Interview with Tyler Riggs

I took this interview with Tyler ages ago, back when he was doing the SS09 shows and it's just amazing to see how much his career has progressed from there and how much control he has over his career now. This SS10, he skipped the entire show season yet he has still managed to be in demand with print work and he was even offered two exclusives by two major French brands last season, although he decided to turn them down because the acting school he's at is 'serious.' He shows great range and versatility as a model, enabling him to work for youthful and edgier brands like Diesel but also classic and quiet looks for Louis Vuitton and GQ magazine editorials. The skinny punk rocker look gets old after some time and his agents are trying to promote the latter look much more. The amount of options and rejection is immense, to name a few, Tyler is put on option for the highly anticipated Prada menswear show every season yet he's never once walked the show. The fact that he's even on option 'means absolutely nothing' to him. And he's been on option for some of the biggest campaigns, including last winter’s Gucci FW09 advertising campaign. He manages to stay down-to-earth and unaffected throughout his career and to put it quite simply; he's really not a twat.

What's the story behind your tattoo?
I am a big fan of Salvador Dali so I decided to tattoo my favorite painting of his smack dab on my left shoulder. The painting is called the Temptation of Saint Anthony. I fell in love with him at an early age since there is a rather large collection of his works in St. Petersburg, FL ( which is near my home town ) The real story behind the painting is St. Anthony is trying to resist sin. Each animal and object sort of represents the seven deadly sins. I guess it's a reminder to stay grounded. I love Dali. I grew up near St Pete Florida and they have a huge Dali museum there.

If you hadn't come into modelling, what would you have been doing?
I was touring around with bands in the states. I was also in a hardcore band called "Hot Gates". I have been writing a lot of music lately, however, I aspire to start some kind of acting career soon.

How does it feel to be on the runway? Do you get nervous?
I have played shows in a band and done a bunch of plays in highschool, so being in front of a crowd wasnt that bad. I was a bit nervous when i started the Neil Barret show, I was afraid to walk out first and mess the whole show up. ha

How does it feel seeing yourself on billboards, magazines and such?
It's kind of funny. I felt like it was going to be this big deal, but none of my friends seem to be too impressed so it's lost it's shiny newness.

Are you part of Vegas Porn Conventions or what?

Hahaha, I think you are referring to the well endowed Tyler Riggz ( gay porn star ) that is not me. haha, everyone always asks about that.

What's your favourite YouTube video?

Lightning bolt. it's a video of kids LARPING

What's the worst thing that has happened to you at a show?

I forgot to stop at a show one time and after I turned I walked back and posed. I kinda shrugged my shoulders and everyone laughed.

What's the most disgusting food you've ever eaten?

I hate spinach, I try to like it but I just hate it

Has acting always been an interest?

I actually wanted to be an actor since I was a little kid. I have done plays and stuff like that but nothing serious. I am starting acting classes next month. I have met a few people that are interested in doing short films so I guess thats where I am going to try and start.

What did you initially think of the fashion industry and how does that compare to how it really is?

Everyone made it seem like you are easily going to make tons and tons of cash, but you really don't, and if you do it usually doesn't come easy.

What was your experience working with Steven Meisel?

It was pretty cool. He didn't really talk to me much at all. I'm pretty sure that dude hates me because I didn't really give a shit about him being this big time photographer.

If someone told you 5 years ago that you would become a model and do all these shows and campaigns, what would you have said?
No way, I am going to be in the sickest, heaviest most freakin' brutal hardcore band ever and I am going to live in a van and eat Wendys everyday.