The Tamesis
I was 16 years old when I was scouted at the Calgary Stampede. I was just trying to relax – eating a corn dog or something – and then someone came up to me. They said, “You’re going to be a superstar.” I was like, “Oh, okay.” I wasn’t 18 yet, so I couldn’t do anything yet. I just started doing some small shows in Calgary. In fact, I became more and more interested in football, so it became a problem. But it all worked out in the end.
How did you order Gucci?
My manager Michael told me about this sometime in January. They were like, “Can you do this Gucci show?” But it was like, “I probably won’t get it.” It was a big possibility—I didn’t have any hopes. But the next day they wanted to fly me out – very short notice. So I worked it out with my coach and then I got on the plane and got fitted. About a month later I showed up again and we did a series of rehearsals.
So it sounds like they found out you. How does it feel to have the attention of such a big brand?
Honestly, it’s crazy. I don’t know what this is about me! It’s just a blessing. You have no control over these things. I’m very ecstatic about it, but I don’t necessarily have to do anything to get it. That’s how I was born.
What I love about this show is that they seem to really encourage the models to walk with personality. How did you develop the habit of walking?
Yes, it was a very interesting walk. Mainly the designer Demna. They were discussing how I should walk. They said, “Be more macho—like an Italian gangster!” And then we refined it in rehearsals, tweaking it here and there. “Use your shoulders to do this—don’t swing your arms too much.” When we were backstage, they would say, “We’ve given you this character, so just remember your character and get into character when you walk.” It was so cool.
Your walk went viral and lots of people were sharing or talking about it. Did you expect this level of response?
I don’t. I honestly didn’t realize how big this show was. It’s funny to see people writing about me walking like a robot.
Do you think people don’t realize you’re playing a character? Like, that’s not how you really walk?
Yes! They’re like, “Why is he walking like this?” But it’s like, that’s the job. I’m playing a character. This is not how I actually walk around the city.
What do you think of your runway look?
I’ve never worn pants like this. They’re jeans, but imagine layered jeans. This polo shirt has small Gucci stripes on the collar. My favorite part of this outfit, though, is the watch. It sways around my arm and is super loose on my wrist. My watch is great – I try to keep it.
