[ Click on any image to view | JOOP! Campaign/Lookbook; Photographer Markus Jans “What Lies Beneath” via The Fashionisto ]
How is Mat as a model? Is he the shy type waiting for his metamorphosis? Or is he an arrogant bastard just waiting for the right break, get his money and run? Perhaps, the best source would be Vikki Graham, the National Director of Scene Models, Mat's agency in Australia. This is the same agency that gave Mat his first real break in modeling:
He came to us with a handful of polaroids and has gone on to be one of the most successful boys in Australia. He has done campaigns for Oxford Menswear, CEO, Lane Crawford, editorial for FHM, Club 21, the cover of DNA and recently was treated like a celeb in Japan where he went to shoot a Coca Cola Commercial. Mat is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, clients love him, other models love him and as an agent I can say he is a pleasure to represent.
[ Images courtesy of Scene Models. Note: These photos were sent to me 6 years ago, and you can imagine the 'substantial' changes in Mat's looks, I'm pretty sure you'll agree with that! ]
Vikki told me later that Mat was surprised with the variety of my questions. He remarked that it's the first time that he has to answer questions other than the usual what's-your-favorite-color-movie-song types.
It's great that I can still recall some of the back stories of this interview. But how did Mat progressed from being a male model to becoming a male megamodel (for lack of a better word)?
His Gucci campaigns probably did the trick. As the most prestigious brand in fashion, any model chosen by Gucci went on to become part of an elite group of models with opportunities to work with some of the industry's most sought-after brands. In Mat's case, he did gigs for Tommy Hilfiger, Missoni, H &M, Zegna, Gieves and Hawkes, Pringle of Scotland, Escada (fragrance), Daks, Joop! (his latest, which is shown above) and Paco Rabanne.
The Paco Rabbane 1 Million fragrance ad is definitely a career highlight for Gordon. It featured one of his loves - dancing. While he might not be eyeing an acting career in the near future, he's certainly a good actor as in the case of this fragrance ad video clip.
Says Mat:
I wasn't given much notice when they told me I had an appointment to meet with the whole team of Paco Rabanne. I drove out to their head office with the casting director who coached me a bit, and built up my confidence...she was beautiful. On the 7th floor I entered a board room with a large long wooden table surrounded by 12 or so people including the creatives, the director and the producer. I then had to give a brief presentation about myself after which I had to dance for them to the Chemical Brothers track for 2 minutes. [ read more ]
Mat did a recent interview with CoverMen Mag and it covered a lot of grounds. I highly recommend this article to all Mat Gordon fans. It actually continued what I did a few years ago, giving us an update on Mat's modeling career. [ Click here for the Interview ]
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The ModelWatch Interview: FierceIy independent, quite opinionated, with a style all his own and is sexy as hell! Mat Gordon has this unique quality of being intelligent while projecting the gorgeous and sexy guy that he has become.
"I used to wear braces!" Mat recalls. "I was this skinny kid who was doing some partying when someone from an agency in Canada (Mode Models) gave me a card..." It seems that 'skinny' days are over- we're sure you'll all agree once you see the kind of photoshoots we have here of Mat!
Jed: What's the most difficult part being a model? What are the best parts?
Mat: Just having balance in life. Keeping busy with other aspects of life and not getting too obsessed with the industry. There are tons of aspects to modeling that are great but right now I love the traveling life. Seeing other cultures and parts of the world is priceless.
Jed: Going back, was it easy or difficult for you to be convinced to become a model?
Mat: I've only made it this far because of the convictions of others. My friends and family would joke around it but I never took it seriously.
Jed: What happened during your first modeling gig, what sort of impressions did you got out of that particular assignment?
Mat: It was a runway show at a shopping centre in the small city near where I grew up. I was surrounded by pre-teen girls shopping with their grandma's.
It made me think twice about what I was getting into!
Jed: Tell us about some of the modeling stints you have done that really made you feel good being a model, perhaps you could list down some of your favorite modeling assignments so far?
Mat: When everyone on the job is really into it, from the photographer to the stylist, and it just works whether it's a show or a shoot. And, anything with an afterparty. Haha.
Jed: What are the reactions of your family about modeling? Is this a factor that somehow influenced you over your professional choice?
Mat: I didn't tell my family a whole lot about it. they respect me to make my own choices and are mostly supportive but it's weird for them to see my pictures. I don't show my mom the underwear pics.
Jed: If given the choice between Milan, Paris, London or New York, which fashion capital do you wish to be known as a top model?
Mat: Probably New York because my family lives in America and it would mean more to them. I want to do it all.
Jed: What have been your impressions about the agencies that represented you? In particular, tell us your experiences being managed by the prestigious Scene Model Management?
Mat: Traveling overseas for the first time can be pretty intimidating, especially when your trying to get started as a model. Scene is amazing with new talent and can feel like a family while still maintaining professionalism. They get the job done.
Jed: This is a rather tricky question, one which always gets the attention of the viewers- will you accept a modeling assignment that would require some nudity?
Mat: If it makes people think differently to the norm then I'm usually up for it. As long as it makes sense to me and I understand what I'm getting into.
Jed: In terms of preferences, do you like to do photoshoots for editorials and campaigns or do you enjoy doing the runways more?
Mat: They got different levels of excitement.. and as runways can give you a total rush, editorials are something that you can keep and appreciate. It mostly depends on the people you work with and what everyone's willing to put into it.
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[ Video interview with Mat Gordon by Betty Sze of Models | Clip courtesy of Faith Akiyama ]
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The MindSpeak series
What book do you read most often? Front to back? "Catcher in the Rye" It's such an easy read. But there is this book at home I keep picking up and trying to finish but I end up starting all over again because I don't remember what's going on! It's about 100 years of generations in one family or something. I must have started it 10 times
Do you think that the body rules the mind or does the mind rule the body? I think the mind should and definitely has the power to rule the body but usually it goes the other way. It's all about instant gratification!
What do you think are the most important rules of fashion etiquette? Don't tell anyone what to wear unless they ask.
What are the initials of the worst person you've come across in your life? These are the most questions anyone's ever cared to ask me before. I'm flattered.
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[ Gucci ad Fall/Winter 2008-2009 | Note: I love to call you attention and refer to the trailer clip of Tom Ford's initial foray into film, A Single Man. I find there is something 'similar' in the execution of this clip ]
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Jed: Tell us something about yourself and what are the things you like. Could you tell us more about where you're born? What are some of your impressions of your birthplace and its people?
Mat: I grew up on a farm in Canada with 7 brothers and sisters. As a teenager I moved around a lot and then moved out when I was 17. Wasn't very popular at school as I was shy, tall and awkward. I think now I'm making up for it because now I try to meet as many people as I can.
Jed: Do you look more like your Dad or do you go after your Mom?
Mat: I'm pretty much a mix.
Jed: What do you think are the features you have that attract other people the most?
Mat: I just try to connect with whoever I'm interacting with, so I guess I'd say my personality and ability to relate to people.
Jed: Describe to us what fun to you is?
Fun is enjoying the moment that your in, whatever that may be. Not enough people stop and enjoy the right now.
Jed: Who are the people that influence you the most? Who are your personal heroes?
Mat: There are a lot of people that I respect and admire, but I wouldn't call them Heroes. I think that makes them 'larger than life' and I think everyone is human and shouldn't put them up on pedestals.
Jed: Are you a fashion conscious guy? Do you like to dress well or do you like rugged clothes- jeans and t-shirt? What are some of your favorite brands?
Mat: No. I'm aware of fashion but I get tired of trying to keep up with the trends. I'm trying to pay more attention now that it's in my line of work!
Jed: Do you have an ideal woman? What should be her qualities and features to make her attractive to you?
Mat: I'm more of a realist. There are no ideals. But I like loud, quirky girls that are comfortable with themselves and have an opinion.
Jed: What is your future plans- both on personal and professional levels?
Mat: I would love to be successful wherever I go, to all markets but my plans are to keep having fun and enjoying life while I'm in this stage of life.
Jed: What would bring a smile to your face? What would make you happy and satisfied?
Mat: Is this the part were I say 'world peace'?! haha.
It changes all the time but without fail a big toothy smile on someone else always makes me grin. I think people should just break into a random smile once a day. It's good for the soul.
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Browse a few selected photoshoots of Mat Gordon's gigs - including Gucci and some editorials.
