London Collections: Men is still a relatively young addition to the fashion calendar – and what better way to chronicle its baby steps than by following around Jester from Select, one of its hottest models around London?
Jester (@jester_white) was scouted in Dalston last March and has walked in shows for Lanvin, Dior Homme, Dries Van Noten and Paul Smith since. Here’s our photo diary of Jester off and on duty.
Last minute touches at Topman Design. “I’m a London boy, born and bred, so I like representing my country and doing the London shows. It’s a lot more relaxed in London, there’s less pressure to be perfect.”
Grabbing a bite backstage. “The worst thing I’ve ever eaten backstage is a mixed grain salad. Just loads of little grains of rice: really weird. I’d ideally like bacon, bacon and more bacon!”
Jester’s look at the Jonathan Saunders presentation. “I do like doing presentations, but they can be a bit laborious: you just sit around and you can’t really move. But other than that you don’t do much and you’re well paid, so I can’t complain!”
Getting hair and make-up done. “Before I got scouted, I was doing a course to become a security guard. I’m going to start doing night jobs along with modelling, actually.”
Walking for Christopher Shannon. “My first ever show was a uni grad show for Westminster and I was quite nervous. In all honesty, I don’t try now. If I try too hard, if I walk naturally, I don’t have to do anything. It’s better that way.
Finishing touches at Xander Zhou. “I liked Xander’s clothes, especially the long trenchcoat in my second look. I’m a bit of a mod so anything that drops past my waist is a win in my eyes.”
On modelling: “It’s definitely eye-opening. It’s manic, and it’s opened me up to a lot ore things.”
Total shows: 7
Total cups of tea: 15 – 18 (“I drink two in the morning…”)
Best freebie: “Hardy Amies gave me some cashmere tops – always nice.”
Top tip: “Don’t drink and sleep early.”
Career highlight: “Going to New York. I just love the city, the food, the people – I like the slices of pizza, they’re literally two foot long!”
MORE LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN COVERAGE
Backstage at MAN: Astrid Anderson, Craig Green and Agi & Sam
Backstage at Richard Nicoll
Backstage at Topman Design
Backstage at James Long
Backstage at Christopher Shannon
Backstage at JW Anderson
Backstage at Jonathan Saunders
Backstage at Shaun Samson
Backstage at E. Tautz
Backstage at Katie Eary
Words: Zing Tsjeng
Images: Hatnim Lee