If the Spring menswear shows have a defining face, it belongs to British newcomer Sol Goss. Lanky, pouty, and with a look that crosses boundaries of race and gender, Goss has inadvertently tapped into fashion’s current obsessions. The response from casting directors and designers has been overwhelming, with Goss landing on the runway for J.W. Anderson, Alexander McQueen, Prada, and Burberry, and in a coup de grâce, opening Louis Vuitton. Landing on an important runway is impressive for any new model, but for Goss, the transition from Norwich, England, resident to Vuitton opener has seemed almost surreal. “I still can’t wrap my head around it all because about a month ago, I was working in a call center,” Goss tells Style.com. “I’m so grateful to be doing something I thoroughly enjoy, and I understand that it doesn’t last long, so I have to make the most of it!”.
Goss spent his pre-modeling days in search of his calling. Finishing his A-Levels last year, Goss held off on applying to university to figure out what he wanted to do next. “I’ve always gone with the flow of things,” says Goss. “I’ve never known exactly what it is I wanted to be. And going with it all has worked out well for me so far, but I know my luck won’t last forever.” Fate intervened, and Goss was soon spotted by a scout from SUPA Model Management while waiting for a bus in his hometown. Thrust into the spotlight, Goss kicked off his menswear season by opening Topman’s London show. The experience provided him with a crash course in fashion and his first taste of backstage’s controlled chaos. “It’s interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes, backstage, and how the fashion industry works. It’s all very hectic, of course, during the shows, so it’s a positive learning experience.”
When it came time to walk down Vuitton’s runway, he admits to feeling preshow jitters. “The show makes my palms sweat still,” he admitted, though the show wasn’t without thrills, as well. “Walking for Louis Vuitton is one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done…I couldn’t ask for more. I had a nice team to work with, the collection was amazing, and to top it all off I opened the show. It’s too weird, because back at home I always see Louis Vuitton about, and now whenever I see an item of Vuitton, I smile to myself because I opened the show—it’s a crazy feeling!”
With the European shows winding down, Goss now has time to reflect on his life-changing month. To him, the best part of being the season’s most-wanted male model is making his mom and dad proud. “My parents are so happy for me, and I know that. This past three or so weeks have been so surreal, it’s made me realize how lucky I am,” he explained. “The smallest of events can make such a huge difference.”
