Men

Ode to a Jersey Boy Band

June 16, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

The Temptations and The Beatles of the 1960s, Earth, Wind, and Fire in the 70s, Devo of the Punk Rock 80s, New Kids on the Block in the 90s, and more recently, The Jonas Brothers and One Direction; all these boy bands/groups had their own particular sound and fashion perspective. From Earth, Wind, and Fire’s theatrical hieroglyphic-inspired, on-stage costumes to Devo’s art rock conceptual attire to New Kids on the Block’s mainstreamed hip hop gear, fashion and music have always been compatible bedfellows.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons represented that time in pop music culture when musical acts dressed sharply, and a catchy beat, and four-part harmony reigned supreme. In this fashion editorial, Fashion Reverie references the elegance and sophistication of 60s boy bands while staying in step with what is fresh and trending.

To see the editorial in full screen, click the bubble icon on the right, below the thumbnail slideshow.

Russo’s Charm

June 16, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

It is often quoted that it takes charm to open the door, and charm to keep the doors open. And one of the many things that Joe Russo has in his well-crafted arsenal of attributes is CHARM!! Acting craft is an essential component to working on stage or in film, but charm will make the bigwigs want to keep you around. And since Joe Russo is in this for the long haul, his charming disposition will serve him well for many years to come.

A Jersey boy himself, Joe Russo’s performance as Joe Pesci in Clint Eastwood’s soon-to-be released “Jersey Boys,” based on the Broadway musical mega hit, is authentic, nuanced, and well-thought out. With roles in in “Shut Up and Kiss Me” (2010), “Jersey Shore Shark Attack” (2012), and “It’s You Not Me” (2013), this breakout role in “Jersey Boys” may just be Russo’s ticket to the big time.

Fashion Reverie was fortunate enough to sit and chat with Joe Russo about his character Joe Pesci, his preparation for the role, working with Clint Eastwood, and of course the great music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

—William S. Gooch

To see the editorial in full screen, click the bubble icon on the right, below the thumbnail slideshow.

Men’s Spring/Summer 2014: Street Revelry

May 29, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Street style has evolved from an aesthetic that conjures up images of urban culture to a style that expresses the moods and attitudes of a wide demographic. From East Coast to the West Coast to hot spots around the world, street style is individual and reflects the point of view and culture of the wearer.What stands out and demands attention is confidence, individuality and a fashion-forward sensibility.

To see the editorial in full screen, click the bubble icon on the right, below the thumbnail slideshow.

Model Spotlight: Oraine Barrett

January 15, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week less than a month away, Fashion Reverie takes a look at a very familiar face that has graced the runways of MBFW for several seasons. From several high-profile campaigns for Ralph Lauren to campaigns with Nautica, Nick + Campbell, Devon Scott, Phat Farm, to being a featured face in Rihanna’s “Man Down” video to editorials in Vogue Homme Japan, Interview, the Urban Gentleman, and DSection magazines, Jamaican supermodel Oraine Barrett is still going strong.

Oraine Barrett for Ralph Lauren 2010 Winter Olympics

Currently, few male models have high-profile careers that span several seasons. You can count them on two hands—Tyson Beckford, Sean O’Pry, David Gandy, Ryan Burns, Arthur Kulkov, Simon Nussman, Sebastian Suave, Andre Pejic, and a few others. The turnover is so fast. But, since 2008 Oraine Barrett has kept himself right in the mix by understanding that less is more. Instead of attempting to acquire work from designers and brands that go against his fashion DNA, this gentle giant has strategically planned a career that has given him longevity.

Oraine Barret in DSection Magazine

Fashion Reverie was given the unique opportunity to interview Oraine Barrett as he prepares himself for the upcoming fall/winter 2014 season. Our Celebrity Style Editor Tijana Ibrahimovic talks to Oraine about fashion, relationships, and how he keeps his physique in tiptop condition. There are also a few surprises in this exclusive interview. Enjoy!!!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Backstage Fall/Winter 2013

March 2, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Though Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fall/winter 2013 is over, as well as London, Milan, and Paris, memories still linger. We all love the way the collections look on the runway, and the way each model brings that extra something that makes us look at silhouettes, construction, fabrications and the designer’s point of view in new ways. Still, it is not all sparkle and shine.

In Fashion Reverie’s unique way of presenting texture, nuance and a broader spectrum of perspectives and with the assistance of our photo editor, Ernest Green, we demonstrate that Fashion Week is a collaborative effort. Putting a runway show together is a lot of hard work and without the collaborative spirits of makeup artists, dressers, the ground crew, PR firms, the technical crew, and the models and designers themselves the stunning presentations that we hold near and dear to our hearts would not happen.

That said: Fashion Reverie celebrates Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fall/winter 2013 BACKSTAGE!!

The models backstage at Porsche Design know they look good. And they do!!

Gimme head with hair, long, beautiful hair, shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen— “Hair” lyrics from the musical “Hair.” Hair images are backstage at Richard Chai fall/winter 2013.

Mama said there would be days like this.

First looks backstage at Malan Breton fall/winter 2013

Oh the joy, excitement, and brotherhood that comes from being in a Nautica show.

The darker the berry the sweeter the juice. Does that apply to lips, too?

—Staff

Model Spotlight: Patrick Conboy

January 14, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

The path to a successful modeling career is never silky smooth. There are lots of challenges and possible diversions along the way. Still, for those committed few, the winding road can lead to self-discovery and a sense of accomplishment.

Though Patrick Conboy in his wildest dreams would never have chosen modeling as his career of choice, he has wisely taken up the fashion mantle of this road less traveled. A natural in front of the camera—and I have witnessed it first hand—Patrick brings that relaxed ease, confidence and charm that is crucial component of every top model’s skill set.

No longer just another handsome model on the boards, Patrick is hitting his stride. And with the muses of creativity and inspiration in his court, Patrick Conboy is setting his own standards and playing by rules that work for him.

Fashion Reverie: How did you get started as a fashion model?

Patrick Conboy: I was aimlessly going from job to job with no real direction. One day walking down a street in Charleston, SC, a photographer approached me and wanted to take some photographs of me. I later learned he was recruiting for an Abercrombie and Fitch campaign being shot in Charleston later in the month. My pictures were submitted and I ended up in an Abercrombie and Fitch editorial shot by Bruce Webber. Bruce Webber connected me to an agency in NYC, so I figured I could give modeling a try or keep working a series of no-where jobs.

FR: So, modeling was not on your radar prior to being discovered in Charleston.

Patrick Conboy: Fashion came out of nowhere for me. I really didn’t follow fashion or read men’s fashion magazines. I knew the names of some brands, like Abercrombie and Fitch, but I was not really into fashion. I hated shopping; I basically wore what my parents bought me. My daily outfit was jeans, white tees, and boots.

FR: What happened when you pursued a modeling career in NYC?

Patrick Conboy: I immediately signed with Click Models and did a lot of editorials, some runway shows, but after a couple years I really was not enjoying modeling. It wasn’t working for me.

FR: What wasn’t working for you, New York City, modeling, or both?

Patrick Conboy: I love NYC and I loved the perks that came with modeling; you know getting into the clubs easily, the beautiful women, everyone smoozing and cheesing on you because you are in a hot editorial or you are with a top agency. At first, it was really overwhelming, especially coming from the South. But, after a while I felt that there was something more I could do where I could use more of my personality, so I started taking acting classes.

FR: How does acting appeal to you in ways that modeling didn’t appeal to you?

Patrick Conboy: Modeling started to flatten out for me and was starting to feel like work I was no longer interested in, while with acting I could explore all these different parts of myself as a human being. Every time I was on stage, there was an opportunity to learn something about myself. Acting felt like a safe place to experience life.

FR: But you came back to modeling, why?

Patrick Conboy: I knew Nolé Marin while he was at VNY Models. My contract was about to expire with Click Models and Nolé wanted me to sign with VNY. But, I was looking to take a break from modeling. While Nolé was building Aim Model Management, we stayed in contact, and after much contemplation I realized that Nolé wanted to take me on the path that I was interested in.

FR: And what path is that?

Patrick Conboy: I am really interesting in becoming a stage and film actor, and Nolé wants me to be successful and happy in whatever I am pursuing. Nolé wants me to be myself and if I am myself and fulfilled, I can bring that freshness and joy to the fashion industry. That approach is so different from my experience at other agencies.

FR: What frustrated you at other agencies?

Patrick Conboy: I was kind of put on the back burner at my other agency. Though I got steady work, primarily in editorials and runway work, I didn’t feel that the agency was pushing me and helping me expand.

FR: What opportunities are you getting at Aim Model Management that eluded you at other agencies?

Patrick Conboy: I was the underwear guy and/or shirtless guy at other agencies. Nolé believes I can do a lot more than that, even though I am 5`11. Recently, I was photographed in Angelo Galasso cocktail jackets for a holiday editorial in Fashion Reverie. I knew I had the ability to do more international work, and Aim Model Management is proving that I can do more than American sportswear.

I lived in Europe for a short time and I realized how great European men look in clothes because of the tailoring and construction. After living in Europe, I began to understand that there is a place for me in fashion internationally, and Aim is pushing me toward that goal.

Who are your favorite designers/brands?

Patrick Conboy: I recently discovered Moods of Norway and they make great suits, shirts and jackets. I love Harley Davidson boots; they are so comfortable and I do ride motorcycles. I also love John Varvatos.

FR: What is your personal style?

Patrick Conboy: I am a very casual guy. I love a great pair of fitted jeans, comfortable shirts and some kick-ass boots. I have recently started wearing hats.

FR: What designers would love to work for?

Patrick Conboy: I would love to continue any work with Calvin Klein. I would also love to work with Guess, John Varvatos, Moods of Norway and European designers that really understand how to make a guy look and feel good.

FR: Who are your favorite actors?

Patrick Conboy: Daniel Day Lewis, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, James Dean, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Downey, Jr., and over the years I have become a big fan of Brad Pitt. Oddly, I love Olivia Newton-John in Grease.

FR: If you could live in a different time, what time would you want to live in, and why?

Patrick Conboy: I would love to live in the 1950s because the style was really cool. Everything seemed more pure. As great as technology is, it sometimes can be isolating. In the 50s, if you wanted to talk to someone you either had to see them in person or call them up. Your friends were your friends, not virtual Facebook friends.

All images courtesy of Aim Model Management

FR: Now that you have your feet in the worlds of fashion and acting, where do you want your modeling/acting career to go?

Patrick Conboy: I have been with Aim Model Management for about three months now and after being out of the industry for two years I have had to get back to being a model size. Which hasn’t been difficult because I continued staying fit. I have grown my hair out to give me more versatility.

Acting has helped me be more in touch with my emotions and I really observe people more, and I am bringing more intensity and awareness. And that focus and commitment is becoming evident in my editorials. I now create a narrative for myself at every shoot.

In essence, acting has helped me understand the personality and perspective of each designer and design aesthetic. That sensitivity was not there before I became an actor. So, the sky is the limit for me with both acting and modeling.

—William S. Gooch

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 Backstage

September 25, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Though Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 is over, as well as London, Milan, and Paris, memories still linger. We all love the way the collections look on the runway, and the way each model brings that extra something that makes us look at silhouettes, construction, fabrications and the designer’s point of view in new ways. Still, it is not all sparkle and shine.

Ernest Green, Fashion Reverie’s photo editor has provided some backstage images that illustrates that Fashion Week is a collaborative effort. Putting a runway show together is a lot of hard work and without the collaborative spirits of makeup artists, dressers, the ground crew, PR firms, the technical crew, and the models and designers themselves the stunning presentations that we hold near and dear to our hearts would not happen.

That said: Fashion Reverie celebrates Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 BACKSTAGE!!

Stephen Burrows spring/summer 2013 backstage

These Stephen Burrows beauties are ready for their close-up Mr. DeMille!!

Libertine spring/summer 2013 backstage

Libertine proves that spring/summer 2013 is truly all about color!!

Gant by Michael Bastian spring/summer 2013

The inspiration for Gant by Michael Bastian was the Galapagos Islands and man’s need for survival and backstage is where the magic all started to take place!!

Perry Ellis spring/summer 2013 backstage

Though Daniel Silver and Stephen Cox stayed with Perry Ellis’ neutral palette this season the new twist they have put on the iconic brand seems to be working. And it all started backstage.

Nicholas K spring/summer 2013 backstage

Nomadic 70s chic was Nicholas Kunz point of reference for spring/summer 2013. The collection was chic, sophisticated and where fashion is heading. The slouchy aesthetic has never looked so cool!!

Duckie Brown spring/summer 2013 backstage. Photos courtesy of Ernest Green

This season Duckie Brown demonstrated that classic silhouettes and an edgy point of view don’t have to be separate bedfellows.

—Staff

AIM Model Management’s Mario Skaric

May 29, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

With the proliferation of fashion reality shows, a career as a fashion model seems like a walk in the park for those young men and women who are gifted with beauty and svelte physiques. Though shows like Remodeled, Scouted, and the long-running America’s Next Top Model gives a purview in the rarefied world of fashion models, the realities of the fashion industry are far removed from the glamor, backbiting and cat fights of reality television.

Fashion Reverie seeks to give its readers an accurate perspective on a model’s life. It may be glamorous, but the fame and accolades are the result of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Still, those glorious creatures who give character, movement and shape to a designer’s vision continue to excite, enthrall and inspire.

Fashion Reverie: How did you get your start as a model?

Mario Skaric: I was always fascinated by show business, and I always wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry. While in college, I took the advice of couple of friends and went to an open call at a modeling agency. Midikenn, an agency in Croatia, saw my potential, some basic pictures were taken and sent to models.com, I began to attract some attention and my international career took off.

FR: Does modeling live up to your expectations?

Mario: I love every minute of it! As in every career, there are highs and lows, but when you are doing something you love, even the lowest low is still amazing!

FR: What designers have you worked with so far? And could you talk about some of your
modeling experiences?

Mario: I have worked for Armani, Malo, and Gas Jeans, to name a few. It was great when Mr. Armani came to thank us personally for a great show!

FR: What is your funniest modeling experience?

Mario: At a Pepe Jeans runway show, I was talking to one of the models, and she said to me, “To bad this is fall/winter 2011/2012 collection, we’re going to have to wait two years for some of the stuff to come out.” I tried to explain to her that we model garments six months before the line hits the stores, and though the collection says 2012, we are only six months ahead in time. She just gave me a confused look, and said, “Huh?”

FR: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Mario: I love Calvin Klein, Armani, and John Varvatos; I love classic silhouettes, with an interesting twist.

FR: Which designers or brands would you like to work for that you haven’t worked for
already?

Mario: Calvin Klein and John Varvatos are some of the brands I would love to work for. I recently changed my look, cut my hair; got more of a European classical look, so it will be interesting to see which designers will be attracted to this new look!

FR: What do like more, runway or modeling for editorials and campaigns, and why?

Mario: Both platforms have a certain amount of charm. I love the fast pace and craziness of a runway show, and that “we did great” feeling after, but I also love the creativity of editorials and campaigns!

FR: What do you plan to do after modeling?

Mario: I plan to work in the entertainment industry; perhaps, act, and since I’m a musician, perform music. The fashion world has captured my heart, and I’m not leaving it any time soon!

FR: What is your favorite city?

Mario: New York City, most definitely! This is the city that you either love or hate; there is no getting used to it. And if you love it, you don’t want to live anywhere else!

Images courtesy of AIM Model Management

FR: How would you describe your personal style?

Mario: My personal style has always been a little bit of a rock n’ roll bad boy. But, as I’ve changed my look, my style started to change as well, to a more classic, streamlined look.

FR: If you could do something else other than modeling, what would you do?

Mario: Acting, or having a band; it’s hard to imagine myself outside of entertainment or something creative.

FR: What’s next for you?

Mario: European fashion week is the next step, where I will break in my new look. There are going to be some surprised people there, so hang tight and see what happens!

—Staff

Model Spotlight: New York Model’s Mark Westinghouse

March 12, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

With the proliferation of fashion reality shows, a career as a fashion model seems like a walk in the park for those young men and women who are gifted with beauty and svelte physiques. Though shows like Remodeled, Scouted, and the long-running America’s Next Top Model gives a purview in the rarefied world of fashion models, the realities of the fashion industry are far removed from the glamor, backbiting and cat fights of reality television.

Fashion Reverie: Mark, where are you from?

Mark Westinghouse: I am from upstate New York.

FR: What agency (s) are you with? Who’s your mother agent?

Mark Westinghouse: I am with New York Models and New York Models is also my mother agency.

FR: How were you discovered?

Mark Westinghouse: I took pictures of myself in a mirror and sent them in. New York Models called me and the rest is history

FR: What designers have you worked with so far? And, could you talk about
some of your modeling experiences?

Mark Westinghouse: I have worked for Dior, Jean-Paul Gautier, Hermes, Dries Van Noten, Issey Miyake, and Fujiwara. I love travelling to Paris, Milan, Austria, and meeting creative crazy people you wouldn’t normally meet at my age or in Upstate New York. I also walked in the Lifeball show which was so over the top!

FR: What is your funniest modeling experience?

Mark Westinghouse: After an agency dinner, I got locked out of the model apartment, had to climb upusing the fire escape. We broke the window and went into the apartment only to find out we were in the wrong one. This poor old man watching TV nearly had heart attack. Makes for funny memories!

FR: Tell me about your experience shooting the video “Boys of Fashion
Week” with famed video/photographer Justin Wu?

Mark Westinghouse: The video was lots of fun as I know a lot of the guys in his videos, and of course Justin is such a great photographer and so much fun!

FR: What do like more, runway or modeling for editorials and campaigns, and why?