Since its inception, GUESS has been turning its models into supermodels, celebrities into fashion icons and legends into visionaries. Amongst the likes of Anna Nicole Smith, Jennifer Lopez and Gigi Hadid, GUESS has only ever offered the very best talents of every industry — revealing them to audiences through a modernised and high-fashion lens. No exception to this, the charismatic model Charlie Matthews has quickly shot to stardom having fronted the iconic Americal label for a total of five years — and it would appear he is not slowing down any time soon.

“I never could have imagined working with such an iconic brand for five incredible years,” says Charlie. “GUESS has become like family to me.”

This year, Charlie lends his striking looks and camera-ready prowess to the clothing and accessories campaigns of SS22 alongside Kelsie Jean Smeby and Maya Brynne Norman. Collectively creating a collection of electrifying shots taken by photographer Yasmine Kateb, this year’s campaign goes to great lengths to demonstrate the Los Angeles-born model’s ever-evolving flair and carefully curated craft.

To celebrate his fifth year with the label, we spoke with the model about his journey into modelling, his personal style and his goals for the near future. To read the interview in full, scroll below now…

Hey Charlie, how are you? Where are we speaking to you from now?
I’m doing fantastic! I am actually in my gaming room right now at home hanging out.

Let’s start at the beginning, where has your love for fashion come from?
My love for fashion came from when I was 19 years old, flipping through the pages of GQ Magazine and came across an advertisement for GUESS. The clothes on the models made me want to be that guy!

And, how did you fall into modelling?
Believe it or not, I actually was discovered selling pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving time at my local grocery store in California. A scout snapped a picture of me and the rest is history!

What is one misconception about the modelling industry that you think needs debunking?
People think modelling is a glamorous life but you have to put in a lot of dedication, determination, discipline and always make sure you’re on top of your game. It’s a full-time job and I treat it like a business!

How do you go about picking an outfit? Do you have a particular process that you follow?
For every day whether going to meetings or on auditions, I like to keep things simple but if I’m ever at an event or a party I make sure I dress upscale-casual and a bit of sexy for the press.

How would you describe your style?
Simple, casual but upscale.

Who would you cite as your fashion inspirations?
I say between Machine Gun Kelly & Jared Leto. I love the way they express themselves in clothes and they’re some of the biggest rockstars today.

And, you are also the face of GUESS! What about the brand aligns with your own personal style?
GUESS clothes fit my style perfectly, from the jeans to their denim jackets they make me feel like a rockstar inside and out!

What is next for you in your career?
I’m looking to start my own production studio within 3-5 years and continue to grow as a model in the industry and hopefully still be the face of GUESS until I’m 40!