GRADUATE FASHION WEEK SHAY D PETER JENSEN FESTIVALS ALEX PRITCHARD

28 DISORDER MAGAZINE
BOYS BETTER KNOW
KEVIN KUSISTO talks to AMCK
Models’ head booker Patrick
Marshall about smashing the
mould in the male modelling
industry.
Kevin: This month marks your sixth year at AMCK. Did you
see yourself here when you took the job?
Patrick: This is like a question on mortality! For me to even
answer it honestly you would need to know where my journey
began. I was so far removed from this industry and only fell into
it by chance but to some degree I kinda knew I would do well
because my ethic of work has always been the same. You only get
out what you put in.
K: How would you like to see things change in the next
five years – both for you career-wise and in the modelling
landscape as a whole?
P: In five years I will be 43 years old. That feels so weird to write
down because I feel (and lord help me, still look) 30 haha….on
a serious note I only take things a day at a time. I never look that
far ahead. What drives me is that I feel I still have a lot to achieve
with this amazing agency. We are breaking down barriers… and
that is something worth pushing forward.
K: What makes AMCK unique among modelling agencies?
Is it more important that AMCK is all male, or that it has a
reputation for attracting fresh talent?
P: As I mentioned, we are breaking down barriers in the industry
and bring diversity to the common ground, whether it be with
black models, redheads, albino or freckled. I feel we have made
it okay to be different in an industry that usually likes things the
same and uniform.
K: One AMCK model was recently photographed at Vivienne
Westwood’s party – other guests included Harry Styles, Jarvis
Cocker, and Kate Moss. Is rubbing elbows with celebrities a
part of the AMCK brand?
P: No… and I am sure most modelling agencies will agree that
the line between celebrity and models was crossed years ago.
K: Though it generally focusses on women, there is concern
in the modelling world that models are pressured to be
dangerously underweight and promote an unhealthy body
image. Do you feel that this is an issue for AMCK models?
P: I think it is a different situation for men, especially British
models. I spend more time asking my boys to stop putting so
much muscle on.
looking for in every aspect; however, nothing beats good height
and skin.
K: Who’s been your most successful model?
P: It’s hard to say. Our boys are successful in so many different
spectrums.
K: How many models did you have walking during GFW?
P: Ten to twelve – the graduates love diversity.
K: Have you considered expanding AMCK to include women?
P: That will be for the directors to decide. For now, however, it’s
not on the cards.
K: You have quite a diverse range of ethnicities in models. Is
that something you envisioned from the start?
P: Not really. We actually don’t see colour; we see beauty and
character.
K: With the rise of London Collections: Men, do you feel it’s
had an effect on the male modelling world?
P: Huge credit has to be given to the British Fashion Council for
making London Collections: Men such a driving force not only
for London but across the world. It seems now every country is
putting on a fashion week and reaching out for amazing models
from our shores to come and represent for their designers. It
has made male modelling cool again and everyone wants to be
involved.
K: Apart from physical looks, what do you look for in a
prospective model?
P: Vulnerability, confidence and charm.
K: As part of our Graduate Fashion Week shoot, Disorder
used a transgender model. Is that something you’d consider
including in your agency in the future?
P: For now, I can’t say this is something we have considered – but
never say never. One thing I have learnt from this industry is that
there are no rules and there is room for everyone.
K: What do you look for in a particular model? Is there an
AMCK “house style”?
P: As I do most of the scouting I try to incorporate my vision of
the AMCK brand, so to speak, with also what I feel clients are