You may recognise Ryan Barrett from those steamy Versace campaign images, in which he can be seen lounging by the side of a pool in eye popping outfits, with Gisele draped over him. Shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in their signature, faultless style, Ryan looks every inch the superstar that he is about to become. We caught up with him amongst the post-Versace chaos, on a brief visit back to London.
Models 1: When did you shoot the Versace campaign?
Ryan Barrett: It was just before Christmas, on location just outside Palm Springs
How did you find it?
Good! Palm Springs is a strange place, but it was cool, and the set was huge. Mert and Marcus were really nice, really down to earth. At some points it was quite surreal, in the last shot I was in these tight pants with a robe on, and the poses were a bit strange, and the whole crew was in the pool below me, it was pretty weird.
What did you think of the clothes?
Very Versace, they were very much about the print and colour. It was a bit too full on for me, but the suits were amazing, David Bradshaw’s tailoring is really nice, you feel great as soon as you put one on.
How have things been since the campaign came out?
Pretty busy! Models.com has done loads of stuff on it, and everyone’s perked up! Yeah it’s good, hopefully it carries on.
Did you walk in any shows for Fashion Week?
I did the Versace and the Dolce and Gabbana shows, and a video for Models.com filmed during the castings, where we had paint splattering everywhere which was a bit weird but fun.
Where is your favourite place to visit?
I love New York, the food is amazing, and the buzz. My favourite country is India, the culture there is amazing.
What are your travel essentials?
I’m always on my mac book pro, I can’t live without it! Also my blackberry and my new wireless headphones.
You have a lot of other things on the go alongside modelling, what do these involve?
I went to Goldsmiths and studied fine art textiles. Now I do freelance women’s wear design, and I work for a small company called Westcott design. We sell to brands like Monsoon and Topshop. I’m also a photographer, and do quite a lot with Models 1. With both of those things happening, there is always a lot to do, so I spend a lot of time on the plane and things like that retouching and editing on my mac book and iPad.
What have you got planned for this year?
I’m shooting in New York, then it’s onto Miami and Paris. With work all I seem to do is travel!
