Interview with Jacob Coupe

After much correspondence, the super sweet Jacob Coupe let me ask him about his experience walking for Prada, while on hectic castings for the shows in Paris.

"I loved doing the Prada show this year, i feel that so far it has been the highlight of my career in terms of the fun and enjoyment i got out of it, and the people i met.

I was with the Prada team for around 5 days straight doing the fittings and working with Miuccia was amazing, it was clear to see how she has lasted so long in the industry with the amount of detail and attention she gives to everything she does.

I was with 3 other models for the whole time - George Barnett, Adrien Sahores and Nicolas Ripoll.
We got looked after amazingly and stayed in a hotel right round the corner from the Prada, was such a fun week filled with laughs and pranks. I cant wait to do it all again."


Before the show, did you know of the impact it would have on your career?
I had no idea! It’s a funny story, at the start of the week Nicolas and George made a bet about who would open the show, me or Adrien, and when we found out it was me it was only when Nicolas told me how much of a big deal it is, that it sank in.

What did you think of the fashion industry before you became a model and how does it compare to how it really is?
Before i was a model i never really had an interest in the industry, i never knew anything about it apart from Zoolander haha, and Zoolander and the industry defiantly have their similarities!

Could you ever see yourself doing something like prada or becoming a model before?
10 months ago i would have ever have thought i would be doing this today, its insane what has happened, but no like i said before i have never really had an interest in fashion or modelling, it all happened by chance really! I remember going to see Russell Marsh for the first time and to say it progressed into me doing what i have, is crazy.

How did you feel about the clothes and the setting and music. did you see the preparation for the setting and music. what did you think of it?
I really liked the colours of the clothes, the greys and blacks. I always find my self wearing them on different shoots too! as for the set we never really saw it getting built but when we had our rehearsal we got a chance to stand around and have a good look at everything and it was so good, all the details that went into it, you could stand in the show room for an hour and still not have spotted everything that was there.

"A Couple Of Questions for..." Jacob Coupe soon!

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.

A Couple Of Questions for...Tyler Riggs

Tap water or Bottled water?

Tap water. Bottled water is an economic conspiracy, it's the same thing that comes out of the sink and isn't any healthier.

Private Chaufeur or Public Transportation?

Public transportation

A: because you can people watch

B: because it's cheaper and who the heck do you think I am? Rachel Clark?

Mcdonalds or KFC?

It depends, all Mcdonalds have sweet tea and southern chicken. I love KFC, but I would only pick it if i was in the South,where I can get some sweet sweat with my chicken.

Babies or dogs?

Dogs, they are easier and they won't grow up to hate you.

Toilets or behind park bushes?

Bushes are fun as long as a cop doesnt catch you and try and arrest you.