Model turned designer, Bradley Soileau links up with photographer Mark Drew for a new shoot. Mirroring the designer’s free spirit, Drew captures Bradley in an eclectic wardrobe where labels are unimportant. Not holding back, Bradley gives his frank opinion on modeling, balancing the negatives and positives. Talking personal style and his love for fashion, Bradley also dishes on his clothing label BLACKFIST.
What are your thoughts on modeling in general?
For me I think it’s a bit contrived at times. Obviously I’ve gotten to meet some of the coolest people in the world. I’ve gotten to travel the world and make money while doing so and I’ve gotten to grow a huge network and following that helps me with what I’m doing now, but I can be honest and say at times I wonder if I would have been mentally happier if I hadn’t ever been a model. It’s kind of a double-edged sword to me. It’s a cold industry.
What did modeling do for you personally?
Personally it gave me life experiences, it helped me grow a network in an industry I didn’t have a network in and knew nothing about. It taught me about fashion and made me realize that was something I was the most passionate about. It also helped me to build a following so my work doesn’t land on deaf ears.
How would you describe your Instagram?
Like a tiny edited window into my mind. It’s a lot of photos of me, the stuff I make, and then dumb shit that makes me laugh.
How would you describe your personal style?
I don’t know how to describe my personal style honestly. I am just me ya know. I dress in what I like. I don’t like to follow too many trends. I’m not trendy. And I think I dress pretty basic. I have some nice clothes I usually sew patches on or cut to fit me how I like my clothes to fit me. Try to stay away from big name brands that everyone buys cause I don’t want to look like everyone. I also try and keep my clothes toned down. I already have a lot of stuff going on with my tattoos and such so I try and keep everything else less loud.
How did BLACKFIST come about?
BLACKFIST was in the making for a long time and I just didn’t really know it. Then I was working for a few brands in LA helping with creative direction and design…and wasn’t really being treated worthwhile…also having to do my ideas in a box, so I decided to start my own brand, that’s when the idea of BLACKFIST was born.
What’s next for BLACKFIST?
Fall/Winter 2016. Maybe a runway show if I can get the proper funding. If not I’ll figure out a way to bring that collection to the buyers and public but differently. Also BLACKFIST will be evolving into a few other things in the future. Working on a music project and some film projects.
What words do you live by?
I DONT GIVE A FUCK.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
Dead. But if not dead then on some island with a beautiful talented woman making weird videos and weird art installations and running BLACKFIST into the ground with all my terrible ideas.
I can’t say I have any idea where I’ll be in 5 years. I’m almost 30 now and I couldn’t believe I would be where I am now. Life is fucking insane and any second something can happen to change your whole course. I just hope whatever I’m doing now, will still matter in 5 years. And I hope whatever I’ve said has resonated and brought thought to some people’s minds so in 5 years maybe things won’t be so terrible in the music and fashion industries.
Follow Bradley Soileau on Instagram: @BrvdleySoileau
Hair: Paul Desmarre
Makeup: Emily Wetzel
