keep on keepin' on

Over the past half year, the amount of reader feedback and contributions from models we have interviewed has been overwhelming! Thank you for always supporting us and letting this little blog grow out of control. A lot of work and love has been put into this project and getting to interview the best faces of this past SS08 runway season was such a pleasure and a true honor, however, all good things come to an end. Thanks again for spreading the word!

merci beaucoup,
ADOMM

Sweet Sweet Swede

You like Ikea, possibly Basshunter, and maybe even some Marabou on occasion. Now to add to your list of favourite Swedish things is Johanna Jonsson. By clicking one of those sketchy "Want To Be A Model" pop-ups, Johanna unknowingly paved the way for her modeling career to begin. After entering Elite's International Model Look competition in 2005, Johanna unsurprisingly got to the finals. Though she did not win first place, the exposure provided the young Swede with invaluable opportunities to enter the modeling world. Debuting herself on the international stage in Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter '06, Johanna proved to be one of the best new faces of the runway season and eventually booked an esteemed campaign with Jil Sander. Eventually she became a fixture on the runway circuit, securing jobs for high profile designers like Prada, Calvin Klein, Dior, and Chanel. Just a few months short of turning sixteen years old, Johanna approaches her career in a very unorthodox way. Instead of taking advantage of the momentum of her almost "it" girl status the past SS08 season, the fifteen year old chose to stay home and catch her favourite concert and hang out with friends. For many other models this would be a possibly career ruining risk, but for Johanna, a return to modeling full time again would only bring relief and delight to the fashion world.

August 2007/October 2007 [Update]
Stats:
Name: Johanna Jonsson
Agencies: Elite Milan/Paris/Barcelona, DNA New York, Model Management Hamburg, Munich Models, Modellink Goteborg
Birthday: 28 December 1991
From: Torsby, Sweden

What were you doing before modeling?
JJ: I was in school.
How did you get started in this business?
JJ: I was on a website and a popup thing came up "Wanna Be a Model?" [laughs], so I sent in some pictures and then they called me.
Now your career is doing extremely well. But when you look back to the beginning of your career when you placed 3rd in the Elite modeling competition you participated in, how does it feel?
JJ: I feel I was very young then and should have waited a little while actually.
Generally the modeling industry is surrounded with stereotypes, what were your first impressions of modeling before actually joining the industry?
JJ: I haven’t thought about it so much, I didn’t know anything really. Now I know a lot more about this business.
What do you consider to be your big break in your career so far?
JJ: I have no idea...
What's the best part of being a model so far in your experience?
JJ: The traveling, making money, meeting all these cool designers and all.
What's the worst part?
JJ: The traveling, to be alone a lot...missing home
You did your first Haute Couture fashion shows for major labels, such as Chanel, during your first season. In addition, you are a favourite pick for doing Haute Couture fashion shows every season. What is the best/worst thing about it?
JJ: I like couture, but its scary to wear such expensive clothes [smiles].
Doing a lot of shows, apart of your job is to wait around until the runway show is underway. What do you do to pass the waiting time?
JJ: I get my hair and make-up done, read a book, listen to my mp3, play cards [smiles]
Which would you say you prefer more? Runway shows or doing a photoshoot?
JJ: I like runways the best...dunno why. It’s faster and you have your friends there [smiles].
In comparison to photoshoots, the runway, like you said is a more fast paced environment and more interactive. Do you ever get nervous, especially doing those extremely high profile shows?
JJ: I only get nervous if the shoes are really high and I can’t walk in them....it’s not really a rush....just weird [smiles].
You have already done many high profile campaigns such as Jil Sander and your latest being the D&G FW07 ad. But what would you consider "the dream campaign"?
JJ: Maybe some perfume or make-up contract.
Your career so far is really impressive with all the great jobs you have gotten to do, but can you tell us about one of your most terrible modeling jobs so far?
JJ: I haven’t had a terrible experience yet...maybe in the future [smiles]
Then what has been your most favourite modeling experience thus far?
JJ: The Marc Jacobs perfume [shoot] in Hawaii. Aww it was so nice, so many wonderful people to work with and the location was great, and lots of free time [smiles]. It was so much fun.
For shoots like the Marc Jacobs Daisy campaign and regular photoshoots for editorials, what makes them something to look forward to?
JJ: It’s always interesting to see what theme the shoot has…….I like working with Swedish people, I like to talk Svenska [laughs].
It’s always good to work with people you’re comfortable with, and as a model you get to meet many interesting people and sometimes form friendships with them. Who would you consider to be you’re closest model friends?
JJ: Anna Ahnborg, she is a really good friend of mine, and Emma Ahlund. They are the ones I’m closest to. I’m really glad I met them [smiles].
Like you said earlier, one of the perks of modeling is the traveling. What’s your favourite city or cities you have visited?
JJ: New York, Oahu, Monte Carlo was really cool too. Oh and Paris [laughs].
On your travels, what are three essential things you can't leave without when you travel?
JJ: My mp3, phone, money [big smile].
So far this question has varied from model to model, but we’ll ask anyways in hope for an honest answer. There are a few models who have admitted to doing the job for the money and purely the money. Is modeling like that for you or is it something you truly enjoy?
JJ: I wouldn’t waste years of my life on something just to pass time. I have a lot of fun and learning a lot from this. It’s a great experience.
Good answer. The experience of being a model also comes with a fair amount of recognition. How do you feel when you see yourself in magazines, ad campaigns, and knowing that you have many fans out there supporting your career?
JJ: When I see pictures of myself I’m very critical. I’d rather not look at them. But when people tell me they really like my look and that I do a great job, it cheers me up [smiles].
How has modeling changed your life?
JJ: Yeah I’m away a lot more of course. I miss a lot of things back home, so its sad but it’s ok.
You are still quite young and possibly are still in school, so how do you balance your modeling career alongside your schooling?
JJ: I just quit school in June this year, and now I’m taking a sabbatical year. I’ll see how it goes with everything.
So you're quite dedicated to your modeling profession. But what do you expect to do once you decide to leave the modeling world?
JJ: I have no idea. I’ll figure something out [smiles].
We would hate to see you leave as well as all the people cheering your career on, so in general how does it feel to be so well received by an industry known for rejection?
JJ: [Laughs] I feel ok, but I get a lot of rejection too. Everyone does, you can’t get away from it, not everybody can like you.
With so many people cheering you, many were disappointed to not see you present in the New York, London, Paris, and Milan Spring/Summer 2008 fashion weeks. What was the reason for missing a possibly important season in your career?
JJ: Well I wanted to see a concert instead of NY Fashion Week so I missed it. And then I just didn’t do the rest. I want to wait awhile until I’m 16 so I can do shows on Sundays [smiles].
This leads into our next questions. You seem like an ordinary 15 year old, so how do you keep yourself so grounded and prevent yourself from getting a big head after gaining such success as a model?
JJ: I dunno...It’s just the way I am [laughs]. My friends make sure I don’t get to full of myself [laughs].
It's always good to have people keep you in your place, but are your friends and family supportive of your career and being away so often?
JJ: They are supportive most of the time.
On a lighter note, can you tell us of your most embarrassing “model” moment?
JJ: When I was doing Hugo Boss show in Germany, me and Roza [Kopczynska], a polish model, were a little lost, and they were calling us for rehearsal on the catwalk. It was really dark in there so you couldn’t see much, and we were standing up in the audience seats, and we saw everybody down on the catwalk. So we jumped down the stairs, and then splash, we fell in the water around the catwalk [laughs]. It was very embarrassing. The water was up to my waist.
Lastly, what are some of the things you are currently working on?
JJ: I have been on a break now for a while...but I have the Daisy perfume coming out [smiles]. But as I said I’m waiting until I’m 16. We’ll see how it goes from there.


ADOMM QUICK QUESTIONNAIRE:
Could you tell us more about where you're born?
JJ: It’s very, very small in the woods and there’s not so much to do.
When you are at home, what do you love to do?
JJ: I like to ride cross, go to the beach, or be with my friends.
What are your hobbies/interests?
JJ: I like to sing, write music, and I play piano [smiles].
Appearance wise, do you look more like your Dad or do you go after your Mum?
JJ: Some say mum, some say dad. I say both.
Of course a model has to be somewhat appealing, for you, what do you consider to be your most attractive feature?
JJ: My eyes.
The industry is basically about appearance and the way you look, are you a fashion conscious person?
JJ: Some days I am, some days I’m absolutely not. It’s very hard to dress nice [laughs].
Do you have any beauty secrets to share with other teen girls?
JJ: Always clean your face before you go to bed, don’t wear lots of make up, and use moisturizer [smiles].
What are three things about your “ideal” man?
JJ: Tall, very funny, and dark hair.
Favourite Designer: I cant decide...I like something in every designers’ work.
Favourite Female Model: I can’t choose, too weird.
Favourite Male Model: Don’t really know one.
Favourite Movie: I love the movie Forrest Gump [smiles].
Favourite Musical Band/Artist: Håkan Hellström!

*images courtesy of: www.firstview.com, www.thefashionspot.com, www.100malemodels.com
with photoshopping done by adomm

Why It's Good to Be A Cover Boy

It was just a few months ago when we spoke to Ethan James last.....now he's on the cover of Warp Magazine [October Issue]
"Jesse, my agent at Ford called me today about my editorial for Warp Mag....we had no idea I was going to be on the cover. So I guess my first job was a mag cover [smiles]" Pleasant surprise no?

september interviews

sorry for the lack of updates on here.
umm we really don't have an excuse other than having other things going on :]

on the request front: the most requested models have been Guntars Asmanis (no surprise there) and Clement Chabernaud. we're working on that as well as other things, but nothing is promised here. also, we've been trying to focus our attention on getting more female model interviews just to balance it out. thanks again for the requests/super nice comments.

interviews: we'll be posting Johanna Jonsson's interview really soon so stick around.

nueva york

leaving for a bit. i recruited a couple more of my mates to help sort emails so you can still request at adommblog@gmail.com.
Also a huge thank you to everyone who has been sending emails about how much they enjoy the blog, it means a great deal and let's us know that we aren't wasting time keeping the blog up and running!


PS: just a reminder about requesting....
please don't send interview requests in comment sections [just because we don't see it sometimes] and also please be patient.
thanks again!
New Interviews In: September

vi elsker christopher!!!

The food? The climate? The lottery-lucky genes? There's something about Denmark that has made it one of the leaders in producing home-grown, fashion flawless, supreme SUPERMODELS. Some of the most recognised models today call the Scandinavian country home, from Freja Beha Erichsen to her male model counterpart, Mathias Lauridsen. So it makes perfect sense that ADOMM squeezes in a Dane to interview. Christopher Sylvest is not a super-male-model just yet, but the young 19 year old hailing from Værløse is most definitely on his way. As hard as he tries to be normal and live an ordinary life, there is no denying that Christopher has that extraordinary something that top models in the making only have. Just his boyish looks alone can carry him in the modeling world, but on top of that he is simply lovely in every sense of the word. With much to boast about in his impressive modeling career, after working for and with some of the fashion world's most influential, he manages to stay humble but at the same time, confident that his stint as a model is all just beginning.

August 2007
Stats:
Name: Christopher Sylvest Hermann
Agencies: 2pm, Nevs, Why Not, Bananas Mambo, New York Model Mgmt.
Birthday: 12th of November, 1988
From: Værløse, Denmark

What were you doing prior to modeling?
CS: I was attending High School, and working as a delivery boy on bicycle- which I still do.
How did you get started in this business?
CS: At work, driving around Copenhagen on a bike, I was stopped a couple of times by different agents who asked whether I was a model. The third time it occurred I called 2pm and the rest is history.
Generally the modeling industry is surrounded with stereotypes, what were your first impressions of modeling before actually joining the industry?
CS: I imagined that it was a shallow world - all about money and the way you look. And that the demands to you as a model were very high.
After signing with 2pm, did your impressions of the industry change?
CS: It was no surprise that money and the way you look is a big part of the industry, which can be positive or negative, depending on the individual. But there are many cool and nice people in the industry, who compensate for all the bad things there might be. I’m surprised that the demands to you as a model weren’t higher. It seems to be harder for the girls, and it’s not that tough being a male model but maybe I’m just naive..
Can you tell us about your first “model assignment.”
CS: My first paid assignment was a lookbook for Annhagen. It was quite tough, because I had only slept 3 hours the night before, because of my father’s birthday and I was going to Barcelona later that day. But it went out well, though it was a huge challenge for me. The people there were really nice, so it was good experience.
You’ve been pretty consistent as a model, squeezing in a couple photoshoots here and there which is great since the modeling industry is famous for it’s rejection. But in your opinion, would you say you feel more accepted by the industry or more rejected?
CS: Generally I feel accepted, but if you count the jobs I’ve been rejected against the jobs I’ve been accepted, I’ve probably been rejected the most times.
Aside from the rejection part, what would you say is the worst thing about modeling?
CS: It must be that you can’t be sure about if you get a job. You just have to wait and see, you can’t really do anything. I can imagine it can be difficult to be away from home if you’re traveling a lot. But I haven’t traveled that much yet.
So the uncertainty must be a killer. Then what’s the best part?
CS: To get the chance of traveling around the world and to explore a world so many people would love to be a part of.
So far in your travels, what would you say is your favorite city in the world?
CS: It must be Barcelona, but I haven’t been there modeling. It’s a great city with beach, nightlife, football and a lot history involved. Plus I met my girlfriend there on vacation. What are three essential things you can't leave without when you travel for work or on holidays?
CS: A book, money and my camera
Okay aside from the opportunity to travel, another perk is meeting really interesting models. And as a model from Denmark you have worked alongside other in demand Danes such as Eddie Klint and Mathias Lauridsen, do you ever get intimidated working with such big names?
CS: No, not anymore really. Of course I think of it, but it doesn’t affect me like it maybe did once. At the shoot with Eddie and Mathias I was a bit intimidated, because I knew I couldn’t do the job as well as they did. They were excellent, so as a “newbie” I felt a rather big amount of pressure.
You’re book is full of great editorial work. In your opinion, what makes a photoshoot great and who are some of your favourite photographers to work with?
CS: An interesting story or an interesting location makes you look forward to the job. Or if you’re working together with a model you know. I don’t have a particular favourite photographer, but I think Markus Pritzi and Kai Z. were cool to work with.
Then what are some of your favourite photoshoots you’ve done so far?
CS: The HE magazine editorial with Mathias and Eddie and the Maxim editorial in München with Bryton Munn. The first one because it was cool and educating working with them and the latter because it was a fun and relaxed photoshoot and I visited München, where I probably wouldn’t have gone to if I wasn’t modeling.
We all know that campaigns pay big money. What’s your “dream campaign"?
CS: A Calvin Klein fragrance with Gisele Bündchen on Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro would be pretty awesome!
Gisele is no stranger to runways, and like her, you’ve done a couple yourself. When you are walking for a runway event do you ever get nervous or is it nothing for you by now?
CS: I always get a bit nervous before entering the catwalk, but a glass of champagne always helps the nerves! I definitely get some kind of a rush after walking for many people – because I cross my own lines by walking for so many people, though it’s nothing compared to scoring a goal in a football match.
Between doing photoshoots for editorials and walking the Copenhagen runways, which do you prefer more?
CS: It depends on the job – but generally I prefer photoshoots. Doing shows means a lot a of waiting time, but I’m looking forward to go to the fashion weeks in Milan and Paris, as my education has prevented me from going to there the last couple of times
So a lot of waiting around. How do you pass the time then?
CS: I read a book, chat with some of the other models or I just observe all the busy people and what’s going on around me
If you could change one thing about your job as a model, what would you change?
CS: I support equality in society, so I also think male models should get the same salary as female models. Although the demands are higher for the girls and it’s a bigger market, so in the end it’s probably okay!
Like you said the male modeling industry is less demanding and in a sense less “competitive” in comparison to female modeling, so it seems like most male models get along more. Who are some of your “modeling friends”?
CS: I think my only “modeling friend” is Mads Nikolaj from Scan/Elite. I have hung a lot out with Thomas Andreasen and some of the guys from 2pm.
Okay we agree that the pay is never as high as what a female model would get, but we still hear from other male models that they do the job for the somewhat easy money. Do you model because of the perks and the cushiness of the job or is it something you truly enjoy doing?
CS: So far I’ve really been enjoying it. But I don’t think I would do it if the money and traveling didn’t come along.
Some models see this as another perk of modeling, the recognition and to an extent, the fame. Is it strange for you to see yourself in magazines, websites, and reading things about yourself by sometimes overzealous fans?
CS: It’s strange that someone suddenly knows you, without having met you. But so far it has been fun getting the attention.
Looking back at what you’ve accomplished as a model, what would you say was the “turning point” of your career?
CS: I would say the HE Magazine editorial, but I don’t think the real turning point has occurred yet.
How have your family and friends reacted to you becoming a model?
CS: They are mostly interested and supportive. Of course there’s a lot of joking coming along, but that’s just fun.
Schooling wise, do you still attend school or is modeling your top priority as of now?
CS: I have just graduated high school this summer, so now I’m officially a full time model
Hopefully we see more of you now that you’re full time. At the same time, you are aware that the job doesn’t last forever. Once you leave the modeling world, what do you plan on doing?
CS: I’m expecting to study Political Science or Journalism.
Hypothetically, if you never decided to call 2pm and become a model, what do you think you’d probably be doing now?
CS: I would probably be working full time somewhere, and travel around the world before attending an education.
Lastly, what are some of your upcoming projects that we can catch you in?
CS: An editorial in British Arena with some of the other guys from Nevs [Modeling Agency].

ADOMM Quick Questionnaire:
Could you tell us more about where you're born?
CS: I was born and raised in a small town called Værløse outside Copenhagen. It’s a very nice and quiet place – with beautiful nature, I lived just next to the tennis courts and football grounds, so I spent most of my time there. Now I live in Copenhagen, which is a very exiting place to live in. It’s a big city, but it’s still quite charming, as it’s still a bit provincial. There are loads of opportunities here and a lot of history, not to forget the water surrounding the city.
A normal day for you would be…..
CS: Right now, the days are not really normal, because I’m not used to not going to school. But yesterday I got up at nine o’clock, starting off with a shower and a good breakfast. Then I went to my delivery job for about 4 hours, driving around the city in a car. At 4pm I drove on my bike to the café where my girlfriend is working and got a cup of coffee. From there I went home to my friend- we went out to play some tennis, before we went home and ate Pizza and watched football in the television.
What are your hobbies/interests?
CS: I’m interested in the society, in Denmark and internationally. Football and history are also some of my main interests
For the sake of asking and because we love football, what is your favourite team?
CS: FC Copenhagen. Internationally, Manchester United and FC Barcelona.
Describe what “fun” is to you?
CS: Fun is to be in the moment and not think of the everyday life, it could be playing football, partying.
What is something that most people don't generally know about you?
CS: That I have lived 3 years in England.
Appearance wise, do you look more like your Dad or do you go after your Mom?
CS: That must be my mom, but by statue my dad
Of course a model has to be somewhat appealing, what do you consider to be your most attractive feature?
CS: I would say my eyes
The industry is basically about appearance and the way you look, are you a fashion conscious guy at all?
CS: I consider myself as a fashion conscious guy, but not in any extreme way.
Who are the people that influence you the most?
CS: My girlfriend, my friends and family.
Describe your ideal woman:
CS: Beautiful, intelligent, sincere, kind, and happy.
Your favourite television shows?
CS: "Ali G in tha USA", especially when Brüno makes fun of the modeling industry, a Danish sitcom “Klovn”, “Lost”, and “The Daily Show.”
Your favourite music?
CS: I like all kinds of music, right now especially Indie/Rock
Your favourite movie?
CS: I think “Zoolander” is a great movie. If you want me name a more serious movie I would say “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest”
Your dream job as a child was to be a...
CS: Professional Football player in Manchester United
What’s one of your phobias?
CS: I hate snakes
Do you have any special talents?
CS: I’m quite a good football player.
One thing you MUST do before you die or become too old to do is…
CS: To bungee jump and to visit Brazil.

*images courtesy of: Christopher Sylvest, www.2pm.dk, www.modelhommes-forum.com
with photoshopping done by adomm

requesting etiquette

You lot really do take "requesting" to heart. Sorry for the late replies to emails, as we're swamped with so many requests. Sorting through the mail takes a bit of time, so we've decided to give some tips on requesting.

Again like it says in the FAQ, not all model requests will be fulfilled for numerous reasons...
When requesting a model; consider this:

• Language Barrier: Not all models are comfortable with reading/writing/speaking in English. So if you request some Mongolian model, please understand that we don't speak multiple languages and the interview will most likely NOT happen due to the language barrier.
• Be Realistic: When you request a model for example Adriana Lima, remember that we are nothing more than a humble little blog. Unless out of the kindness of their supermodel hearts, only then will they give us an interview.
• Chill Out: Please refrain from emailing us a new request every single day.

*Make sure that when you email us your request you include their last name and all agencies you know they belong to. We can't be bothered to find "John" out of the slew of models.
*Also, requests sent at the end of the month will not be responded to for some time, as we're on holiday in late August/early September
Tak! Gracias! Merci! Danke! Tack! Obrigado!