you do every day…no matter what it is. That’s what I’ve been doing so consciously and been called to do. Personally, I’ve been having so much fun doing that. I’ve been finding parts of myself that I didn’t know existed. I’ve been really unraveling, revealing layers just out of curiosity. That has been amazing for me and to be able to work with people like you, Virgil, Naomi, it’s really just...I can’t even put it in words, because I’m just a kid from the desert of Arizona. I didn’t know this was going to happen to me. I was actually on the plane reading The Alchemist for the fourth time, and I’m like, “This is me!” BL: Perfect story. I love what you say. And I think you’re at the perfect age and you’re the perfect crossroads for this. What I hear you say is that there shouldn’t be these silos. There shouldn’t be these fences between, I am a model, I am an actor. I sing, I do martial arts, I do gymnastics. What I hear you saying is, they’re all available. But what the constant is the desire to express and tell a story. AM: I love that, Baz. BL: And I saw that very much in what you’re doing. I remember seeing even before you did our film, the short film you made, it was called Rise In Light, and you did music in it. And I remember you told me that you’ve been working on music and you played me something. AM: I can’t believe you remembered all of this. BL: Well, I mean, that’s my job, I have to remember. But I don’t remember everything. I just remember the things that touch or strike me. But it was really clear that your music was somewhat of an effortless progression from modeling, dancing, and acting. AM: Personally, music has always been just a little passion project, like a hobby, like a form of therapy for me. Just to add a touch to what you said about expression. I want to share more of myself with the world. I do, and I will. BL: It’s the beginning of a very long road. It’s a lifetime journey, revealing yourself. One of the great joys for me is identifying an artist. And no artist that I work with, no matter what their background is, gets to play every string on their instrument in their entire career. And so, building an environment where they can just reveal a new string is important. I think we see that in you playing Little Richard in the movie. There’s such an important scene, later in the film, where you’re hanging out with B.B. King…and all of the intensity you brought to the scene, it’s another string on your instrument. I mean, you were really present in the movie as this character. You were Little Richard. AM: Thank you so much. Thank you, Baz. That truly means the world. BL: And I know we’re all looking forward to it. I can’t wait for the world to see you. AM: Thank you for believing in me. Head to Vman.com to read the extended interview.
Top Givenchy Face jewelry Burberry Earring Cartier Top necklace Tiffany & Co. Middle necklace Chrome Hearts Bottom, bracelet (worn as necklace) Hermès On cheeks Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick in Transparent
Shorts and boots Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Bracelet (on right leg) and left boot Chrome Hearts Bracelet (on right boot) Cartier
Jacket Versace Headpiece Heather Huey Ear cuff Balenciaga Earring Cartier
Skirt and necklace CELINE HOMME by Hedi Slimane Bracelet (on right) Hermès Bracelets (on left) and rings David Yurman On body Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil worn throughout
“[Fashion] was something that I chose subconsciously I think...or maybe it chose me. But either way, when stepping into this industry, I wanted to be something that I didn’t see enough of and something I thought the industry needed. I wanted to break the mold and apply what I learned from my dance and gymnastics background to fashion.” —Alton Mason
Jacket Prada Sunglasses Gentle Monster Nose cuff Balenciaga Necklace (worn on face) Cartier Earring stylist’s own Top necklace The Cast NYC Bottom necklace Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Dress and face jewelry Burberry Ear cuff Balenciaga Top necklace and bracelet (worn on bicep) Chrome Hearts Bottom necklace Cartier On eyes Burberry Effortless Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black 01
Coat Balenciaga Pants Dsquared2 Bracelet (worn on head) Chrome Hearts Face jewelry Burberry Earring and necklace Cartier
Pants Dsquared2 Gloves and middle belt Chrome Hearts Bag (worn as belt) Dunhill Top and bottom belt Hermès
Makeup Raisa Flowers (EDMA) Hair Junya Nakashima Model Alton Mason (IMG) Casting Director Shaun Beyen (Plus Three One) Digital technician Nick Barr Photo assistant Peter Siskos Stylist assistants Sam Knoll, Jesse Leonard Makeup assistant Eunice Kristen Production assistant Hannah LePage
Coat Han Kjøbenhavn Sleeves, worn under Carla Dawn Behrle Sunglasses Gentle Monster Lip ring Burberry
CHANNING TATUM’S SECOND ACT The actor-turned-director chops it up with fellow cinema icon and best friend Jonah Hill about the hardships of directing films, the evolution of personal style, and the journey of fatherhood Photography Inez & Vinoodh Fashion George Cortina Interview Jonah Hill Text Dania Curvy 52
Top Giorgio Armani Pants vintage Watch Omega
Channing wears top Giorgio Armani Pants vintage from Raggedy Threads NY Watch Omega
Top (worn around shoulders), vintage Swimsuit CDLP Sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage
Swimsuit Burberry
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onah Hill spent his 38th birthday at the chiropractor, after a painful surfrelated injury requires an MRI. But before he can go in for the scan, Hill has to Zoom with 21 Jump Street co-star and best friend, Channing Tatum, who’s laughing on the other end from Ohio. As Hill puts it, ever so emphatically, “If Chan needs me, then I show up. That’s my rule.” After an upheaval that led the Alabama-native into a brief Hollywood hiatus, Tatum, now 41, is charging into the future playing no games while having all
of the fun. Checking off his most challenging career feat yet—his directorial debut on February 18th with the family film Dog—Tatum is still staying busy, now simultaneously gearing up for the March 25th release of the action-adventure comedy The Lost City, alongside Sandra Bullock. While other fans might be yearning for Magic Mike’s Last Dance—a final encore to the massive franchise which helped catapult Tatum into true international stardom—the highly anticipated film will be going into production later this year. And finally, before 2022 wraps, Tatum is set to launch into the juicy role of a tech billionaire, playing alongside Zoë Kravitz for her own directorial debut in the upcoming thriller Pussy Island. “They think they want another Jump Street, but they don’t,” Hill muses to Tatum as the VMAN cover star grins and nods in agreement. “It would just be me and Channing talking about his hip, my shoulder, and the medications that we’re on.” But no matter how many chiropractic visits or hip surgeries the two may undergo, the pair’s youthful, loving, and unadulterated friendship will last a lifetime. Boys will always be boys. From Tatum’s forthcoming projects to the influences surrounding his fashion evolution and the tribulations of single fatherhood, the comedic duo dive into conversation to reach untold depths while leaving out none of the shenanigans. Jonah Hill: Let me start with Dog. I know, it’s the first movie you co-directed with Reid [Carolin]. I love when people I think are really great artists make their first film—it’s like their first album. You really get to see what they’re about. You’ve been a great actor and producer for a long time. You’ve told stories through Magic Mike and other projects. To me, as a friend and fan, and knowing you as an artist for so long, then getting to see the film, I was just so proud that it’s so uniquely you and Reid as artists. Channing Tatum: Appreciate that, brother. You know how much that meant to me. Reid and I kind of struggled with what we were going to direct first for a really long time. You know I lost my dog, Lulu. She was like my first child. It was happening at a time in my life that I really did not need to lose my best friend. When I came back and told the boys at the office, I was crying my eyes out, telling them about my experience. And we’re realizing there’s a really beautiful story about surrender here. It always felt very small or, you know, sad. My dog dies and it’s really hard to come back from that, when the dog dies in a movie. We had made a documentary on these Special Forces and Special Operations dogs, Ranger dogs in the military. Then we started to pivot a little bit, into possibly making a bigger movie on a universal level that would reach more people and distill the same themes, and that’s kind of how we got to this idea of a soldier going on a road trip with a dog that he doesn’t really like or want. He’s doing it for his buddy a little bit, but really, it’s because he wants an opportunity to get back into a militarytype job. He’s got to take this dog and do it without being able to get back in the game. They go on this road trip and hate each other. We wanted to make something fun. JH: I always had store-bought dogs that were beautiful idiots, and I never had that deep of a connection to how close you and Lulu were. Now I have a rescue pitbull, Fig, and we have that kind of relationship. I was bawling, multiple times, during the movie, but not in a sad Marley & Me way, but in a profound way. CT: I think it’s also why we picked a soldier. We wanted an extreme character that doesn’t allow himself to feel his emotions or be soft and open. Then all of a sudden, this dog comes up and they sound like a mom with a newborn, talking to these dogs like they’re babies. We just figured that these dogs somehow unlocked them. JH: So did you and the dog develop a deep relationship? Or did you have to force it because a dog acting is a nightmare? CT: No. We had three dogs. Two of the dogs I became good friends with and one dog I stayed a little further away from. And there’s a reason why all dog movies are shot in a certain way— it’s really tough to get a performance with an actor and a dog in the same frame. JH: Yeah, because they’re a fucking dog. What is your ambition to make another film? CT: I don’t know if I’ll direct another movie, and I definitely won’t direct another movie with me in it, man, that’s for sure. If I’m being really honest, I don’t feel like I directed the movie the way I wanted. It was tough and felt very rushed. I feel like I need a second chance to direct my first film. JH: I get that. I wasn’t in my first movie, and I enjoyed that. It’s funny because now the next one I’ve made is a doc, which is coming out next year, but then the next narrative movie I make I think I do want to be in because I want to see what that’s like, so it’s interesting to hear you say that. Let’s move on to The Lost City with Sandra Bullock, which I saw the trailer for. I have not seen this much hype for a movie in a long time. CT: Dude, the amount of times that I was having complete nostalgic FOMO of us on Jump Street from this movie. I would say the fucking tone of this movie is so crazy. I am so bonkers. I might be crazier in this movie than I actually am in Jump Street, which is really hard to do. JH: I mean, he’s such a genius character, he’s like the Fabio book model. He thinks he’s actually able to pull this shit off. It just works within like 10 seconds of watching the trailer. CT: It’s such a feel-good movie. I don’t care if it was the phone book with Sandra Bullock, I’m doing it just because she’s the G of Gs. There’s nothing shocking to me, at all, when you meet Sandra. She’s just exactly who you want her to be–the most wonderful, brilliant sweetheart. She produced the film and knows every single thing on the set and how much it cost, kind of person. Brad [Pitt] in this movie is hilarious. If we ever do Jump Street 3, we have to—I’m telling you, he’s comic gold if you put him with the right character. I’ll tell you who’s probably my favorite actor now…Daniel Radcliffe. JH: He’s awesome. CT: God, I think I always get put under the spell of a British person talking. He is so much fun as this crazy, odd villain, and you kind of fall in love with him a little bit. JH: I have two more big points to hit that I’m interested in. One, is your newfound fashion. Like the joy around your fashion sense as of recent. I’ll let you talk about this in any sense you want to talk about it. CT: It has been a journey, Jonah. I grew up in the South, and you don’t wear anything but like, white t-shirts and chains everywhere. I had a year I called, “the year of the fresh white tee.” [Then] I started getting seen as a model, and I went so deep into the highest fashion world that you possibly can. I was living in New York and [there], you find your own style. When I moved to L.A., dressing became a bit of a chore, it was just another suit for another talk show.
I just got over it. I stopped acting for a while, life changed, and I really wanted to pay attention and figure out who I was—that was like four years ago. Look, I went on a little bit of a journey trying to do Balenciaga and all this shit. And I was just like, ‘This ain’t me either. I don’t know what the kids are doing these days.’ And then some friends of mine, like you and Zo [Zoë Kravitz], were like, “Why don’t you just wear what you wear? Why don’t you just be you?” You gave me some very specific style tips. I’m really enjoying finding my own voice and my own way with some very beautiful guardrails. Jonah, you basically don’t let me look like a fool. So I appreciate you. I’m only mad that it’s taken you this long to give me these tips...you could have helped me a lot on Jump Street. JH: I could have but you can’t make someone want to change. They have to want it on their own. CT: I was hanging out with Jason Momoa the other day, and he’s wearing this beautiful pink and white cardigan. And I was like, “How do you pull that off, bro?” Like, I don’t look well in a pink cardigan. I look like an actual school teacher. I put it on and, literally, everyone said, “No, doesn’t work. Take it off.” JH: I always appreciated your appreciation of whatever you found cool or interesting. I think that’s a beautiful way to live. But I think it was cool to watch you start to understand what worked well for you and develop in that way. CT: That’s what’s beautiful about having friends like you. Somebody can tell you a perspective that you can’t fully have on yourself. You told me to never wear boots, but I understand what you meant by that now. No boots for me. Boots on you are ok. And I’m glad you cleared that up, because I did feel for a second very betrayed when you went on national TV with boots on. JH: And then you sent me an angry DM saying, “What the fuck is this?” CT: I’ll put it to you this way, I was still so mad even though after I understood what you meant. I still couldn’t respond for a minute because I was just like, I have had— JH: Yeah, you left me on read for like two days. CT: Because I’m looking at all my amazing boots that I can’t wear because they’re not for me, but they’re great. JH: Correct. I think they read a little Mumford and Sons on you and then for me, I need a little more like, butching up sometimes. You have a lot of help in your life. But I do feel like I did play a good part in this style evolution and something I’m very proud of personally, that I didn’t do for the glory. I did it out of love and excitement to see you look so rad. And then, when I saw you on the bike with the vintage T-shirt and the Dickies I was like, “How incredible does this guy look?” CT: But the only problem is now I’m completely addicted to these vintage apps. Now I don’t even go on Instagram anymore. JH: I feel like we switched tracks where I’m now super outdoorsy and [into] motorcycles, jiu-jitsu, and stuff. You helped me conceptualize that I could do a lot more of that physical or adventure kind of stuff. So I’m really grateful for that. CT: Dude, I think you wanted to direct your movie. That was your own jiu-jitsu. After that, I think you felt like you could do almost anything in the world. That’s when you started surfing and jiu-jitsu and it was freeing. Because you probably did one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Directing is like this spiritual—I don’t know, cleansing. It’s like climbing Everest or something. You expect to die almost every day. JH: I definitely wrote every director [I worked with] an email saying, “Sorry. I thought I was really smart and I wasn’t. And I didn’t realize how hard your job was. My bad.” It’s like when people say, “When you have kids, you’re going to get it back like 20 times worse than you were.” I was a fucked-up teenager. Now I have my own ‘kids,’ and I got to face that reality. You were my first close friend to have a kid. Now I see her as a young person and she’s rad. I want to hear why you wrote this children’s book [The One and Only Sparkella]. CT: I remember right before Everly was born, my dad said, “Look, I know that you think you know what love is right now. But as soon as you see her for the very first time, it’s not even a higher gear—it’s a completely different gear in the gearbox. It’s something that’s only going to be for her. That’s what’s going to happen.” And that is exactly what happened. JH: The second you met her? CT: Yeah, she opened her eyes—thankfully, right when she came out and looked right at me. It was over. She’s just a born hustler and knows what she’s doing in this world. I was afraid to have a girl. Because growing up, I had a big sister, but my sister was tougher than every single guy in the neighborhood. I didn’t go get my big brother, my dad, or my best friend in the neighborhood fights, I went and got her. She wasn’t a normal girl to me, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to know exactly what to do. [Everly] loves fairies, magic, and makeup. I was really nervous. I know that I liked to act and play make-believe and magical things, but I just didn’t know if I was going to be able to meet her on her level, especially now that I’m a single dad. I was doubly afraid. Was I going to be able to do any of the stuff that a mother should do? That a mother, as a woman, can relate to her as? And then as that journey unfolded, I realized that all I really had to do was just go into her world and do whatever she wanted to do. If she wants to paint my nails, I let her paint my nails. If she wants to put on a tutu, do makeup, and run around and play, then we got to run. That was the biggest lesson for me. You just need to play and go into their world, you are never ever going to be sad that you did. That was the easiest way to relate to her and that was one of the reasons why I wrote the book. It was just that lesson in itself. But then I remember the very first time that my daughter was self-conscious. She had this watermelon poncho that she loved. I was about to take her to preschool and then she immediately was like, “No, no, no, I need to change. I need to change. I don’t want to get laughed at.” And that was the very first time that I ever saw her get insecure about what she was wearing, because she always loved wearing something funny. It was just heartbreaking. I’m watching my daughter have the very first feelings of insecurity. I didn’t know what to do. I just have to let her find her way. I can’t tell her not to be scared of the kids laughing at her. And what I realized is my daughter really likes to teach me things. She likes to think that I don’t know certain things and most of the time, I don’t know how to do things and she actually does teach me. So I would put myself in certain circumstances, let her teach me the lesson that I wanted her to do at school. Essentially, that’s what the book’s about. And that’s really just to be the most you that you can possibly be. JH: That’s so cool. And that must be so scary to see her have the awareness that something she’s into isn’t going to be accepted. Knowing myself, when I’m in that situation, I imagine I will break down and start crying. CT: Yeah, man because there are no right words. They’re not really listening in that way. JH: Did she love the book? CT: Yeah, she loves it. Her and Jenna [Dewan] were like these beautiful fairies and she’s always called me the “poopy snail.” She always found it hilarious. JH: For someone who’s known you for a long fucking time now, [with] all of these projects, and things we’re talking about, it’s a beautiful culmination to see from where we met to where you are now, which wasn’t an easy road. CT: I barely survived that last lap. But that’s the human experience.
Sweater Polo Ralph Lauren
Robe vintage Pants The Row On skin Clarins Bronzing Compact
Top Ralph Lauren Pants vintage
“Directing is like this spiritual cleansing. It’s like climbing Everest— you expect to die almost every day.” —Channing Tatum
Swimsuit CDLP Necklace vintage Cartier On skin Clarins Super Restorative Day SPF 20
Top Giorgio Armani On skin Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation in 5
Sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage
“I stopped acting for a while, life changed, and I really wanted to pay attention and figure out who I was…that was four years ago. I’m really enjoying finding my own voice and my own way with some very beautiful guardrails.” —Channing Tatum
Top Thom Browne Shorts Prada
Grooming Jamie Taylor (The Wall Group) Producer Tucker Burbilis (VLM Productions) Production Manager John Nadhazi (VLM Productions) Production Coordinator Eva Harte (VLM Productions) Lighting Director Jodokus Driessen (VLM Studio) Photo assistant Edouard Boutinaud Production assistant Jamal Shakir Stylist assistants Elliot Soriano, Chance Jarvis Retouching StereoHorse
MALICK BODIAN IN VERSACE Shoes Giuseppe Zanotti Jewelry Tiffany & Co.
A CUT ABOVE Tailored to perfection, industry muses spotlight the best and brightest from the Spring/Summer 2022 collections Photography Quentin De Briey Fashion Gro Curtis 68
LEON DAME IN PRADA
PAUL HAMELINE IN CELINE HOMME BY HEDI SLIMANE
XU MEEN IN GUCCI Jewelry Tiffany & Co.
NOAH LUIS BROWN IN DSQUARED2 Jewelry Tiffany & Co.
JONAS GLÖER IN LOUIS VUITTON
FERNANDO LINDEZ IN DIOR MEN On lips Dior Beauty Rouge Dior Colored Lip Balm in 100 Nude Look
Makeup Maria Olsson (Wise & Talented) Hair Paolo Soffiatti (Management + Artists) Models Malick Bodian (DNA), Leon Dame (Viva Model), Paul Hameline (Success), Xu Meen (IMG), Noah Luis Brown (DNA), Jonas Glöer (Viva Model), Fernando Lindez (New Madison), Alpha Dia (Next) Producer Clara Vayola (Cadence Paris) Photo assistants Christian Varas, Soraya Sanini Stylist assistant Marlène Le Gall Production assistant Maria Johnsen Location Daylight Studio
ALPHA DIA IN TOM FORD Jewelry Tiffany & Co. On skin Tom Ford For Men Concealer in Ultra Rich
Clément wears top Hermès Earring, worn throghout model’s own On hair Oribe Crème for Style
GOD’S COUNTRY Set amongst the Florida Everglades, model powerhouse Clément Chabernaud explores the charm of the South Photography Blair Getz Mezibov Fashion Grant Woolhead
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All clothing Hermès
All clothing Giorgio Armani Sunglasses Prada
Jacket and sunglasses Prada
Shorts Prada
All clothing and boots Balenciaga
This page: All clothing Burberry Ring David Yurman
All clothing Ermenegildo Zegna
All clothing Fendi Ring David Yurman On Skin La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion
Lorem Ipsum wears Lorem Ipsum
All clothing CELINE HOMME by Hedi Slimane
All clothing Gucci Ring David Yurman
Grooming Roberto Di Cuia (L’Atelier) Model Clement Chabernaud (IMG) Photo assistant Mike Skigen
All clothing Givenchy Ring David Yurman
ACTING UP Continuing his documentation of our cultural zeitgeist, Hedi Slimane captures some of the boldest young actors hitting screens everywhere this year Photography Hedi Slimane Shot in New York City, December 7, 2021
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ULY SCHLESINGER “My first time acting was the prized role of Soldier #2 in my high school’s production of Antigone. I had a whole two lines and was terrified to go on stage, but as soon as I got up there, I fell in love. It felt electric, and I immediately knew I wanted to keep chasing that feeling. Every role [I’ve taken on] is challenging in its own way. Whenever I go into a project, I’m always stressed about doing it justice and trying to make it as honest as possible. It can definitely be hard when coming out of a role that requires intense emotional immersion. If I’m being honest, I’m still figuring out how to take care of myself, but acting is such a cathartic art form for me. It’s often helpful for me to just let myself feel the range of emotions that come with playing any character.” Schlesinger is starring in Generation on HBO Max
ROBERT ARAMAYO “I’ve known [I wanted to act] since I was very young. When I was growing up, there was an awesome theater that inspired me because those were the first people that I saw that were really talented–I just wanted to do what they did. The audition process [for the Lord of the Rings series] was relatively quick. I had chats with Patrick (McKay), then an audition, and it just all seemed to happen. The next minute it was like, ‘you need to be in New Zealand tomorrow.’ I have a passion for J. R. R. Tolkien and [the show] allowed me to go further into a brilliant mind like his and [learn about] all of his books that I never heard of. I hope I get to [continue] working as an actor and work with talented people, just like I have in my career so far. I get overjoyed when I get the opportunity to do what I love.” Aramayo is starring in Lord of the Rings on Amazon
ZACKARY ARTHUR “In all of my roles, I like to make sure I know a lot about the character, and that I read the entire script. I want to get into the psyche of the character. I spend a lot of time alone on the set doing this, actually. It helps me feel centered when we film. I sit by myself before emotional scenes to get into the mode of the character. For Jake in Chucky, I also talked to creator, writer and director Don Mancini, who gave me so much insight into how Jake would feel and how he envisions the character. Don is such a cool person and really knows everything. He was always there to give me direction or advice. I love working with him.” Arthur is starring in Chucky on Syfy
JADEN MICHAEL “Colin in Black & White was definitely the most intense pre-production in my career, so far. On top of all of my emotional and script preparedness, I was also trying to learn to be a football, baseball, and basketball athlete. With that comes physical and emotional aspects. Mentally, what does it take to be an athlete, to stay headstrong, keeping yourself in the game regardless of what your mind tells you is your limit? Physically, thinking of breaking those barriers and improving from there. The experience definitely contributed positively to my mental health. Every time I went in believing perhaps I couldn’t handle something, I left having accomplished that and more, all while setting new goals and expectations for next time. It’s really an empowering experience.” Michael is starring in Colin In Black & White on Netflix
FRED HECHINGER “In general, I find there’s no cut and dried way to prepare. You have to stay open to the unique rhythms and details of each project. There’s always research, writing, physicality, memorization…those all figure in somehow, but there’s hopefully something new each time, too. It’s simply very fun: acting. You prepare very seriously so that you can play. I love how much intensity goes into having fun. But honestly, I don’t yet know the trick to fully shaking off any character. I manage to return home and get on with my life, but I don’t believe that the characters completely leave. I think they stick with you and change you in little or big ways, every time. I’ll miss every character I play at one point or another. That, or they come back and say “Hi,” at odd moments.” Hechinger is starring in White Lotus on HBO Max
BEN AHLERS “Growing up, my mom was heavily involved in community theater. The rehearsal room in our church basement became my playroom. I was enthralled as our shows would come to life over the weeks of rehearsals. Those rehearsals in Iowa instilled a sense of playfulness in me and gratitude for the theatrical process and my creative community. My aspirations have grown and my dreams are more ambitious, but I try to remind myself of that kid in the church basement happily playing make-believe. [As an actor] a lot of this career rests in other people creating and offering opportunities to you. With new platforms and increasing accessibility, I think we’re heading into a whole new media age that will amplify and give rise to stories and points of view that expand our belief in what’s possible for humanity. [I want] to tell a greater story and to keep exploring what it means to be human.” Ahlers is starring in The Gilded Age on HBO Max
OAKES FEGLEY “[Pete’s Dragon] was my big turning point—that was the one moment where I thought, ‘I really do enjoy this. I love being around these people. I love learning all about this process.’ It was a completely different world that I had never really been in before. We filmed in New Zealand for four months when I was 10 years old. I never really did anything major before that…and then I booked this starring role in a Disney movie. I was able to do all of my own stunts for it because David Lowery, the director, wanted me to and I was like, ‘I will totally do that.’ They had me fitted for harnesses and I worked with so much stunt equipment and training with the team—it was a really awesome experience.” Fegley is starring in Steven Spielberg’s The Fablemans in theaters
MAXWELL JENKINS Makeup Aaron de Mey (Art Partner) Hair Esther Langham (Art + Commerce) Production Spencer Morgan Taylor (Harbinger Creative) Studio Coordinator Fleur Bougon Digital technician Olivier Looren Photo assistants Morgan Roudaut, Matthieu Boutignon, Niko Margaros Makeup assistants Tayler Treadwell, Brian Dean Hair assistant Ginger Photo Project assistant Simone Bertrand
“I grew up in Chicago in my family’s circus. If I had to describe my childhood in a few words, I would have to say unique, eventful, and soulful. I was lucky enough to be around performers and artists from all over the world at a very young age. Because of this, I felt a deep connection to the world, even then. I always had a sense that the world was a very big place, but because I knew people from so many different countries, that fact never scared me. And the aerialists and contortionists and acrobats all had incredible work ethics…they would train for thousands of hours for just a couple minutes in the ring under the spotlight. Today I feel like that really rubbed off on me. I love to be super-prepared.” Jenkins is starring in Reacher on Amazon
VIRGIL WAS HERE
The visionary creative director Virgil Abloh handpicked key looks from the Louis Vuitton Men’s SS22 collection for this photoshoot, which today pays posthumous homage to the man who shared his unparalleled creativity with the world Photography Marie Tomanova Fashion Anna Trevelyan Text Alex Blynn
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Liam wears the Oversized Coat Wrapped Tailored Coat Rope Pullover Red Hockey Gloves
Omar wears the Tight Scuba Leather Jacket Rope Pullover Puffy Leather Shorts LV Puffer Boots Base 8 Yellow Sunglasses
When we lost Virgil Abloh last year—a true inspiration and a treasured friend to many all over the globe—the pain was overwhelming. But, like the designer, endeavoring to stay positive through pain is the challenge. We look to Abloh’s incredible achievements and the barriers he broke down, and we appreciate how deep his influence still runs in the cultural zeitgeist. The Chicago native and father of two was originally trained as an architect, but found early success as a streetwear designer for local cool kids. After Abloh met singer Kanye West through mutual acquaintances, the pair headed to Fendi to work as interns (quite the interns!) for the late, great Karl Lagerfeld, bringing a new energy to the storied Roman line. “I paid them $500 a month!” Michael Burke, the chairman and CEO of LVMH group, once said. “I was really impressed. They were disruptive in the best sense of the term.” After Fendi and a stint as the creative director for West’s label Donda, Abloh founded his own line in 2013, the boundary-pushing Off-White. Producing elevated ready-to-wear for men and women, Off-White was worn both on red carpets in Hollywood and in the streets of New York, cementing Abloh as a purveyor of fashion to many stripes of wearer. A catalyst for much of the modern fascination with artist collaborations, Abloh also became known as the man who outsider brands could tap to make them ultra-relevant and chic. Nike and Evian, Supreme and Ikea, everyone vied for a piece of Abloh’s magic. His hard work paying off, Abloh was then appointed the head of Louis Vuitton men’s in 2018, becoming the first Black man to helm a division of the international fashion powerhouse. His design ethos and dedication to futurism brought a breath of fresh air to the label, attracting a
hungry young audience and amassing hypebeast-level fandom for the luxuries maker, all while promoting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists and models and creatives within the industry. Often pulling inspiration from his boyhood experiences and his innate understanding of people’s love of nostalgia, Abloh smartly pieced together exciting, gender-bending looks, complete with motifs, graffiti, highly reflective graphics, neons, surprising materials, and many Swarovski applique. His creations were transformative and critically acclaimed, and they made Abloh a globally recognized figure. Abloh had reached a zenith in popular culture, but he never let the success go to his head; he still found time to set up a $1 million scholarship fund and mentorship program for Black college students. “It’s my commitment to fostering change and keeping the door open,” he told British Vogue of the endeavor. “I’m trying to speak to the 17-year-old version of myself.” And last July, LVMH purchased a major stake in Off-White and offered Abloh a new position within the group, giving him oversight across dozens of fashion, spirits, cosmetics, and jewelry brands. The deal made him, as The New York Times pointed out at the time, “...the most powerful Black executive in the most powerful luxury group in the world.” It was during that high point when Abloh handpicked the pieces in this portfolio for VMAN; and unbeknownst to most, he was simultaneously battling illness. But the designer’s selections here are, much as the man himself, colorful, upbeat, and unafraid. Shot in one of Abloh’s favorite cities, Miami, his work seems to tell us to stay positive through adversity, and to hope, as he did, for a tomorrow filled with more art and love and light. Head to Vman.com to read the extended article
Felix wears the JJ Puzzle Jacket and Pants JJ Full Body Jumpsuit
Abdulaye wears the Tie Dye Jacket Pointy Collar Shirt Base 8 Pink Sunglasses
James wears the Oversized Coat Rope Pullover Soft Trunk Wearable Wallet
Cloud wears the Shell Trench Coat Singed Lightweight Nylon Skirt LV Trainer Boots Base 8 White Sunglasses
Grooming Autumn Suna Rich using skincare by Chanel and AZK Made and hair products by Oribe Models Liam Kelly (Soul) Omar Sesay (The Society) Felix Cadieu Abdulaye Niang (DNA) James Baek (DNA) Cloud Modi (DNA) Stylist assistant Kristtian Chévere
HE’S GOT GAME Who says you can’t balance sports and fashion? These nine subjects are going for the gold as they discover the true art of athleticism Photography Domen & Van De Velde Fashion Nicola Formichetti Text Alex Blynn
Swimsuits Guess Boxing belts Aura Tout Vu
ANGEL BARRIENTES + CHAVEZ BARRIENTES BOXERS Twin brothers Angel and Chavez Barrientes are a boxing duo taking the sport—and now fashion—by storm. Born in Hawaii, the pair grew up idolizing fighters like Manny Pacquaio and Julio César Chávez, fighters who the twins saw as athletic representatives of their Filipino and Latino heritages, respectively. “Not only was Pacquaio a champ in the ring, he is the people’s champ of the Philippines,” Angel relates. “A big inspiration.” At just two, the pair moved with their family to Las Vegas. “Our dad, who is also our coach, opened a gym soon after moving,” the twins say. “He was always a boxing fan so he started us young. We were around seven years old when we first got into it. By the time we were eight, 98
we were already in amateur competitions all over the place.” Having a twin compete in the same arena can be a challenge, but also a boon, according to the twins. “There’s a quote by British boxer Frank Bruno: ‘Boxing is the toughest and loneliest sport in the world,’” states Chavez. “Which is true. It’s not like football or baseball where you have team members to count on. It is you alone in the ring up against your opponent.” “But,” Angel chimes in, “I love that we get to do everything together, and that we can enjoy being on the same journey together.” “We are definitely competitive, though,” says Chavez. “And we push each other every day. But that’s likely why we are great at what we do!”
Swimsuit Guess On body Make Up For Ever Flash Color Palette Multi-use Cream Color Palette
COLE ALVES SURFER Cole Alves is a surfer born, fittingly, in Oahu, Hawaii. The skilled wave rider still remembers the first time he got on a board. “I was just two! It was in Waikiki, with my dad. I’ll never forget it.” Growing up in and around the crystalline blue waters and mountainous waves of the Islands, Alves’ aptitude on a surfboard was allowed to flourish. With his family’s blessing and support, he was able to travel all over the globe competing, riding some of the toughest and most daunting crests of H2O out there. And after years of competing, Alves won first place at the Vans-sponsored World Surf League 2018 Pro Junior competition. “I feel like this is my breakthrough event,” he told a local Hawaiian news source just after he had won. Now living in L.A. and focusing on both the waves and a photographer’s camera, Alves
has been utilizing his surfer dude good looks as a model—like in these pages—and as a social media influencer. On TikTok, Alves now has more than 1.8 million followers who check in regularly for his updates. The account is littered with clips featuring Alves and his friends surfing, chilling at home, and of course, dancing. Alves also uses the platform to share his (usually quick) self-takes and general life musings, as any active guy with an active brain would. And he has surfing to thank for much of this bounty. “It [surfing] has definitely cut into things like school and other activities I could be doing,” Alves admits. “It’s hard to focus on your homework or extracurriculars when you’re traveling around the world all the time. But I wouldn’t change it for anything!”
All clothing Calvin Klein Boxing gloves Adidas On hair Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
ERIC PRIEST BOXER Celebrated Korean-American middleweight boxer and model Eric Priest has the whole world in front of him, but the young man actually hails from an unassuming background in Middle America. “I grew up in Kansas,” he tells us, “and my father was ex-military. My mother was an immigrant from Korea. Very humble beginnings, I would say.” Priest was pushed early on into combat sports by his father, a former member in the United States Navy Special Operations and a firm believer in athletics and the dedication expected to participate in them. By the age of 10, Priest was already finding his passion for boxing—and soon after, his aptitude for it. “At about 13, I realized I had fast hands and a natural edge for boxing,” he recalls, “so I pretty much walked away from every other sport right then and there and decided to focus on my training.”
Priest competed extensively for years, becoming known as the passionate fighter with disarmingly good looks. Then, at the age of 18, he won the coveted Kansas Golden Gloves title in the Elite Men’s division. He was then quickly picked up by a famous boxing coach, who helped set the young champion up for a new chapter in his life. Currently living in California, Priest’s achievments in the ring have won him an Adidas athletics ambassadorship, while his jawline and excellent disposition got him signed to Wilhelmina Models in L.A. The world of 2022 is truly Priest’s oyster, and he knows it. “I’m excited to begin to see my career really unfold,” he says. “I recently switched trainers and gyms”—a huge deal in the world of boxing—“and I’m working on an NFT, and now with modeling, I’m ready to learn new things and see how my skills develop as I move forward.”
All clothing Red September Watch Omega On Lips Dior Beauty Lip Glow in 012 Rosewood
MARCOS MONTOYA SKATEBOARDER Marcos Montoya was raised in Broward County, Florida, one of the three counties that make up the expansive greater Miami-Dade area. Known for tropical year-round warmth, and plenty of smooth, flat, concrete surfaces to practice on, skateboarding culture was and is strong in those hot streets. “I got my first skateboard when I was eight,” Montoya says, “and I’ve been skating ever since.” A natural overachiever, Montoya was not content to be only an athlete, and got himself signed to Next Models to pursue his goals in fashion. But he still points to his sport and the years of training he’s undertaken to compete as he does, as the impetus for that reach for more than what he already knew. “Skating has opened so many doors for me,” he says. “So training doesn’t even feel like a regimen. It just feels like a lifestyle!”
Currently living in L.A., the fashionable skater dude has found success both as a professional athlete and now as a stylish model. His self-refined aesthetic has garnered him a thriving social media following of well over 80K fans on Instagram, where his audience can watch the young pro skate all over the world and attend fashion shows and events. He was even seated for the July 2021 Off-White runway show in Paris. “I’ve always had an interest in fashion,” he admits. “And if I weren’t skating, I’d be a fashion designer!” Looking towards the future, Montoya is gearing up for more competitions and more modeling, and is excited for the rest of the year. “I hope 2022 will be filled with more blessings and positive memories!” he says. And perhaps something more from him, something else he’s willing to share with the world? “I’ve also got a few surprises for you guys! So stay tuned.”
Pants Calvin Klein
JOSH NEWTON GOLFER Josh Newton grew up on the outskirts of London in a county called Surrey, which is known as the premier English golfing area with more courses than any other locale in the U.K., as well as some 120 or so golfing clubs affiliated to the Surrey Golf Union. “My father first got me into golfing, and growing up in Surrey I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by some of the best golf courses in England, too,” Newton says. “That really helped spark my love for the game.” But it was a certain American golfer—Tiger Woods—who helped Newton truly find his passion for the sport. “My dad grew up in inner-city London, where golf wasn’t very popular,” the young athlete relates to us. “After my dad saw a Black man on TV, who was winning golf’s biggest prize, and also breaking all the records at the same time, he was inspired to start
playing the game. And that of course led to me starting to play.” Newton is currently committed to attend the College of the Canyons in California, but he is now on a sabbatical, attempting to change golf’s old-school modes of fashion—a la his involvement in projects like this one, for VMAN. “Fashion in golf has always been years behind other sports,” he admits. “It’s still hard today to find clothing to express yourself the way you would outside of golf. But, it’s also one of the only sports where there are no uniforms or team colors that have to be worn while you are playing. So I try to utilize this freedom and dress in a way where I feel comfortable, while not disrespecting the traditions and heritage of the sport.”
Jacket Red September In hair Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
COLE MICEK BASKETBALL PLAYER Filipino-American basketball player and model Cole Micek was only two when his dad put a basketball in his hands. “We have home videos of me as a toddler running around making shots on my Little Tikes hoop,” Micek tells us. “My dad was a college coach, and I remember going to all of his games. I wanted to be just like his players one day!” Micek did indeed fulfill his dream and went on to play basketball in college. He was also scouted soon thereafter by Wilhelmina Models, all while working toward his degree in psychology. “I graduated with honors,” he says proudly. “I believe that so much of athletic performance is reliant upon our ability to maintain a healthy state of mind.” Micek then moved to L.A. to begin his multi-prong career in earnest: he now competes in
tournaments internationally, and is focusing more on fashion, including last year’s BOSS x NBA collaboration. Micek is happy to be a part of the wave of fashionable basketball players taking over the new century. “Players are treating the pregame tunnels like their own runway shows these days! I’ve been into earth tones and vintage vibes lately. I love when I get to put on a nice suit, and I’m always rocking something fresh on my feet.” Micek is also a TikTok star, with more than half-a-million followers watching his free throws, dances, and everyday antics. “I think creating content definitely keeps things fun and exciting,” he admits. “I’ve learned that not everything has to be taken so seriously. And it reminds me that you can do multiple things outside your sport and still excel at whatever they are.”
Underwear Emporio Armani
Makeup Liselotte van Saarloos using LVS Brushes Hair Joeri Rouffa (The Wall Group) using Keune Haircosmetics Executive Producer Johnny Pascucci (Photobomb Production) Casting Director Noah Shelly (1979 Services) Stylist assistants Marta Del Rio, Hunter Clem Makeup assistant Elien Op de Beeck Production assistant Paul Draper Location Smashbox Studios
DAVID BENNETT BREAKDANCER Like many dancers, shades of David Bennett’s spirit for the art form appeared early on. “When I was a kid I loved watching dance movies, action movies, kung-fu movies. Superheroes,” he says. “I always thought about the way the actors and performers could move their bodies, the flips and spins they did…it always fascinated me.” Then, in high school, Bennett found breakdancing, the answer to his childhood aspirations. “I met a kid who took it as seriously as I did. I started taking the bus after school to his place to learn how to break properly,” he says. “Breaking took over my life pretty quickly, because I found something I was really good at.” After years of training, Bennett was chosen by the Harlem Globetrotters to be a main performer in their traveling halftime show. The young dancer was quickly introduced to more
of the world than he had ever known. “When I was young I thought being an airplane steward could be fun,” he says. “Because I would be able to see the world.” And after the tour ended, Bennett used the earnings he’d saved up and moved himself to Los Angeles, where he currently lives and works. Now signed to Next Models, thanks to his steamy good looks and fierce training schedule, Bennett is still highly aware of how important his fashion is to the dancing community. “Style is one of the most important things in breakdancing,” he explains. “The way you present yourself when you get on that floor says a lot about you as a dancer and an athlete. I see someone looking fresh and I can’t wait to see them get down! So I always make sure I look dope. You never know who’s going to be there and who might see you!”
Pants Calvin Klein Mask Aura Tout Vu
MILES CHAMLEY-WATSON FENCER Miles Chamley-Watson was only 11 years old when a foil was first put into his eager hands (a foil is a thrusting weapon used in fencing, with a maximum weight of 500 grams). “I was a bad kid,” Chamley-Watson explains. “As punishment, I had to pick up an extracurricular activity after school. It was either fencing, badminton, or tennis. And I chose fencing because I thought swords were cool.” Although he was competitive early on and did well in cricket, football, and rugby, the sport of swords truly stuck with him. “It was love at first sight.” Chamley-Watson spent years acquiring the skills needed to compete in the ancient art of fencing, a sport played all over the world which demands strength, stamina, and some of the quickest reflexes in the athletic world. His dedication to those skills manifesting success, he went on to win a plethora of duels and awards, including at the Pan American Championship,
at the 2013 Individual World Championship, at the 2016 Olympics, and at the 2019 world championship. “I love the intimacy of fencing,” he explains. “The pure, one-on-one nature of the combat sport. I’m always finding new techniques and new moves, every day. It’s so beautiful.” Through fencing, the decorated swordsman has toured the world and met many incredible people; but he’s also been making major waves in fashion. Having been shot in commercial campaigns for years, Chamley-Watson can also take the title as the first male athlete to be in a women’s Nike campaign (starring alongside, none other than, FKA Twigs). But to him, fashion is an arena just as exciting as those filled with bleachers and rows of cheering fans. “I love modeling because it gives me a different kind of rush, a different kind of freedom,” he tells us. “And what I think the industry needs is more real people with real stories.”
NEXT WAVE
BEIJING, CHINA Photography win.tam Fashion Orange Gao “Love makes China special. It’s also a very big country, covering all kinds of different geomorphological environments. Plus, China is doing a brilliant job dealing with the pandemic, which has made this work possible.” —win.tam From left to right Fahui wears Dunhill Hang wears Maison Margiela Xiang wears Alexander McQueen
Makeup Lucas Lu Hair Tao Liu Models Xiang Ye (Longteng Model Mangagement), Hang Su (Longteng Model Mangagement), Fahui Zhuang Production Andy Lee Props XiaoGao Photo assistants Fan Wang, Zhenxi Li (WinZ image), Dongzi & Shaokang (News Studio Bejing) Stylist assistant Chan, Ruirui
In the latest chapter of our globe-trotting portfolio, six of fashion’s newest image-makers are capturing a new era of self-expression in men’s style Head to VMAN.com to discover the full story
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“Italy has a vast amount of amazing shoot locales. Snowy mountains, lakes, beaches, volcanoes. And the people are helpful and welcoming. It has amazing light all year. And it’s hard to imagine another country with such a diverse nature. In Italy, you’ll be driving on a main road, then accidentally take a dirt path, and suddenly, a new shoot location appears before you that you would never have thought could be there.” —Artem Kononenko
Grooming Esisson Musella (Blend Management) Model Lorenzo Gonzi (D’Man) Casting Isadora Banaudi Stylist assistant Roberto Strumolo
Lorenzo wears Valentino
TUSCANY, ITALY Photography Artem Kononenko Fashion Matteo Greco
Photography Kosmas Pavlos Fashion Giovanni Beda
“The blue sky, the sea, and the sun make Greece a special place for photography. The light never stops, and it keeps you going throughout your day. It creates shadows and shapes and forms, each one so unique. The ancient sculptures and statues that dot the landscape create beautiful shadowplay everywhere. If you’re a lover of light like I am, Greece is the best country.” —Kosmas Pavlos Manolo wears Dior Men
Grooming Irini Pavlou Model Manolo Teodosiu (Wiener Models) Digital technician Alexandra Heindl Stylist assistant Sofia Andriopoulou Location White in Blue Studio
ATHENS, GREECE
“Mexico’s culture and colors exhilarate, and the chaos feels so humble. I have always found my inspiration within the beauty of chaos. But one of the most exciting parts of this story was being able to include the people living their lives in Mexico City. Whether it was the man shining shoes on a corner, the trans woman who owns a local erotic boutique, or the dog walkers in the park, it was amazing to have these humans contribute a little bit of themselves to these images.” —Joel Palmer
Grooming Portia Ferrari Model Kevin Villas (New Icon Agency) Photo assistant Alexis Rayas Production assistant Galatea Fernandez Retouching Justine Foord (Masque Media)
Kevin and dancers wear Boss
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO Photography Joel Palmer Fashion Salvador Cosio
Photography Emilio Tamez Fashion Stephan La Cava
“New York’s energy is inimitable. You have to be present to survive here. Everybody has character or is a character, and everyone has opinions and storylines of their own. Each of us has a discoverable truth that is unique and fierce. That is why we are New Yorkers. Capturing your subject in a photograph is special, because we see them in ways that they can never see themselves—equally observing the world and projecting onto it our own autobiographies. Photographing New York is an exceptional rite.” —Emilio Tamez Thursday and Fisher wear Gucci On lips Gucci Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm in clear
Makeup Grey Hoffman Hair Davey Matthew Models Thursday, Fisher Smith (The Society) Location The Standard East Village
NEW YORK CITY, U.S.A
“When expressing emotions, people can be as calm as nature, but also have tension. We find that there is no conflict between implication and tension, which may be formed by the subconscious of culture. In shooting, we are more like an observer, using synesthesia to feel nature and emotion.” —Chun Chen
Makeup Emily Hair Bai Models Sicheng Han, Lu Wei (Mostar Models) Production LeekingA
Sicheng and Lu wear Fendi
WUXI, CHINA Photography Chun Chen Fashion Edge Yang
WHAT VMEN WANT This season, a Louis Vuitton classic first created more than a century ago receives a 21st century update Art Antoni Tudisco
Louis Vuitton Wheel Box Bag ($3,250, available at select Louis Vuitton boutiques)
Fantasy and fashion have always gone hand in hand. From bright-colored frocks to daydreaminspired collections, fashion’s ability to explore the unknown through sartorial storytelling is one of its greatest assets. Since its inception, French luxury house Louis Vuitton has been at the forefront of this creative charge, offering innovative and historically grounded, takes on must-have ready-to-wear and leather goods. This season, the brand is channeling that playful aura through the lens of late Creative Director Virgil Abloh. Laced throughout the Spring 22 collection’s layered menswear and neon outerwear were several eye-catching bags. Standing out from the monogram pack of duffels, trunks, and keepalls was a whimsical twist to one of the house’s most coveted silhouettes—the Wheel Box Bag. First idealized in the early 1900s, the box was designed for hat storage during 112
limousine travel. Now, the once rigid accessory has transformed into the ultimate everyday bag—one that is functional and undeniably stylish. Featuring a decorative chain—a signature of Abloh—and six sky blue straps, the accessory contextualizes the house’s archival designs for the statement-making modern man. Playful while maintaining its original practical purpose, the bag can be carried or worn crossbody thanks to an adjustable leather strap and a rounded top handle. Hinting at the joyous nature of the accompanying collection, a bright yellow “N°7” is emblazoned on the bag to commemorate the designer’s seventh collection for the brand. Whether you are journeying into the unknown or simply strolling the neighborhood, let Louis Vuitton’s fantastical Wheel Box Bag lead the way. MATTHEW VELASCO