interview

Name:
James Manley

Agency:
IMG Australia (Sydney)

Age:
18

Height:
6’2″

Instagram:
@James_manley98

Place of Origin:
Brisbane, Australia

Ethnic Origin:
Australian

Birthsign:
Scorpio

How discovered:
Scouted by IMG scout at a festival

What was your first modeling job?
GQ Magazine Australia

What are you listening to at the moment?
My music taste is really strange, varying genres. Depending on my mood it could be some mellow rap or something as intense as Slipknot, Lamb of God or Slayer… can never go past the long-time favourites such as Green Day. Although I love my Aussie rap, been pumping some Kerser and had the new Fortay album on repeat for the past couple of weeks. Also had the privilege to stay with Wayne and Trè Samuels for a lot of my time this fashion week so was fortunate to get a sneak peak at Trè’s soon to be released EP and it sounds sick, EVERYONE GET AROUND IT.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
My favourite fragrance so far would have to be the 1 Million by Paco Rabanne, currently using Versace. My agencies look after me very well, IMG are always giving me new sprays/masks/moisturisers, they always work a charm.

What were you doing before modeling?
Was just your classic Australian teenager, was in the back end of my last year at high school when I was scouted at a festival in Brisbane in August last year by IMG Agents. I was fortunate enough to be approached by them while they were scouting for IMG and was given an amazing opportunity that I am extremely grateful for.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
Honestly had no idea what I was going to do after school. Teaching was always an interest of mine but I was too busy having fun in grade 11 and 12 to study, but hey, at least it was a good time. Still new to the whole modelling scene so will see where it takes me and decide on something later on.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Love lounging around at home with the dog in my undies playing the XBox; Call of Duty and FIFA can often keep me there for 6 hours at a time if I have a free day. Obviously I’m very productive with my spare time lol.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
The 3 editorials I have shot with Trevor Stones are definitely the highlights so far. 2 of those being for GQ Australia and the other for Wanted magazine. Being able to shoot with a man who is so highly regarded in the Australian fashion industry was such a great opportunity. The teams I shot with for those 3 were amazing in what they do and also with how they hold themselves; always a great time and the shots always come out looking incredible. Also an up and coming brand in COMMAS, just all round great people and hope to work with them all more in the future, helped me get my feet off the ground in this industry.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
Home will always be home and I have some amazing mates and an incredible mother, father and two little brothers–won’t even start on the dog (my favourite thing in this world)–but they’re all extremely supportive and I know will always be proud of me with whatever I do which is why I will love them all unconditionally forever. Miss my footy especially, playing it and not even being able to watch it when I’m abroad

Which brand would you really love to model for?
Would love the opportunity to one day walk for Versace, that has been a goal from my first fashion week last January. But all in all a job is a job and I’ll be grateful for any client or brand who gives me the opportunity to work with them.

Place you would love to visit:
Greece is a must for myself, the place looks so incredible – especially Mykonos, know a few friends who have visited recently and seeing all the photos and videos has got me frothing. Apart from that would love to visit a few of the Pacific Islands, can’t go wrong there.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Nike Tns and tracksuits. Apart from that I’ve been pretty interested in designing clothes. Even though I am yet to do it myself and have kept it on the down low it’s something I feel as though if I could manage to get past the stress of it I could potentially do. I’m full of ideas.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.’ heard that many times throughout school, and even though it sounds like a real depressing saying, it actually makes perfect sense to me and is something that I reinforce in my own mind if something doesn’t go right because of my own actions. It is just kind of like a wakeup call for me and helps me stay switched on.