The best new male models in Belgian fashion
We've selected eight new faces we feel strongly about: that's four boys and four girls, with eight distinct looks, personalities and features. These newcomers have charisma, wit and plenty of charm, as we discovered when we sat them down for a few questions. Here's our cream of the crop for new season boys.
Pieter Roziers (21), from Antwerp, Ulla models
How were you discovered?
Actually, I got discovered twice! The first time was in Antwerp when I was shopping with my mom. I was 16, but I didn’t have the time for modelling because I was busy with sports. The second time was when I was 18 at Soulwaxmas. I was partying with friends when suddenly a guy asked me how tall I was. He gave me his card and I noticed it was the same guy who scouted me the first time: Ruben Debuck.
What do you enjoy most about modelling?
I mostly enjoy travelling and meeting new people. I also like the thrill you get walking down the runway. Besides that, I like the parties and open bars, of course!
Do you have any rituals before a shoot?
I don’t. I basically try to show up on time.
Has modelling made you more self-conscious?
I dont think so. I’ve always had plenty of self-confidence. Sometimes a bit too much, but, yeah, you can’t learn how to fly without crashing.
Is there anything you won’t eat?
Broccoli, I hate it!
What’s your take on fashion?
I’ll always wear what my mommy has picked for me that day. No, I basically wear skinny jeans or trousers most of the time. And most of my t-shirts are band shirts, I like them because now you rarely see anyone else wearing them and they have cool designs. I also like to wear shirts a lot. For shoes, I wear boots in the winter and smarter shoes or Vans in the summer.
London Fashion Week. I’ve never been able to go to the big fashion weeks, because I have my exams in college at that time. Next June, I should be able to make it to Milan and Paris. That will definitely be a highlight. I’m already looking forward to it!
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
I was waiting for a casting once and was the last model in the room, listening to some music on my iPod. I got into it and started to play some air guitar and air drums. I was going wild and didn’t even notice the door opening for the casting. Everyone was watching me and I didn’t see them until I turned around. But in the end, I got the job!
I never experienced it as a lonely thing. You’re surrounded by a lot of people most of the time so it’s hard to feel lonely. But of course I do miss my friends back home. You meet lots of celebrities at parties or backstage, but rarely get the chance to talk to them. The most interesting connections are the ones who keep inviting you to their parties or the ones who know where they are.
Mateusz Prymaka - Models by KEEN
How were you discovered?
By a model scout at a metro station.
What do you enjoy most about modelling?
I’m fairly new and don’t know that many people in the business, which makes it hard to answer that question.
Do you have any rituals before a shoot?
I try to picture myself within the context of the actual photographs. It helps.
Has modelling made you more self-conscious?
No. I tend to feel confident after seeing the final images.
Is there anything you won’t eat?
I eat everything, though there are certain dishes I’m not that keen on.
I listen to music all the time, so I guess this applies to modelling, too.
What brought you to the modelling world?
I was looking for something I could hang on to and was discovered by chance.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Wearing shoes that were too small. I’m a size 47.
Modelling can be lonely at times. Have you met some nice people and made interesting connections?
I have met really creative photographers, very friendly stylists and pretty make-up artists.
Sander Nevejans (22), from Zomergem, Ulla models
How were you discovered?
I went shopping with a friend in Ghent, and when I was paying for a t-shirt, a girl who was scouting there asked me if I was a model and if she could take some pictures. I said yes.
What do you enjoy most about modelling?
I enjoy the travelling, meeting new people, the pictures and parties. I like everything in and around fashion. It’s a world I knew nothing about before I was asked to model.
Do you have any rituals before a shoot?
I go to bed early the day before and don’t go out. I try to be as professional as I can. I try to be myself, too.
Has modelling made you more self-conscious?
Yes it has. I was never that self-aware before, to be honest. I never knew I could look good on a photograph either.
Do you read or listen to music while waiting to be photographed?
No. I always want to know what’s going on and am 100% involved with the shoot. I like getting to know the people I’m working with. Music is important on a shoot, because it creates a nice mood for everyone. People loosen up more.
What’s your take on fashion?
Fashion is still pretty new for me, like a farm boy going to the big city. I’m still learning about all the brands, models and photographers. I like it a lot though.
Have you had any career highlights so far?
I’ve only been modelling for about 6 months, but did Tommy Hilfiger‘s show during New York Fashion Week last February. That was my first catwalk moment and I felt a bit nervous before the show.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
When I was 12, I wet myself at school, but have not had any embarrassing moments in fashion so far. I hope there will be plenty when I improve and become more known.
Modelling can be lonely at times. Have you met some nice people and made interesting connections?
I don’t really find modelling lonely. Sometimes, I like to be on my own, but otherwise, it’s good to meet new people n the job. I got to know great folks in Barcelona and influential people in New York. It could help me when I make plans for the future.
Quentin Degroux - IMM Brussels
How were you discovered?
A friend of mine told me I had to try and that I had nothing to lose, so I went to IMM with some snapshots, and they took me in. You never know…
What do you enjoy the most about modelling?
I haven’t done anything yet, so I can’t tell you, but I am sure I will love the atmosphere.
Do you have any rituals before a shoot?
Like I told you, I’ve done nothing for the moment but I’ll stay myself, whatever happens.
Has modelling made you more self-conscious?
No, I think it gives you more self-confidence.
Is there anything you won’t eat?
I am still eating what I want, I just practice sports a bit more, but that’s it.
Do you read or listen to music while waiting to be photographed?
I’ll surely be listening to music and it will motivate me.
What’s your take on fashion?
Nowadays, it’s become something too important to ignore. Personally, I like to be well dressed, but that’s not an obsession either. I don’t follow fashion.
Have you had any career highlights so far?
No, this is all very new for me.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
I was at church for my cousin’s wedding when suddenly my phone rang with an orgasmic ringtone my friends had changed. At first, I pretended the phone wasn’t mine, but it didn’t seem to work.
Modelling can be lonely at times. Have you met some nice people and made interesting connections?
Not yet, but I hope to.
- Posted in Style
- Tagged with fashion, future, industry, interviews, models, next, on the radar, talent, the best, the new beginning
