Jack Blanco (@jackblanco.1) is a British model who has paraded for important brands like Etro, Dsquared2 or Maison Margiela in the last fashion weeks. He was discovered while walking in Soho and since then he has not stopped working in the modelling industry, which he considers an “extremely competitive” industry. Since his way of walking depends on the brand to his personal style inspired by “old paparazzi shots of famous actors and musicians pre-2000s”, Jack Blanco seems to be a young promising guy in the modelling industry.
Vanity Teen. First of all, we would like to know how you started modelling?
Jack Blanco. I was actually street scouted by my Mother Agent (Patrick) while walking in Soho – something that now, looking back on it, I think was definitely the right place right time. He gave me his card and took me straight to casting and things just rolled on from there.
VT. You have worked with important fashion brands from Maison Margiela to Etro and Dsquared2. How have you felt about these experiences?
JB. Regardless of the client, I am always really thankful to everyone involved. Whether it’s the casting directors and the design team trusting me to carry out their vision or my agents putting in work behind the scenes to make it all happen – I couldn’t thank them enough. I’ve had so much fun the last two seasons, I’m excited to see what the future holds.
VT. Your way of parading changes depending on the brand, how do you choose how you are going to walk in each parade?
JB. I don’t think of it as much of a choice, as the way I walk is a combination of how I feel in the look, the music, the set and just the general atmosphere. It’s really trying to connect with the designer’s world, and the show they are putting on because at the end of the day, a fashion show is a performance.
VT. People usually think that being a model is an easy job, which are the difficulties of it?
JB. I think this is something that Is really misunderstood. People think that we really don’t have to do much other than walk and pose; when in reality there is so much that goes on behind the scenes. From learning to deal with constant rejection, trouble with financing and agency transparency or never being able to plan ahead as everything is so last minute – this industry is really not for the weak-minded. Another thing that I think is hard for a lot of us is that unlike other industries where you can train to be better, with modelling you either have ‘it’ or you don’t…
VT. Fashion industry, especially modelling industry, has always been known for being a competitive industry. Do you feel it in that way? How do you face it?
JB. Yes, I do feel like this industry is extremely competitive. It took me a long time to realise that it’s really not personal when you don’t get jobs, sometimes you just don’t fit the casting directors’ vision. However, one thing that I do is to focus on how you carry yourself, and your persona and just make sure you come across as confident and rememberable.
VT. The fashion industry is changing and getting into the metaverse with digital models, how do you feel about it?
JB. It’s an interesting concept as it has as much potential to go right as it has to go wrong. I’m curious as to how it could work and I feel that it is definitely something that will play a big part in the future as more and more brands are starting to sell their products as NFTs.
VT. What is the most rewarding thing you have ever gotten from being a model?
JB. I think the most rewarding thing has got to be being able to travel and work with such amazing and influential people. It’s also great as it has allowed me to have great conversations and really open up a lot of doors for me that wouldn’t have been if I wasn’t in this industry.
VT. Your personal style seems to be influenced by the 70s and the 80s, what inspires you?
JB. My inspiration comes from so many different places it’s hard to list them all! One of my main sources of inspiration has got to be just being at fashion week and being able to see all of my friends’ styles, the different collections I get to model and the cool guests that attend shows.
However, something I find inspiring me a lot at the moment are old paparazzi shots of famous actors and musicians pre-2000s.
VT. Any funny anecdotes you would like to share?
JB. On my first day of looks in preparation for the Prada SS22 show, I was standing outside just getting fresh air when I ended up having a lovely conversation with Raf Simons about his dogs. I’m not a dog person, but they were very cute…
VT. What would you recommend to a person who is starting to model now?
JB. For a model that’s just starting, I would say to go into every casting, shoot and show with an open mind and be ready to give it you’re all. Another thing that I think is important to remember is that getting rejected is never personal and to try to always hold your head high no matter what – definitely easier said than done.
VT. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
JB. Honestly, I think anything could happen! There are a lot of things I want to achieve and my goals are set high but I would like to have expanded to different areas outside of modelling, and show that I’m more than just a pretty face. I’ve studied the arts and photography in the past but recently It’s definitely been on the backburner – something that will be changing in the next year along with other things that I’m working on.
VT. Last but not least, is there anything else you would like to share with Vanity Teen?
JB. Thank you guys for interviewing me, was a pleasure!
Jack Blanco @jackblanco.1 in conversation with Alejandro Guevara @alexxguevara, exclusively for Vanity Teen online!
