New York Fashion Week: Men’s Spring 2016 Model Preview

Goodbye beefy Versace boys, take a number rugged Armani men, hit the road Bruce Weber sports jocks, welcome to the new universe of male models.

Gone are the days when handsome looks and a well-toned, masculine physique assured you carte blanche on the runways of some of the top menswear designers. This is the era of the chameleon, edgy guy with a few boyish, cherubic love children thrown in for good measure.

Now, good looks and an all-American charm can still get you on the boards at some of the top model management companies, but its no guarantee of meteoric success. You need to have that extra special something that goes beyond looking good in an Armani suit or the static, wide-eyed grin seen in Ralph Lauren campaigns. Bleached blonde hair and a tattoo sleeve might open some unexpected doors. And being super slender and fresh faced will pay dividends when it comes to appealing to Asian markets.

That said; Fashion Reverie rounded up a few models that are making significant strides in this age of redefined masculinity.

He is the darling of the fashion world, and he just turned 17. Lucky Blue Smith is taking the fashion industry by storm and this is just his second runway season. With appearances on “Ellen,” editorial spreads in L’Officiel Hommes Italia, Vanity Fair, American Vogue, Harpers Bazaar China, ODDA magazine, Jalouse, and campaigns with Tom Ford, Philipp Plein, and Ksubi Jeans, this cherubic Mormon’s rise is stratospheric. Yes, that’s right, he is Mormon. For recent men’s shows in Europe, Lucky walked for Balmain, Dsquared, Etro, Philipp Plein, Bottega Venata, Tom Ford, Versace, and Moschino. Whew!! I am tired just thinking about it.

What more can be said? If you got it, flaunt it!!

Though he has been around for a few years, Adonis Bosso is still kicking butt on the runway. This year alone he has walked in over 27 shows. And his recent Dolce & Gabbana fall 2015 campaign positions him right at the top. No model brings subdued masculinity to the runway like Adonis!!

Ice blond male fantasy nymph might describe Ryan Adam Smith. (No, he is not related to Lucky.) And Ryan is the perfect example of the new breed of male model. Androgynous, outré, and mysterious, NYFW: Men’s will be Ryan’s second runway season. And rumors has it that he has been booked for several shows. Fashion Reverie will keep you in the loop for this Adam Models’ find.

Wilhelmina Model Eli Hall demonstrates that a panoramic chest tattoo doesn’t hinder bookings. This lanky, tall, pensive model is a favorite of American designers from Todd Snyder, Perry Ellis, and Jack Spade to Pyer Moss, W.R.K., and Robert Geller. Watch out for him!!

We know what can happen when models go bleach blonde. But, what is in store for Adam Models’ Miguel Rafael now that he is honey auburn? Well, a little bird told me that in spite of the hair color change he will be in several shows during NYFW: Men’s. Fashion Reverie will keep you posted!!

—William S. Gooch