STREET GRIT

Photographed by Hugo Arturi, models Nicholas Madrid and Alex Ciappara appear in an editorial entitlad GANGS OF  NEW YORK.  The duo wears clothing from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Buckler, and Raun Larose.

Snapped Caught: Manuel Mendez

THE MAN -THE MODEL- THE MESSAGE

They say that the 6 degrees of separation is a thing of the past.  With social networks like twitter and facebook, you never know who knows who these days.  For me,  I was first made aware of 

our latest Fashion Forward It-Guy, Manuel Mendez, thanks to dear friend  Jerris Madison but it wasn't until I saw a video of him on Ryan Brave's site that I got an idea of who he was as a person.  Although short,  the video, managed to deliver a very uplifting message in all the advice he gave.  Given the state of mind I was in at the time, it struck a cord.  I reached out to Ryan, congratulating him on the revamping of his site: http://finallybrave.com/ as well as telling Mr. Mendez how much much I enjoyed the video.  In turn, our latest It- guy responded back giving  FFM a compliment in return.  The rest is history I guess...

Not to take credit from Jerris and Ryan, but chances are none of us would have never meet Manuel if it weren't for his grandmother.  Migrating from the Dominican Republic in the 80's, his grandmother was the one who initiated the movement.  The rest of the family followed when he was only five years of age.

One of the reasons I particularly like interviewing people is that it pushes me as a writer.  No two people are the same, and as this Snapped & Caught   series continues to grow, it seems as though the more and more complex each individual in the series becomes.  Already accomplishing so much, I find myself somewhat baffled where to begin talking about Manuel, The Man, himself.   

Mendez was first introduced to the industry when he was hired to work with Beyonce for her I AM tour.  Although this set even more balls rolling for him,  this fresh faced model is not with an agency.  But after seeing him in front of the lenses of so many prominent photographers,  should this really matter? 

"It matters to a certain degree.  you can't do it all on your own.  Someone, or something will always be involved in in what you do, no matter what.  An agent/agency will advance you they have access to go sees, and the have a relationship with clients that you may not," he explains.

 Backtracking to Beyonce just a tad, I would like to mention that our latest It-Guy is in a relationship with fashion guru Ty Hunter.  So with being in the company of two fashionable souls, especially his boo, it was only natural to ask if his style of dress has changed at all, and if so, how?

"Ty has definitely had an influence on my style.  I was always very casual when it came to dressing, the simpler the better, but after being with Ty all these years, I find myself being a bit more daring, and like to explore more.  traveling has also had quite an impact on me," he says laughing.  

Although M.M. has broadened his personal style because of his significant other, I am sure that he has developed his bad habits all on his own.  Like  many of us, Manuel confesses that he has a tendency of placing his beverages on the floor next to the couch as he watches television.  Now this may not seem like a big deal, but forgetting that the drink is there when you get up and knocking what's left of the drink might.

And let's not forget about about his favorite phrase, you know what I mean? 

"Sometimes after trying to explain myself, I don't know what else to say.  It's a very bad habit of mine." 

Over the years, I have met many models... to many to keep count.  What is unfortunate about this breed is that a great many people think aside from their looks, they have nothing else to offer.  Although a model himself, Mendez doesn't consider himself one.  Not quite anyways.

"I consider myself a Transformational Leader.  As a model,  in some cases I am a role model.  I want people to be inspired by me, not because of what magazine I'm in, but because what I have done is also achievable for them as well.  I'm not just a model, I'm a motivator.  I want to be a driving force to helping people reach their goals." 

CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH

R.J. King & Christopher Wetmore give their ALL in this gritty editorial for WestEast Magazine.

I don't know who did their hair, but it would make Vidal Sassoon envious.   If his salons didn't do it of course(wink)

GIMME THE T.

Although surrounded by equally talented models, this editorial for Candy Magazine is all about the Givenchy muse/rising star Lea T. 

SKIN ALWAYS WIN

Dario is captured by Mariano Vivanco for DSection second issue.  Styled by Nicola Formichetti, Dario is seen wearing a lot of his tats and a little of Mugler.  

ANGLES AND LINES

Fitting right in with the amazing architecture, Nicolas Ripoll is styled by the fashion guru himself...editor and chief of MYKROMAG, Sonny Groo.  Enjoy this uber suave and edgy layout featured in Glamcult.

WALLPAPER FOR YOUR CLOSET

It's funny how people try to laugh at you when they first  see things out of the ordinary, and then when it gains mass exposure, they either shut the hell up, or try to pick up the look themselves.  look at straight men                                                           when it comes to fitted clothes or pencil leg jeans.  Face it people, trends trickle down.  

  Almost a year ago, I was called out for wearing an apron in one of my shoots, and though it was ON POINT, I got pissed (because I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my ish...). The person who I consider a friend left a message for all to see.  Could it be they were "hating" because they didn't think of it first, I don't know,  All I do know is that the person seemed to have a problem with me taking an unconventional item, and turning it into something fabulous.  It bothered me at first, but quickly got over it.   

Anyways, Check out Yannick Mantele in this mass published editorial for Wallpaper Magazine.  

***Notice, he has an apron on in one of the images. Sure, Wallpaper is known mostly for its home decor, but they do throw splashes of fashion in all of their issues.  People don't sleep on this magazine.  Its AMAZING. 

CAPTURING THE EROTIC

FASHION FORWARD MEN

interviews 

SETH LONDON

I am not the authority of what it takes to make a good photographer, but I have been around long enough to recognize talent.  PURE TALENT!!!  Before you go any further , stop reading and take a quick opportunity to look at all the images in this feature.  Would you believe that Mr. London has only been doing this professionally for a year? 

Originally introduced to film and the dark room in high school, a spark of intrigue occurred during the process.  Seth realized that this was a field that he was very much interested in.  So much so that he continued his education, learning more about the world of photography.  Like many artists, London put his formal education on hold, and began learning from photographers who have already established themselves in the work force.  

Taking from the more experienced, Seth got a better idea of what type of imagery he wanted to produce.  Not one for having models  going out their way to contort their bodies in crazy poses, the talented photographer prefers to use lighting to bring out the models natural beauty.  Perhaps this is why people have considered his work to be erotic, raw, and gritty. 

"I draw inspiration from art, paintings, magazines and other pictures.  Often times I am inspired by the portfolios of the models.  I want to capture them in a way they never have been," he adds. 

I did a little research on Seth, before I asked to feature him on Fashion Forward Men, and I found him to be straight forward, yet subtle in approach.  Seth RARELY takes pictures of models unless they are with an agency.  I applaud him for this because it seems like every other person is calling them self a model these days.  It somewhat makes sense though.  A model who is signed with an agency shows potential.  Imagine flipping through Steven Meisel's port.  In it is page after page of supermodels, then you come across a random image of a women in her late sixties with ankles the size of hams.  It wouldn't make sense.

"I am an artist... My skill is my skill.  Now if someone wants  to pay me to have their pictures taken, that's a different story," he explains.

  

So how does Mr. London turn down a project that he is unable to do? Simple... He refers them to a different photographer, or a talented intern.  Let me step in and say that if you are one of the individuals that London has turned down, it doesn't mean that he didn't want to take on the project.  As a friend of his on Facebook, I see new images being posted every other day practically, so it may not be you, it just may be he simply doesn't have the time.      

I know shoots can be sometimes be long, but I have never heard of a photographer who is is behind the lenses 24 hrs a day.  When S.L. isn't on set, he shares with us that he devotes 2 hours(at least) to editing a day, A few hours online, and a few hours on the phone with clients, and potentials.  Perhaps this is why he is making a name for himself so fast; I didn't hear him mention anything he did for mere fun.  But if you are doing what you love, I imagine it is fun in some ways.  It's always refreshing to hear that someone is doing what they truly enjoy.  

When London isn't doing any of the things previously mentioned, he also takes on the role as a stylist... So you see, contrary to belief, London doesn't have a problem with seeing models in clothes.  

It may seem that things are falling into place rather quickly for Mr. London, but it takes dedication to get to where he is.  In fact, he leaves those wanting to break into the business great advice...
"Be ready to spend 1000 dollars to make only 100.  You have to be in this game because you love it, because there will be many days when no one will need you for a shoot." 

Sensible words from a smart man.  Stay tuned to Fashion Forward Men to keep up with the latest updates from this fast rising talent.  Seth hopes to have a book of his works published in the next few years.  We wish him all the best.