ANDRE VW recently shot with the team at Arena Homme+ and photographer Ronan Gallagher, with styling by Charlotte Rubenstein. We sat down with Andre for a quick Q+A and to learn more about his life and reasons for starting modelling again, it was a wonderful conversation, more below!
Tell us a bit about your background?
I grew up in a children's home in Southampton in the 1950s, which was common at the time for children from my background. I'm not really 100% sure of my true circumstances but am in the process of finding out who I truly am! I loved music, dancing and fashion and would escape when I could secretly watch TV, musicals and listen to music on the radio; every day felt like a battle.
I left school at 16, working a few mundane jobs; I loved clubbing and went 2-3 times a week, I loved to dress up, it’s what I looked forward to the most! I started to do open classes at Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden for a few years In the 80s, joined a few dance/modeling agencies and in the late 80s/90s and worked all over Europe and the US. The hedonistic lifestyle started to take its toll, and in 1984 I started to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and became a Buddhist, with it still being a daily practice now for over 45 years.
How did you get back into modelling?
In August 2023 I met Antony Fitzgerald, and I then started to reignite my modelling career, I thought what have I got to lose, I've everything to gain! At present I'm working on developing my portfolio and music as a singer/performer, I’m hoping to work across editorial, fashion and some commercial work.
What motivates you to do this?
I want to support 40+ men of colour; I hope to be a shining example, encouraging men to follow their dreams, whatever they are, and be true to themselves at any age. Showing that you can live a truly fulfilled life, and remove the myths behind our conditional beliefs around age in general. You can decide at any age! I’m motivated by my understanding of life, myself and others and continue daily to stay open and engaged. I challenge my limiting beliefs and am determined to get out of my own way :)
Thanks Andre!
