#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Oliver Meisner Thrane

Copenhagen, 8th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I’m a tall curious guy who loves to explore both my mind, landscapes, cuisines and environments of all sorts. Throughout my upbringing I’ve always had an urge to cross some lines and seek towards the opposite from what my classmates, brother and like-aged people did. I feel these environments and subcultures I’ve been a part of, have so far made me a more open-minded person and make me see the best in a person no matter who, what or where they come from.

The clichés of models becoming photographers is a thing. And yes, now I’ve become one of them. Two years ago, I started assisting a Danish fashion photographer for a year, and at some point, I just had enough of fashion since it became everything around me. Not that I don’t like fashion, but the type of shoots we did and brands we worked with were very uninspiring and tiring. My desire and joy for photography was still there, so I started at Copenhagen Film and Photography school, and that has made my skills and visions within photography more clear. I really love the documenting aspect of photography and my skill is the access to people. The past year I’ve made 2 photo books; one about Beirut’s many-faceted lives in the ongoing revolution and one about my hometown city mall.

 Who would you confine with?

That’s a secret.

What's your work-from-home style?

Definitely not solving a puzzle nor reading a book. Focus and I aren’t doing well in that matter. But the first 10 days of the lockdown, I isolated myself with my best friend In a shipyard, where we worked on this lifelong project, our old wooden ship from 1952. 

Now my school course has reopened over Zoom, and I’m quite excited for the photography projects they will give us and in which way they can be solved. Maybe I’ll be inspired by this shoot ;)

 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I can blow spit bubbles and for sure knock you out with a headkick. I love trance and not so much cops. I serve some really fine fish tacos and also vegan ones if you like ;) 

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

As soon as all this is safe I’m going to visit my grandmothers. After that, my feet are itching to drive around Italy eating pizza and drinking Negronis or sail around Denmark visiting all the beautiful small islands. I’ll probably do both.

 Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

My grandmothers and all their grandkids In the same ZoomParty. But unfortunately, they don’t own computers or smartphones nor do they have the technical skill to set it up. But the level of confusion and happiness they would feel would be priceless to witness.

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Oliver is represented by Nisch Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

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captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Ben Allen

London, 8th April 2020

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Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I am a 24 year old from South East London. Half American, Quarter English, Quarter Australian. I’m a model of almost 10 years (yikes) and actor in training. I love my job, I’m always thankful for the places it has taken me, the wonderful friends/girlfriend of 4 years I have and the opportunities to work with people I consider genius.

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Who would you confine with?

My girlfriend Lexi. We are split to be closer to our families, so she is back in America and I’m in London. We are used to distance and time apart through our work, but not having an end date in lockdown restrictions and not really knowing how long it will be until it’s safe and responsible to travel again is tough, but it is a small hardship compared to what many are experiencing now. My heart goes out to all those nurses and doctors working so diligently, saving lives whilst risking their own, to return home at the end of these unimaginable days and not be able to touch your partner or children. I can’t even imagine what they are going through.

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 What's your work-from-home style?

I’m fortunate to have a house that backs on to a small private wood with a tennis court - so I’ve been playing tennis everyday with my friend Kit who has moved in for lockdown. Begin the day with early tennis, once done we get some music on (radiooooo.com and NTS have really kept me sane the past few weeks), get breakfast going and start the day. If I have lines to learn for acting classes I’ll read through them in the garden, if not I may read a book, do some gardening. Whatever allows me to savor the beautiful springtime we’ve been blessed with in London this year. It’s been great having a friend move in for this period, we’ve cooked everyday. Watched some fantastic movies. I’m now obsessed with the Safdie Brothers. I’ve gone on many walks with my mum, which has been special. Time can move so fast, juggling all the elements of the modern lives we lead. Having moved out of my mums house 2 years ago and spending time in Denver with Lexi or generally on the road with work - our moments together, naturally, have become invaluable. So to have had all this time together the past few weeks has been so precious to me. I imagine many of us post-lockdown will reevaluate what elements of our lives, truly, mean the most to us. I definitely will be. I’ve been writing some of these thoughts every night before bed to look back upon, when the routines of old and the craziness that comes with that, ensues again.

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 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

Well currently, I’m doing acting lessons in London (even during the lockdown we have classes on Zoom!) and for the past few months, I have been working towards launching a knitwear line. A fun fact about me - due to terrible 16 year judgment of the Caribbean tide patterns, I found myself drifting out to the Atlantic Ocean on a paddleboard. Some 20 minutes later, to my life-continuing relief, I spot a figure on the horizon coming to my rescue - it was Bryan Adams, Mr Summer of ’69 himself. I laid flat on my board, exhausted and exasperated, as he paddled the two of us back to shore and to the safety of solid ground. That is how Bryan Adams saved my life. You can’t make this shit up.

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 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

My favorite restaurant and my favorite pub.

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 Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

Dave Chappelle, Salvador Dali, Anthony Bourdain, Gucci Mane, Karl Marx.

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Ben is represented by Select Model London

interviewed by Lily Templeton

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captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... James Crewe

Halfway between the Essex countryside and Coruscant, 10th April 2020

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Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

As a kid at school I was heavily into David Bowie and the series of fantasy worlds he created so taking from that coupled with as children naturally do; I embellished the truth. I’d answer that I was the love child of Diana, Princess of Wales and David Bowie’s Thin White Duke. I believed it soooooo much - to some degree, I’m still eager for it to be true. I lived that fantasy turning like a cat around school with my head so high. It was an incendiary act, but I was relentless.

I often mumble to myself: “I wonder if that was the catalyst,” where I find myself now? I was about to start work on an exciting film before the lockdown; Covid-19 dependant, hopefully that picks up once more. I'm eager to start playing a character on the big screen, it seems the natural path from previous choices I have made whilst modelling with the likes of Alasdair McClellan, Sølve Sundsbø and Tim Walker. Helping these photographers in finding a character, both vivid and breathing, for their photos is too much fun and truly an extension of my fantasy.

Otherwise, on any given day, you can find me, face down in eBay’s search engine, PayPal 1 touching, vintage magazines for research as well as trawling through online archives for anything that sparks my interest, usually gun toting blonde dykes, Maserati boomerangs, and YouTube clips of interviews with David Bowie being fractious.

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Who would you confine with?

Currently, I am with my family and my baby girl Mitzi Chun-Li (an English Pointer), who simply can do no wrong in my eyes, even after she’s chewed her 7th shoe this week. I’m quite a solitary boy, so the idea of being confined with other people detached from my family unit fills me with trepidation - what if we argued? So I guess I’m quite content with being in my current situation.

However, I have quickly discovered that I am quarantining myself with my multiple personalities shifting through numerous gears within the hour; I’m gradually getting to know the minutiae of their quirks. I have successfully beaten off my Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop persona, practicing soothing meditation, chanting chakras for acceptance and knocking back spinach and flax smoothies. It was never going to be long term GP, sorry. This morning, my favourite persona, Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor in Terminator: Judgement Day, which appears at the most Darwinian occasions; Sainsbury’s. Granted there is an apocalyptic air in the world, but I’m not losing now, there’s so much to achieve. Then there’s the over-cautious James, asking “Where can we get hazmat suits online?”, “That scruffy man in the park who pets Mitzi better observe this 2m policy or I’m kicking off” and “Should I be wrapping Mitzi top-to-toe in cling film for her own protection?” This subsides once I’ve logged into Mubi for a 4 hour trance session.

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What's your work-from-home style?

Firstly, I don’t strictly work a job, but I certainly have found other ways of occupying my time besides walking Mitzi along the beach, weighing into Anna del Conte’s Gastronomy of Italy, and vacuuming up news reports with a good measure of dance breaks thrown in. I’d like it known that my life is utterly irrelevant compared to front line workers who are actually contributing serious work throughout this global health crisis. They should really be interviewed instead of myself.

I’m quite concerned that when watching the news its all full of Covid-19 related issues, rightly so, but we aren’t hearing about other important issues such as poverty, domestic violence and these issues are very much still continuing during Covid-19, if not exacerbated - it worries me about the fate of some of these people who are suffering. I feel their stories aren’t given enough airtime, better still how can the everyday person with money and time to spare help those in need?

I’m also struck by the contrast in how the world has dealt with this virus. It’s interesting to see the contrast between AIDS and Covid-19 and the consequent course of action. My Lady Mother always teaches me to question what anyone tells you…

So far, growing concern about the long term economic consequences of the epidemic have translated into calls for the lockdown to cease as soon as possible. True, the longer we are confined to our homes, the more businesses will fold under, the longer those lucky enough to have savings will run dry of them. Then we must think about the knock-on effects of recession, those fortunate to retain jobs will instinctively question every pound spent - a paradox of thrift. It was hypnotic to see journalists pressuring a response from the government when the death toll creeps to 7500 as to when we might be allowed out.  We are nearing the moment of maximum danger, the moment hospital chiefs take a sharp intake of breath and even power hungry Whitehall mandarin atheists start praying.

A lighter note...

The UK government's advice is to ’Stay Home’ so whilst I’m racking up my nauseating lockdown hours, the silver lining to this - glinting ever so slightly - is that I can start exploring cyber sex. With an intermittent internet connection, greasy webcam and an all too present wheel of death flashing up; every single night they still hit me up. Through the phone they think we’re in love, but touching myself puts everything back on track just be sure to say that freaky shit you know I like.

If I’m honest, I’m enjoying this respite. I just came off a MA course in menswear that does absolutely diddly squat for mental stability now switch to me sneaking down to the basement drinking all my dad’s Belvedere. It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

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Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I don’t like birthdays. Never have done. Not when it involved towers of pancakes and a wax candle wedged through, definitely less so as I edge nearer the end. There are those who adore their birthday, a schedule of organized fun demanding your attendance to cake unveilings, holiday cottages, club nights and private dining sessions with all attention, hugs, kisses and compliments to be expressly directed towards them.  

And you’ll always find spirits like me, who could heave at the prospect of someone commissioning a secret party in my very honor. Weeks beforehand feeling anxious and purposely keeping a low profile to avoid any risk of a round of “Happy Birthday” in a restaurant full of strangers. Imagine if that conceivable person is putting a lot of effort into this celebration and they clock your forced smile rendering them resentful and liking you that little bit less. Also presents! I don’t ever want presents, well actually if you were to buy me the Lego Star Wars X-wing Fighter I’d be pretty chuffed. But besides that, I cannot perform a grateful expression to save my life so I, at all costs, try to avoid these situations. I’ll happily settle for being the greatest dancer with my good friend Lady Ms. Ralph in a sweaty club on a Friday night.

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What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

I pen this missive laid out on my bed looking out to blue skies. I’ve decided where I’m off to; I’m going straight back up into the clouds - I miss the sun bedding down over clouds, a never to be forgotten perspective. You know, I get so fed up when I hear friends, who travel a lot, chuntering they loathe flying. These are the types who aren’t pondering on the evolution of human kind beginning in mud huts to flying first class (I upgraded: bite me) with the seat back sipping on Belvedere and cranberry. They maybe operating a policy of dodging and denial, but you’ll find me commanding joy and pleasure from the idiosyncrasies of humankind. Whether it’s navigating the airport like it’s a Crystal Maze puzzle, travelers packing 15kg too heavily holding the check-in queue up by layering on their extra baggage or those daring to use the airport shower facilities, (you’re both brave and yet worrying). All of them convince me that 9am is in fact a thoroughly businesslike solution to start sloshing down Russia’s finest.

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Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

Hmmm, well I actually have been forced into a number of Skype sessions of late. I have noticed a change in behavior from once before we were face-to-face, to now being pixel-to-pixel; an awkwardness, a wariness. A wariness of potentially being screen-recorded maybe? Consequently, I find encounters are more reserved and measured… So I’m proposing that this Zoom party is a strictly no talking moment in time - I cannot be dealing with these standing around chatting situations, me hoying back spirits in defense against dull conversation in the smoking area. This Zoom party is a certified dance party - a party where all inhibitions are left at the zoom conference code - clothing optional.

For my guest list, you wonder. I’ve been on a Visconti binge for the last two days and Helmut Berger (The Damned) pops up along with Romy Schneider (Ludwig), so they’re coming. Berger was my crush for some time so hopefully he’ll take up that role at the party once more. Helmut Newton is there, with a bevy of whiplash beauties. Some kids from school who dance like stripper hoes. 

We need some good dancers so John Travolta, without any shadow of a doubt. A pickled Princess Margaret, bedazzled with a tiara. 

Then I need a JG Ballard thrill; some sexy petrol heads and corporate bankers, alongside Duran Duran, Kabuki, Paula Yates, Angie and David Bowie (sorry Iman) and some sexy friends of mine.

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James is represented by Success Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Alain Gossuin

Paris, 5th April 2020

Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

Hard job to define myself!! I might not be the best one to do it, but if that’s the game, let’s play! First of all, I’m trying to be a good person and that’s quite a job! I’m trying to be democratic. I’m curious to learn about (almost) everything. I want to see and often try everything. I like new stuff. I like old stuff. I like to risk but I also like to play safe. I do everything on my side to help the world to go better and turn round. I’m more and more interested by nature for all kinds of aspects now. I want to respect nature so much more than I did before. I do not want what I haven’t got. I can be perfectly satisfied with simple and natural things. I recycle and repair everything; I love that. I don’t need to show off anymore, I’m more confidant in myself now. No need to prove so much anymore. Simple is best. 

My profession is men’s designer since school but most of my life I’ve been a model (40 years this year). In this story I’m wearing a (very) vintage boxer short and the last, just launched, white shirt both from my own brand: gossuin.com. My target is to build one of those new companies who are (finally) respectful with the environment and the social approach. Taking extra care about the whole chain of production, on every aspect. It’s a real challenge as fashion wasn’t used to that, and there’s a lot to do!

Who would you confine with?

My boyfriend Duarte but that’s not the case as we’re not living in the same city. I’m with my ex these days! Can you believe it?

 What's your work-from-home style?

Sleeping late, exercise a bit to wake up. Breakfast with lots of fruits, a carrot, nuts and seeds, then take my laptop and work. Usually quite a lot. If the weather is good I give myself a few breaks for gardening and taking care of the house, if not, I work full speed.

 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

Vintage cars freak, especially Italian cars. Racing meetings of those.

What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

Lisbon. Guess why?

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

The answer is my boyfriend to any fantasy related question. But I’m clearly not excited by camera though.

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Alain is represented by Success Models

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

…

Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting

#StaySafeAtHomeWith ... Hugo Gillain

Namur, 5th April 2020

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Who are you (the long answer, no cheating by just giving your name!) and what is your profession (as in, how do you define it, rather than just the job title it has)?

I’m Hugo Gillain, a 20y old student at university in psychology in Belgium. I like analyzing habits and people's behavior to know who I have to face with, and I’m really good at it so that’s why I think psychology is made for me.

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 Who would you confine with?

I’m confined with some close friends from my university and we work together but I would give anything to be confined with my family in our house in France (because of the pool ofc).

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What's your work-from-home style?

My work-from-home style is very basic and according to the weather. Shorts, no shoes, no T-shirt,... but I enjoy trying new original styles just for myself.

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 Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your resume (a secret skill, a hobby, a previous job or fun fact about you).

I really like learning new skills just for myself when I’m bored and the latest skill I learned is juggling. It’s not incredible but I accumulate many tiny skills and I enjoy that.

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 What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out?

When all this mess will be done, I just want to go out around my university and see students yelling and partying again. But I miss traveling for modeling and I can’t wait to work again!

Who is in your fantasy Zoom party (Skype or FaceTime)?

My fantasy Zoom party is with Migos, Travis and Kylie because just thinking of them without shower, jewelry and stuff like that, talking about how much they’re bored right now makes me laugh.

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Hugo is represented by Unit Model Management

interviewed by Lily Templeton

&

captured by Allan Hamitouche

via video cam

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Production by Michaël Marson

Casting director William Lhoest at WL Casting