I noticed a HUGE jump in my site traffic yesterday, so I decided to give you all something new to look at. Introducing Model of the Month, Jamie Mann (aka my oldest child and not really a model, so let’s see how long it takes him to notice this is here and yell at me to take it down).

Name: Jamie Mann

Height: 6’1″
Suit: 38L (I’m making this up. I really have no idea. Guys out there, does this sound about right?)
Shoe: 11 1/2
Base: New York

Jamie Mann, by Curtis & Cort

Jamie Mann, by Curtis & Cort

I call this Jamie Mann, surfer boy. By Curtis & Cort.

I call this Jamie Mann, surfer boy tough guy. By Curtis & Cort. (He is going to tell my how cringe-y this is.)

Obviously this is Jamie Mann, pretty boy. By Curtis & Cort.

This is one Mom doesn’t really want to label. We will call it: Where did my little boy go?

Jamie is an actor/singer/dancer. If you want to learn more, check out Jamiemartinmann.com
Jamie is repped by Edge Entertainment Management and Innovative Artists. 

Or just stay here and browse around my site and keep my traffic on the uptick!

Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search

Barclay’s Guide to Cultivating Style, Sanity, Silliness and Self-Love—in Sickness and in Health

I’ve spent the last few months collaborating with my friend and former colleague, Barclay Fryery, to share his amazing story. He is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. He is also one of the most dashing gentlemen I’ve ever known. Here is a photo from his modeling days. He’s six foot six, so being too tall meant a short modeling career! Instead, he worked his way up to the top of the interior design world.

Barclay Fryery, modeling in New Orleans in the 1980s

Our book is about that and so much more…

Cancer Looks Good on You is the most uplifting cancer story you will ever read, because it is about a man who chooses to seize the day, not count how many days he has left. From his youth as a tormented gay boy in the Deep South to his rise to the top of the design world, and from discovering a lump in his neck to planning his after-party, Barclay tackles life’s challenges with grace, humor, and indomitable optimism. This book shares wisdom that will help you make over your house, your attitude, and your view of the end. Cancer Looks Good on You is for everybody but is a must-read for anyone struggling with illness or yearning to know how to support someone who is.

All profits from the Special Edition hardcover will go toward fulfilling Barclay’s vision of creating a charity focused on teen suicide prevention and supporting LGBTQ youth.

Order Your Copy and Support a Great Cause: CancerLooksGoodonYou.com

You can also read the Prologue on the website. The book and e-book will be available on Amazon soon. The paperback will be distributed to bookstores by Ingram.

Praise for Cancer Looks Good on You and Barclay Fryery:

“Barclay Fryery is a deeply talented interior designer—and an extraordinary character. His remarkable story of strength and resilience is one you will never forget.” —Margaret Russell, Editor of Galerie magazine and former Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decor and Architectural Digest

“Barclay Fryery made a huge impact on me. In fact, he has made one on everyone who was blessed to know him. Tall and blond, sunglasses, always perfectly tanned and fabulous, he lit up every room he walked into. His taste: impeccable. His humor: biting and witty and always spot on. He taught me how to find my own style and for that, I will be eternally grateful. I love you, big guy.”   —Lara Spencer, co-anchor of Good Morning America, correspondent for Nightline and ABC News, author of I Brake for Yard Sales and Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures

“Barclay is unbelievably talented. He has great taste. He has a great feel for color, for fabric, for any kind of décor. He probably also could have been a fashion designer. He knows exactly what he’s doing, what he’s talking about, what he’s planning, what he’s strategizing and creating at every moment.”  —Tommy Hilfiger, fashion designer

A Must-Read Male Model Q & A!

Oliver Prasetyo, a Modeling Mentor Model of the Month and winner of last year’s Model of the Year People’s Choice Award, is making a big splash in Indonesia, not to mention in the U.S., where he landed a coveted GAP campaign! This guy is a go-getter, not to mention funny, smart, and photogenic. That’s a recipe for success in modeling. Read, watch, and learn…

Oliver Prasetyo

J: How did you start modeling?

O: One night coming home from work, someone inquired if I were a model, to which I laughed and replied no. She recommended that I check out a casting. I went on a whim and was selected to walk for a show.

J: How old were you?

O: 25

J: Where were you?

O: In New York, on the Subway. F line maybe?

J: Your first job?

O: It was for a small designer line. Truthfully, the name escapes me.

J: Your big break?

O: When I booked the GAP fall campaign “Dress Normal” in NYC.

Oliver Prasetyo

J: Your favorite job?

O: When I modeled in Indonesia recently, I was featured on various talk shows (see below) showcasing my experiences as a model. Also, modeling for Esquire magazine and Nylon magazine in Indonesia was amazing.

J: Your goals?

O: Modeling: To model all over Asia and Europe. Overall Goal: I’d like to introduce and expose Indonesian culture to American entertainment in some capacity.

J: What advice do you have for aspiring models?

O: Never give up. Don’t allow other people to rob you of your dreams. Keep pushing and grinding if it’s truly what you desire. Surround yourself with people who support you. And always follow your dreams.

J: What do you find most surprising about the modeling industry?

O: That they book a goofy Indonesian kid from Queens from time to time. LOL

J: How do you stay in shape and is there pressure to be in great shape?

O: I just try to eat healthy and do daily cardio, push ups, and ab work outs. 

J: Any special diet?

O: Coming from an Asian background, it can be tough to say no to all the deliciousness of a home cooked meal. But you have to be mindful that you aren’t filling yourself with unnecessary stuff. I don’t have a special diet, but I do limit my daily carb and sugar intake. 

J: The biggest perks of modeling?

O: You’re in a profession that garners attention. I like to use it to inspire people. A lot of people didn’t think I was capable of modeling in the early beginnings. Those doubters are now supporters.

J: The biggest challenges?

O: It was definitely in the beginning when I had virtually no supporters. Well, Jill Johnson believed in me

Oh, yes, I did!

Check out Oliver discussing modeling, on a talk show in Indonesia. Notice how poised, articulate, relaxed, and likable he is. He’s got that extra something beyond looks, which makes all the difference in how far a model will go…

ENTER THE MODELING MENTOR MODEL SEARCH!

I’m going to run it again here, as a reminder to send your Dear Jill Questions (they need not be about male models, but those questions are always welcome) and as a test to see if my husband ever reads my blog. If you are a male model, you may want to skip this post. If you do read it, feel free to comment and defend your kind.

Tear Sheet Excerpt:

As this is the Male Model Issue, I decided to reach deep into the cobweb and skeleton-filled Tear Sheet archives—16 issues back—and resurrect the very first “Dear Jill,” a delicate and intricate analysis of another male model issue: Should one date a male model? My answer hasn’t changed much, since several years of hands-on research have only verified what I suspected all along.

Here’s the original version, with a few edits and improvements derived from experience (those passing years do have some value in the modeling world). Read it, clip it, frame it, and male models: don’t be offended. I’m sure devilish will continue to be desirable well into the next millennium.

Dear Jill,

I’m a 19-year-old model from Kansas, and I just arrived in South Beach. I met a guy, a big-time model, at a bar last night. He wants to help me out and take me to New York. He’s such a hunk! Should I trust him? (He doesn’t know I’m only 19.)

—Dorothy, Miami Beach, FL

Oh Dotty, Dotty, Dotty, Earth to Dotty,

OK, I’ll skip the “You’re only 19; you should be home playing fetch with Toto, not out in bars flirting with the big dogs” spiel. After all, you’re older than half the models guzzling beers faster than they can grab for the next free drink pass.

Onto the core issue: the guy. Four years ago my answer would have been simple: No male models ever! My new answer? NO MALE MODELS EVER, NEVER EVER, NO EXCEPTIONS, ABSOLUTELY NOT, NO, NEVER!!!

And who said he was “big-time”? Him? He’s either a conceited liar or a big-time model—both of which are bad news. Mix the Scarecrow, the Lion, and the Tin Man together; put this scary combo on the yellow brick road walking backwards away from Oz and Gwendolyn and all things good; gradually extract bits of brain, courage, and heart, along with lots of young girls’ reputations torn up like tornado-struck towns; and, voilà, you’ve got the path of the male supermodel.

A bit harsh? Maybe, but never mind, it’s all irrelevant. You can’t keep your age from him forever. As soon as he finds out you’re 19, he’s going to start looking for someone younger.

—Jill

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Bonus question: Are most male models gay? I’ll answer that later this week.

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