Marco started his career at South Africa Fashion week. He modelled several ad campaigns locally, including Gap and Ben Sherman. He was cast in Tiger of Sweden SA fashion show, and was approached to model their new winter collection for 2015. Gaschette Magazine named Marco one of the Top 25 faces to watch in 2014. Marco appeared in Au jour Le jour in Florence Italy and gave an editorial for Studio Tacchini. He also gained experience as an intern for GQ South Africa.
Marco grew up in a conservative town in South Africa, it wasn't a small town at all, you can probably call it a city. While growing up he spent his holidays with family, Marco has 12 cousins so they got into allot of mischief. He didn't grow up with much, but used what they had. Marco says “I remember one time we went to the farm and we towed a conveyer belt behind a pickup truck while surfing on it, you either drive slow and get full of dirt or you drive fast and get covered in mud. I always joke and say I went from nada to Prada”.
D’office Threads approached Marco to shed some insight into the male modelling career.
How did you get into modelling?
A friend of mine wanted to enter a local competition and the winner would get a contract with an agency in New York. I decided to be a supportive friend and enter with her. During the competition you could go and meet the agent from New York, Danielle Bongornio. I bluntly asked her if I had what it takes, cant remember what she said but she gave me her card and she is now my Mother Agent at Image Models NYC.
What tip would you give someone trying to become a model?
Don’t wait for it to come to you. Email agents and even pitch up at open casting calls. You have to get your face out there, even if you don’t have professional pictures, use what you have. That being said also don’t rock up wearing every accessory that you own, keep it simple and natural with just a hint of attitude.
How important is style to you when you are not modelling?
It’s the 3rd important thing for me, but I don’t call it style, I call it flavour. Having flavour is what makes me feel good about myself; even if I am going to the shops in my onzie pyjamas I will feel confident. Bad flavour or style is better than nothing.
How would you describe your style?
I would say it’s a combination of artsy funk and retro rock or punk glam.
As a man, would you say it's competitive to be a model?
It definitely is, especially for me. Being a male model you have to be able to sell not only the clothes but also sell the fantasy of the ideal man. Customers look at the model and they want to relate to him but they also want to be inspired. You need to be able to be relatable but at the same time make them want to buy the clothes to enhance and elevate their stature. I struggle with that sometimes because I am not generally what people would associate with the ideal man
What would you say looks good on a man?
Until someone redefines the little black dress and creates it for a man, I would have to say a power suite with a sense of humility. How would you define a gentleman?
A gentleman is a man who embraces all the confidence in the world, but still has the ability to make everyone around him feel like his equal.
A gentleman is not created by the clothes, even a naked man can still be a gentleman.
Where have you been a model, in which countries?
In South Africa of course. Also Italy and New York City. Who would you say is your favourite designer?
I can’t answer this question because I haven’t met all the designers in the world yet. Tiger of Sweden and Prada are some of my favourites
What are your future aspirations?
Well I hope to be able to walk in all the Fashion weeks in the same year. I would also like to own a business where I could employ struggling models and LGBT youth who get abandoned. And I also plan to start to use my Performing Arts degree that I worked so hard for.
What tip can you give men who want to be at the forefront of fashion?
Don’t do what has already been done. We already have suites and shirts and pants and we know they work; now we need something new.
What kind of preparation is required for you to maintain your looks?
I am very weird in this regard. I bath in green tea twice a week, and I also drink at least one cup a day. I also drink 2l cups of water a day and I cut sugar and oil of my diet. Staying active is also crucial, I need to keep my body in fighting condition. And I also treat myself with something “bad” every now and then, because I feel my spirit needs it. If my spirit is happy it will reflect in my looks.
What do you love most about the fashion industry? Goodie bags and free stuff at Fashion shows!!
Marco du Plesis