I met Kadeem about five years ago, when I first stepped into my new agency, DNA Models, where he works as an agent on the men’s board. Since then, he never failed to impress me with his unique and bold approach to fashion. Every time we see each other we talk about vintage leather jackets or a new cool accessory that he’s wearing. To get started, check out his Instagram account. You won’t be disappointed.
“Find what inspires you and make it your own.” (Kadeem, on personal style).
ST: Hi Kadeem. It’s been a while since you took the first digitals of me, haha. What has changed since then for you? Tell me a bit about your website, http://kjohnphotos.com/.
KJ: Haha, a lot has changed! Well I’m now 27 and I’m a junior booker at DNA. My website is just a photo diary of photos that I’ve take throughout some of my travels. I also have a section with my styling portfolio.
ST: Can you give us some background info like how did you get started in the fashion industry and if this is something you’ve always dreamed of doing?
KJ: I knew as a child that I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. I also know I always wanted to be a model agent. So, I had a set goal in life. It’s amazing that I accomplished it!
ST: How would you describe your style?
KJ: I would say that my style is super relaxed.
ST: You’re attending the party for a fashion show in Paris. What are you going to wear?
KJ: A nice tailored suit with white trainers and a baseball cap.
ST: Do you have any daily habits or rituals that help you being productive and/or creative?
KJ: Cold showers in the morning and a lot of green tea!
ST: Any tips or advice on how can someone develop a cool personal style?
KJ: Find what inspires you and make it your own.
ST: You’re going to a friend’s birthday party. What are you bringing as a gift?
KJ: If it’s a close friend I am bringing something personal that I know they will love. If I can’t anything, a witty card with money inside always help!
ST: What is a clothing item that every man should own?
KJ: A great pair of trainers.
ST: Who is the first person you think when you say Iconic?
KJ: Bob Marley
ST: Favorite watch?
KJ: I don’t wear watches lol.
ST: Car or motorcycle? The ideal model?
KJ: Speed Bike.
ST: Your favorite clothing item?
KJ: My collection of Nike Cortez trainers.
ST: What’s your go-to cocktail?
KJ: Moscow Mule.
ST: Who is your female inspiration?
KJ: Zoe Kravitz! I have the biggest crush on her.
ST: If you would be stranded on an island and you could pick one book (fiction or non-fiction), one music album and one personal item, what would these be?
KJ: Album would be Seu Jorge’s album “Cru”
Book: James Baldwin – Giovanni’s Room
My iphone- to take photos and communicate with the outside world (if
there is wifi).
ST: You live in New York City, but you travel often. If you could pick anywhere in the world, where would you live?
KJ: I would move to Brazil. I went there for vacation 2 years ago and I fell in love with it. The food, people, beaches, I just felt like I belonged there.
ST: What’s your favorite place in the world to have coffee?
KJ: I don’t drink coffee.
ST: What camera do you use and how do you edit your photos?
KJ: I shoot with a Nikon. It’s the best camera to me. I’ve using a Nikon since I started shooting back in college.
Thank you for writing for silviutolu.com, Kadeem, and keep doing your thing! It’s very inspiring!
