He's the current man-face of Gucci Cruise. Buffalo-native,
Ryan Kennedy sits at 13 on
models.com list of top male models, and is rising to the top of the industry. VMAN magazine gave him "next-big-thing status," as a contender for the
Most Valuable Playersof male modeling. From runway to editorial, he's worked for Louis Vuitton, Etro, Aldo, 7 For All Mankind, and Abercrombie & Fitch, and is currently signed with Wilhelmina Models in New York.
How and when did you get started modeling?
I got started after I went to a scouting event in Rochester [NY], which is where I met my manager. He brought me to NYC, and got me signed with my first agency, IMG Models. I was a senior in high school at the time. Modeling was definitely not something that I thought I would end up doing. In fact, after I signed with my agency I decided to go to college for 2 years before I started.
My first job, believe it or not, was an editorial for Playboy. lol. I had my clothes on.
So, Gucci. Congratulations on a great campaign. Tell me about shooting it – What was it like? The behind-the-scenes video is hot – What is it like doing sexy shoots with models like Natasha Poly?
Thanks. It was a fun shoot. It was great working with Mert and Marcus [the photographers of the shoot]. They’re the best in the business, and I was fortunate enough to be able to shoot with them twice.
The shoot is not as sexy as it looks.There’s like 20 people watching you, along with a camera right in your face. lol. I’m glad it looks that way though, because that means we did our job.
Best part of being a male model?
It’s not a 9-5 job. Every day is different. The traveling is fun for a while, and then it gets kind of old. Can’t complain though…
Your career is growing fast: What’s your proudest career moment so far? Was there a specific point in time where you realized, “wow, holy ****, I’m really doing it?”
Well, I would have to say when I booked the Louis Vuitton campaign 2 years ago would probably be my happiest moment. I had shot Abercrombie and Benetton before that, but this job put me on the map and made me stand out in the sea of male models.
I would say this past year is when I realized "wow, I’m really doing this.” I never really thought of this as being a possible career, but now that I’m working more and more, it’s really starting to turn into something.
Current favorite brand? Current favorite song/music?
I’m not too big into brand-name designer clothes. lol. I wear stuff that designers give me, but other than that I like American Apparel.
It’s hard to pick out a favorite song. I listen to a lot of Kings of Leon, a lot of hip hop/rap (Lil Wayne) lol.
What have you learned?
I’ve learned that you have to keep a level head in this business because it’s easy to get mixed up in the wrong things. I look at modeling as a job, and not a lifestyle and that keeps me on the right path.
What’s next? What are you excited about?
I’m looking to start investing in real estate. It’s something I’ve always been interested in. I’ve been looking at apartments in New York and hopefully by the end of this year will have purchased my first property.
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