THE CULTURAL OMNIVORE

Introducing Eian Scully

Eian Scully has graced the pages of Hercules, Interview, Haute Living, and Vogue Spain. Eian can also be seen in the latest campaign for 2(x)ist and recently completed a 10-page spread for Instinct.

How were you discovered?

I was discovered playing hacky sack in a park in Montreal.

What had you been planning to do before you started modeling?

I was planning on going into the fitness industry because I love anything athletic and really enjoy natural food and preparing it.

What expectations did you have for your career before you started?

As a 17-year-old right out of high school who had never traveled, I really just wanted to experience new cultures and see the world. 

What was the hardest thing to get used to with modeling?

I would have to say the hardest thing was getting used to the inconsistency. Some weeks and months are very busy and others are not.

Did you think about your longevity as a model when you started?

I really did not know where it was going to go, so no I did not think of the longevity as a model when I started.

What was your most memorable modeling job?

I would have to say the most memorable job I did was the 2(x)ist campaign. I put in a lot of hard work and was in the best shape of my life. I flew to LA for the first time and had a blast with the crew on set.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the industry?

The most surprising thing I learned about the industry is how much work goes on behind the scenes that no one outside the industry knows about and how much passion everyone has for their jobs.

Have you thought about what you want to do after you finish modeling?

I’d like to go into the fitness industry and pass on all I have learned in the last 10 years.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m a huge hippie and I love yoga and tea.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life

Follow him on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Male Models

Hannah Ferguson: The Sports Illustrated Rookie On Life

Hannah Ferguson hails from a small town in rural Texas. You might recognize her as a Sports Illustrated rookie or from her spot in those Carl’s Junior ads, but wherever you have seen her before get ready to see plenty more of her. Hannah spoke to me about growing up in a strict military family, adjusting to life in New York and why you won’t find her spending her down time at the mall.

Tell us how you got started in modeling.

After I graduated from high school I participated in a model search that summer, held by the Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas. I ended up winning and immediately moved to Dallas and started modeling.

Growing up in rural Texas how did you adjust to life in New York?

My transition from life in Texas to life in New York was such a huge move for me. Where I’m from is completely the opposite from the city. I was lucky enough to live with two of my sisters for the first few years which definitely made my life a lot easier. As with a lot of things, it just took time to get used to the lifestyle.

Both of your parents are Marines. How did your upbringing influence your approach to modeling?

My parents instilled in me the importance of being a hard worker. If you want something you have to work for it.  Their support and those two factors played a big part in where I am today.

How did you feel when you were selected as one of Sports Illustrated’s rookies?

I was in utter shock and completely excited. It was a dream come true. I have been so blessed by this life changing opportunity. I couldn’t be more grateful.

What has the response been from your friends and family to your success?

I think some people are shocked given where I went to school and grew up, but everyone has been so supportive, encouraging and happy for me.

What do you hope to get out of your career?

I want to have longevity in my career and just continue to advance. I have new goals that I have set for myself and hope to be successful in reaching them.

If you weren’t modeling, what would you be doing?

I would have either taken the steps to open my own barber shop or become a pre-k/kindergarten teacher.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I hate shopping and I only go into a clothing store if there’s something I need.

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

My short-term goals are to continue to work hard and be successful so that when I become a mother and wife I can still continue to model. Ultimately, I like the idea of having a business of some sort.

Follow her on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

2014: The Year In Review

Illustration: Justin Teodoro

Two thousand and fourteen hailed a triumphant return for models as their presence dominated the covers of magazines and many of them became social media stars. Interviews with industry veterans Haylynn Cohen, Shirley Mallman, Agyness Deyn, Danielle Z, Claudia Mason, Liisa Winkler, Lisa Cant, Jade Parfitt, Michelle Alves, Anne V, Mini Anden, Nathan Bogle and Scott Barnhill featured heavily. While the world was introduced to Bart Grzbowski, Leebo Freeman, Morris Pendlebury, Justin Hopwood, Dan Murphy, Dorian Reeves, Cory Bond, Toby Sandeman and Ataui Deng all of whom are making their mark in the fashion industry.  

We gained a behind the scenes look with Soul Artist Management founder Jason Kanner, Casting Director Andrew Broz, and Model Manager Gabriel Ruas Santos-Rocha. It was a great year for artists too as illustrator Justin Teodoro, photographer Conor Clinch, and founder of Hello Mr. magazine Ryan Fitzgibbon emerged as ones to watch. While personal trainer Justin Gelband talked about the importance of the mind and body connection.

I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support and belief in my vision. This wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you.

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Fashion

Introducing Dan Murphy

After a short-lived career playing hockey in Canada, Dan Murphy migrated south to Florida to study Small Business Management. He began his modeling career shooting for W magazine with Kate Moss before working with Armani, Abercrombie & Fitch, Boss and Barbour in addition to shooting the cover of Fantastics magazine. I caught up with Dan to find out how he handles the hectic pace of modeling and to talk about his passion for the culinary arts.

Tell us about how you got started as a model.

When I was in college in Palm Beach, I became good friends with a photographer who took some simple pictures of me and sent me to meet with some agencies in Miami.

How do you feel your peripatetic upbringing helped you adjust to the hectic work schedules of modeling?

Well, I would say that because of the amount of traveling I did as kid I’ve always felt comfortable jumping on a plane at a moments notice and being dropped in a foreign country. I understand that probably doesn’t sound appealing to most people, but it is part of the job.  Over the years it just gets easier and easier. After doing this for so long I now have friends in most of the different cities around the world that I work in.

What do you hope to get out of modeling?

The fashion industry has been really good to me for the last eight years or so. Every day I count all my blessings and try to make the most of the opportunities that modeling provides. I truly do love what I do and enjoy connecting with people. Someday I hope to leverage my career and build a nice charity organization.

How do you feel your Bachelor’s degree in Small Business Management has informed the way you approach your career?

This is how I make a living and I do take the business side of it pretty seriously. I think most of the older guys understand that.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?

The last couple of seasons I shot the advertising campaigns for Barbour. This company has an incredible history in the UK and sticks to their roots. I’ve been blessed to travel with them all across Great Britain and Scotland shooting on mountaintops, at horse races and historical country estates that take your breath away.  I will always cherish the memories and friendships I made on those trips.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love to cook! One of my favorite things to do in the city is go the Institute of Culinary Education and take their cooking classes at night. They have a huge selection of recreational cooking classes I’m working my way through. It’s all hands on and the best part is the huge meal you get to feast on afterward.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with modeling?

In one word, balance.  I have a tendency to be an all-or-nothing kind of guy which can burn you out over time. In turn, I have to remind myself to try to find a happy medium and take a little extra time for myself here and there to unwind.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

I talk about this one a lot actually – and it kind of goes back to finding balance in life. The advice, “enjoy the process” was given to me by a dear friend and mentor of mine. It’s easy to enjoy the high points in life, but it is trying to find the good within the bad times and finding little wins through the tough times. Whether you are up or down, you still have to go through it to get where you are going so you might as well make the best of it.

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Male Models

Justin Hopwood: The Ralph Lauren Model Discovered by Bruce Weber

With matinée idol looks, Justin Hopwood landed the cover of the Abercrombie and Fitch Quarterly and has become a mainstay in the Ralph Lauren family fronting campaigns for the brand season after season. Named by Models.com as one of the industry’s Money Guys, this native South African routinely has clients calling on him.

Tell us about how you got started as a model.

My younger sister, who was modeling at the time, dragged me into her agency to do some admin work and a gentleman by the name of Byron Kealumans asked me if I was interested in modeling.  I told him I wasn’t really interested. He asked me to grow my football inspired mohawk out and clear up my skin. At the time I had pretty bad acne. Once I followed Byron’s advice, I did a little work here and there in South Africa and then in 2010, Bruce Weber scouted me for an Abercrombie shoot. He flew me to Miami where we shot and one week later Jason Kanner, the owner of Soul Artist Management, signed me. Within minutes of meeting Jason he sent me to Ralph Lauren. A month later I shot my first ad with Ralph and then the rest is history.

Hailing from South Africa, what were the biggest adjustments you made living in the US?

I guess the culture and the exchange rate. Oh, and the weather – we don’t get snow in South Africa.

What do you hope to get out of modeling?

I hope to grow as a person as much as possible and really embrace the opportunity that I’ve been given.

Models Bridget Hall, Tyson Beckford and Tanga Moreau all had longstanding relationships with the Ralph Lauren Corporation much like yourself.  How does it feel to be part of such an iconic brand and family?

It’s a really special feeling! I remember growing up seeing all of the iconic Polo ads with Mr. Beckford. Now I’m able call him a good friend and work alongside him which is very special to me. Ralph Lauren has used the most iconic models in the world over the years and I am beyond grateful and humbled to be a part of the team. They really are like family.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?

I would say all my shoots with Bruce Weber since day one with Abercrombie. The Big Pony fragrance and the new Polo S/S 15 campaign are also up there. Bruce Weber is really special to work with. He knows how to bring something out of you on camera that’s special and really captures a moment.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve had a unibrow since I was ten years old that I constantly have to tame.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with modeling?

The distance from my family.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Jason Kanner told me to “stay humble and be patient”.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

To invest in property and grow as much a possible in both modeling and as a person.

Follow him on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Male Models