MODEL: OLIVER WHEELER
PHOTOGRAPHER: KARL ANDREW
How did you get into modelling?
I was 19 and I was scouted on the tube!! I went and had a meeting and had Polaroids taken and the agency set up a few test shoots with some photographers. I look back at those images and it scares me to see how young I really was. You learn so much along the way!
What advice would you give an aspiring model?
Prepare yourself for rejection with no explanation – that’s the hardest part that took me awhile to get used too. You must be thick skinned, it is easy to let it affect you negatively because we put ourself in vulnerable positions. Be confident with who you are and what you look like, and trust what you know you are potentionaly right or wrong for. I recommend going to walk-ins at agencies, they receive hundreds of applications online everyday. Always be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Every day is a different day and It’s a very satisfying process. This job never gets boring, I sometimes get to travel too. I meet somebody new everyday and creative people are usually very interesting and good fun.
Have you got any exciting projects coming up?
You never know what’s coming your way, so who knows… !! I’m a dancer as well so when I’m not modelling, I’m usually dancing around like a mad man. I’ve recently started an acting course so I’m intrigued to see how that goes.. I like to always be challenging myself.
Who’s your favorite designer at the moment?
I’m not they fussy type. I go for whatever catches my eye, I got some nice bits from Y.M.C recently. I love Reiss and H&M on the high-street. I’m also in a vintage store most of them time looking for anything plain and oversized.
Favourite spot in London?
I am so lucky live in Greenwich (Team South London!!) Greenwich is beautiful with a huge park and an incredible food market and little coffee places – Check it out! It’s great to have that outer village feel but have central London so close.
If you weren’t modelling what would you be doing instead?
What i’ve always been very thankful for is that since I can remember I wanted to move to London and become a dancer and I did it and had some incredible experiences. So I can’t imagine doing anything else. Although, I put on a good party.. so maybe I’d be in charge at doing that in some way?!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m drawn to the U.S, I’d like to see more of it. I’m going to focus more of my time on acting and by doing so If I get to see more places in 5 years time I’d be very happy with that. Hollywood here I am come.. ;) !!
Ultimately, where ever I am or what ever I am doing I hope to be happy.
Favourite piece from the Serge DeNimes SS16 collection?
I’m a big fan of the collection. I really enjoy the two-piece hoodie shorts combo – stylish and comfortable – WANT! Thumbs up from me.
