Hector Abbott is a talented young model, born and raised in west London, who is not afraid to speak out what is on his mind.
We had a conversation to talk about his life and career. Thus, he made me realized that he lives the present and faces life with the best look possible, but his answers also showed me the depths of his thoughts and how he reflects on being a young person who is discovering himself one step at a time.
Keep reading to come closer to this truthful young Londoner who knows the best is yet to come.
Hector Abbott | Exclusive Interview
VT: What is it like to be a male model? Have you had to deal with the annoying clichés of people who think modeling is nothing but a shallow activity?
HA: Of course. “Hurry up and wait!” is a classic phrase I have for this industry simply depicting the patience required; it’s a paradox, you’ll be hurrying all around the city being told to wait for this wait for that, often not hearing from the people.
So, it does require mental strength to consistently put yourself in a position to be judged off your appearance, and, of course, people outside the industry see me doing a couple of photoshoots and assume I have made it in life and I must be rich, which is indeed far from the case. But over time, it’s easier to brush these assumptions to the side and keep it professional.
VT: Besides modeling, which other passions do you have?
HA: I wouldn’t even say modeling is a passion of mine, more of an exciting opportunity I would feel silly to turn down. I would love to be able to use it to travel the world; that would be amazing. And also, with the networking opportunities it holds, I am very grateful to be in the position I am in.
I have a passion for creating new things; you could say a passion for creation. I like to write, and I am looking forward to shooting my own documentary, written and directed by myself.
Also, I’m a born and raised Londoner, and I do have a big passion for my home city.
VT: You star Boys (2021), a well-received short film. Therefore, what can you tell us about that movie, the filming experience, and working with Ashley Walters?
HA: I was completely shocked to get the job. After casting before any sign of COVID and then going into lockdown, it was almost completely out of my mind, then BOOM! I got the call that I got the job.
Ashley Walters is a main character in Top Boy, my childhood favourite series, as it was really an accurate reflection of London’s street life. My role in the short film was not far out of my character, and I felt really comfortable in the role.
It was filmed over 5 days, 12 hours each day. However, I can’t say it felt like work, more like an experience that I won. I’m very great full for this job in particular, as it really helped open my eyes to what I would like to do in life, which is direct.
West London born and raised
VT: What can you tell us about TRAPSTAR?
HA: TRAPSTAR is a west-London-born-and-raised brand, like me [laugh], and you won’t see anyone so proud to wear it as us locals.
Even so, recently, it has adapted as a brand to custom for to an international market with demand sky high. Once they drop a collection, all the sought-after items will be sold out within the minute of release and then resold for up to double the retail price. They sure know how to burn your pockets.
VT: Could you share with us an anecdote of some particular fashion campaign you always remember?
HA: The larger-scale fashion campaigns are almost always exciting with their spacious sets and delicious buffets. It can make me feel rather pampered.
I’d have to say a significant photoshoot for myself was my re-entry into the modeling world. A Berluti campaign shot by Alasdair McLellan at the age of 15; it was really the photoshoot that made me think: Wow! I could actually make something out of this.
I used to model a lot as a child, mainly for Stella McCartney campaigns which would usually be action-packed simply motivating me to attend as I would get a cheeky day to miss school; however, when this appeal ended and I no longer wanted to model, I took a few years off from about 11 years old to when I was 15 years old. Once I was 15, I was able to have a more mature understanding of the opportunity I had available rather than a way to get out of school.
VT: Sports seem to be an important part of your life, but it looks like football is the one you like the most. Is it true? What are your favorite football clubs and players?
HA: To the times, they thought I wanted to be a professional footballer.
My favourite club is QPR (Queens Park Rangers). They are my local club, and we lose nearly every week, but I’ll never support another team; my loyalty will always lie with them no matter what.
I grew up going to the matches, and even at a point, playing for their junior squad. Some of my favourite players of all time must be Adel Taarabt, Ronaldinho, and Jay-Jay Okocha.
Keeping yourself motivated is vital
VT: During the lockdown, what did you do to stay safe, sane, and enjoy your spare time?
HA: Well, I found myself with two young siblings of 11 and 5 with no school to go to, so keeping them occupied and yet trying to keep a 5-year-old in the loop that we are in a global pandemic was challenging. Lots of handwashing.
But in terms of staying sane, I feel like a lot of people would have had some wobbly moments.
Personally, I think all this time we’ve been given to ourselves has given me the platform to self-reflect and get to know myself better.
VT: Which plans do you have for the future?
HA: The future! At the moment, I’m writing and finishing up the planning for a documentary I plan to direct with a team I have assembled, which I hope will lead onto the next episode and then then next and then next and then next.
Also, I have a design that I am soon to release on some T-shirts with some more designs to follow.
I am about to complete my level 2 course in Fashion retail at college as well, which I’m very excited about.
I’ve never suited the British education system and was made an outcast by numerous schools, but now that I have found a college right for me, I couldn’t be happier.
Traveling the world is definitely something I look forward to, and the first place in mind is Japan. I’ve been told my appearance may be quite suitable out there, and I’d love to see the work opportunities out there.
VT: What message would you like to share with those young people who are having difficult times during this pandemic?
HA: It’s not just you! I’ve seen some difficult times in my life, and my mindset towards it is life could be so much worse. We are blessed to come from such a privileged part of the world, and as hard as life gets, it’s a lot harder for others. Your mindset is extremely important and through these pandemic times, learning to keep yourself motivated is vital.
VT: Anything else you would like to tell the readers of Vanity Teen?
HA: Stay happy and healthy; we are going to make it out!
Before we go
Hector Abbott represents the gorgeous vitality of a youth that does not want to be put in a box, a youth that needs to live to find out what suits better for each one without being judgmental.
He is proud of his roots and recognizes that things might not come easy or the way we expected. Nonetheless, he also knows we have our loved ones, and our passions, creativity, and hard work will lead the way to a brighter future.
Let us remember his message: we are not alone; we will make it through.