Julian Schneyder by Betty Sze for models.com
Sometimes a new model arrives on the scene and it’s immediately apparent that they have that something special. Such is the case for the charming young Austrian Julian Schneyder, featured on models.com’s MOTW back in February, and appearing as one of the newest faces in the always extravagant Dsquared2 campaign for fall/winter 2015. We catch up with Julian about the campaign, being a judo champion and best of all, get him to do a backflip for us!
How were you discovered and where are you from?
I come from the beautiful city of Vienna in Austria. A friend of mine took some digitals of me and sent them to my mother agent Kosmas Pavlos at Wiener Models. They called me in for an interview and I was signed right away. Now they placed me with Jason Kanner at Soul Artist Management so here I am.
You are a champion of judo; can you tell us when you started?
I started at the age of 6 and I have been practicing Judo ever since… 12 years already..
Young Julian at a competition. (Image courtesy of Julian Schneyder)
What level are you and what tournaments have you’ve won?
I wear the black belt of course :) My biggest success so far are the bronze medal at the European Youth Olympic Games and the bronze medal at the European Championships.
How many hours do you spend doing judo per day?
I train 2 times a day; in the morning and in the afternoon except weekends when I usually go to tournaments .. so my life really is about JUDO.
How do you think being a martial arts practitioner makes modeling easy for you?
Judo does not only train the body it trains your mind as well… you set goals and you achieve them.. you fight for them very concentrated and that is something which I think can help me in my career as a model as well. It also helps me stay fit all the time.. I have 3% body fat :).
What was it like working with Dan & Dean Caten for the Dsquared2 campaign? What were some memorable moments on set with Mert and Marcus?
It was overwhelming! I am new to the modeling scene and everybody was telling me how important this booking was… so I was very nervous when I flew to London. In the studio I met everybody and saw how professional they are … how creative and dedicated and I felt really comfortable and at home. I didn’t want the shooting to be over and everybody was so nice and kind to me! I remember Dean & Dan giving me the nickname: D2 Bambi. Mert & Marcus were just incredible to watch them work and create their magic! I definitely want to work with them again!
Dsquared2 F/W 15 by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott (Art Partner)
Which animal did you prefer on the set, the bird or the wolf?
Both are such beautiful animals. I have never seen a Wolf or an Eagle in real life so they were both extremely fascinating.. I would say the Eagle earned my respect! Magnificent creature!!
Favorite thing about NYC so far?
I have been here only 6 days… have not seen so much .. I would say the tall buildings! I am a simple boy from Austria.. you can’t really imagine how breathtaking this view is for me..
What do you miss about home?
My friends and my family :)
Are there any modeling jobs that you think would also be cool to get?
There are so many… Versace, Calvin Klein, Givenchy? It’s a big Wish List :))
