Beautiful

Dress to Impress

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN. IT’S A CLICHE BUT ALSO VERY TRUE. PEOPLE DO JUDGE YOU BY THE WAY YOU DRESS. AND SO IT DOESN’T HURT TO PAY A LITTLE EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE WAY YOU LOOK. DRESSING GOOD MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD. SELF ASSURED. CONFIDENT. SMART. AND, HONESTLY, IT IS FUN TO DO AS WELL.

Rod Hodge II is young. In fact he only graduated high school last June. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what to do in his life. No, Rod has plans. And he isn’t the kind of guy to sit back and wait for it to happen. Rod takes action when action needs to be taken. And so he moved to New York, no later than that very same day he graduated.

Though mostly associated with cities such as Paris and Milan, fashion is a very flourishing industry in new York as well. In fact, many mention New York as fashion capital of the world. And so it is probably also the place to be if you want to work as a fashion photographer. Seth London knows this as no other. Luckily for him Seth was born and raised in Long Island, not too far from the beating heart of the Big Apple, and so the transfer to new York City wasn’t a huge step for him. In fact, it was probably a logic move. Since his move to new York in 2011Seth’s rise to fame has been remarkable and attributable to his unique style and execution. Seth is a master when it comes to photography which isn’t so strange knowing that he has an unfailable energy. New York never sleeps and neither does Seth London.

Mariano Divalo is a young actor and fashion model and a role model for many who aspire similar career options. Such as Rod Hodge II. In fact many say that he looks like Mariano, which is the reason Rod has adopted him to be his personal role model. When Rod was in high school, which, as mentioned before, isn’t so long ago, he was approached by photographer Tailiah Joyner who saw some photos of Rod on Instagram (where would we be without social networking). He jumped to the occasion when Tailiah expressed interest in doing a shoot with him. One lead to five and during that last shoot Rod met runway coach Alva Paige and model scout Tim Johnson, which eventually brought Rod from his hometown Raleigh in North Carolina to New York City. Here 18 years old Rod now works hard to break through as a fashion model and already had the chance to work with renowned photographers such as Joseph Blue and Seth London.

Rod Hodge II is a very outstanding and well mannered individual. Active in sports – he has two black belts in jujitsu and tae-kwon-do and played high school football – he is also very operative when it comes to public functions. Rod went to Boys state in North Carolina where he won Attorney General, Senator, and Chief clerk of the House of Representatives, and was president of kappa league at school. His striking looks he got from his Italian father and Black German mother and his experience of being in public has given Rod the awareness that the way one looks is important if you want to impress. Good thing that he loves fashion and loves to dress up. Rod has a passion for shoes and uses them as a vase to build up his individual looks. Rod dresses to impress, not only for the job but consistently every time he leaves the house. He loves everything about fashion except that it is expensive and therefor not available for the lesser fortunate ones. Knowing how important it is for him, Rod therefor donates regularly to places that  allow those others to enjoy the same perks. And that makes Rod not only a beautiful model, but also a beautiful human being. –BM-

SETH LONDON  | BEAUTIFULMAG
ROD HODGE II | BEAUTIFULMAG

2 Years Later

THE LAST TIME WE HEARD FROM J. CASSONI WAS IN 2011. AT THAT TIME HE EMERGED FROM A DARK PATCH IN HIS LIFE, HAD FOUND HIMSELF A NEW LIFE PARTNER AND SHOWED US NEW EXCITING WORK. AFTER THAT, IT BECAME QUIET. NOT WITHOUT REASON THOUGH, AND CERTAINLY NOT BECAUSE JOHNNY DIDN’T WANT TO SHARE HIS WORK ANYMORE. IN FACT JOHNNY HAS BEEN PRETTY BUSY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. EXCEPT NOT WITH PHOTOGRAPHY. THAT IS, UNTIL NOW.

After having gone through a difficult period in his life, Atlanta based photographer J. Cassoni decided to make some drastic changes. One of the major changes he made was starting a bar. The Joystick Game Bar in Atlanta was an instant success and currently sits comfortably in the top 10 bars in Atlanta, according to The Guardian. But even though owning a bar is fun, it also is a lot of work and has kept J from shooting as much as he would have liked to.

The Joystick Game Bar is so successful for J. Cassoni and his partner, the two have decided to expand their success with a second establishment, across the street form their first bar. They have already closed in on a beautiful 1901 building and will start construction soon. But Johnny is first of all a photographer, and seeing such a historical building empty made his blood pump faster. One does not get the opportunity to shoot at such a location every day. And so, before the builders will arrive, J. Cassoni has claimed the place for himself, and the models he believes will fit well against the particular backdrop.

Having put a general manager in place to run his bar, J. Cassoni now finally has found some time again to dedicate to his first love. Which we are grateful for because honestly, we have missed that sober, melancholic photographic style from J. Not to say he will come back after 2 years doing exactly the same thing. 2 years is a long period of time, in which Johnny changed as well. But he was happy to go back to work, so to speak, and indulge himself with new shoots and new models.

J. Cassoni has not worked with a lot of gingers in the past. When he met Ryan he immediately noticed there was something vaguely mischievous about the look on his face. Ryan also has a very lean build, which J currently prefers over more bulky physiques. And so the decision to make his come back with Ryan was made rapidly. “I wanted to get back in the habit of shooting so I kept it relaxed,” J. Cassoni explaines. “I want to stretch my legs so to speak. Went back to the style of shots I knew I could take (and enjoyed taking) just to see if I could still do it. It's almost like a pre flight check list. Blow out the back windows with light? Check. Black and white body shots? Check.”

Being very much aware he is not the same person he was 2 years ago, J. Cassoni is excited to see what shots will come out of him in the weeks to follow. Will he build on on his existing style, staying more or less in his comfort zone? Or will he venture out, trying different things, and create a new signature style. No matter what he decides, or where his creative vision takes him in his photographic expressions, we are happy that J. Cassoni is back behind the camera. His come back with Ryan is stronger than ever and it seems clear that from here on Johnny will only get better and better. Let’s just hope we do not have to wait another 2 years. –BM-

J.CASSONI | BEAUTIFULMAG

Dutch Variety

THE EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTCH SOCCER TEAM DURING THIS YEARS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL HAVE ONCE AGAIN PLACED THE NETHERLANDS IN A PROMINENT PLACE ON THE WORLD MAP. THE DUTCH TEAM FUNCTIONED AS A PERFECT REPRESENTATION OF ITS COUNTRY: SOBER, EFFICIENT, SKILLED, INNOVATIVE AND DIVERSE. THOUGH SMALL IN SURFACE, THE NETHERLANDS IS A NATION NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED.

With a relatively modest attitude the Dutch football team worked its way up until the highest regions during the latest world championship. Showing that this nation is a nation worth noticing. There are many things in the Netherlands worth noticing of course. It is a country of contrast. Picturesque villages and postcard landscapes versus dynamic cities and revolutionary modern architecture. Also when it comes to its population the Netherlands is a country of diversity. Its dense population of roughly 500 people per square kilometre exists of original Dutch as well as emigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Dutch Caribbean, the Middle East and the Far East. Resulting in whole new generations of mixed races and mixed cultures that now form the new population of the Low Lands.

Among them Gert Kist who is, as his name already kind of indicates, nothing but Caucasian Dutch. Asides from his passion for shooting male beauty, Gert also loves spending time in his countryside home, located in the natural reserve named Vinkeveense Plassen. Gert is extra happy if he can combine both. Not to mention if he has the opportunity to shoot not one but two models simultaneously against a backdrop of lush Dutch greenery. And that is exactly what he recently did. And it is amazing how Gert unknowingly created a visualization of what represents modern-day Holland.

One of Gert Kist’s delicious young men is actually not at all Dutch. Indeed, we are talking about the shorter young man, who resides in Malaga, Spain, a country that is so frequently visited by the Dutch it almost seems to be part of the Netherlands. The model we are talking about is 24 years old and owns his healthy muscular physique to his work as carpenter in a construction company. Our taller model of today is – indeed – Dutch, but not a traditional one. In fact, even though he has a Dutch mother, his father origins from Turkey, which makes him, at 20 years old, one of those new mixed generations that form today’s Dutch population.

Now both young man work in the industrial sector which by definition is quiet a macho territory, and both young man are straight and thus normally not the first ones to volunteer for a duo half naked all male shoot. But let’s not mention that to them shall we, because they do look mouth-watering good together, no? And let me finish that by mentioning that on Gert Kist’s popular Malemodel website both men are to be admire in the nude as well. See and that makes our story complete. Because not only are the Dutch a people of modesty and contrast, they are also very open-minded and have both their feet on solid ground. Oh, and how that football intro got in the mix, well, just look at the photos. That should explain it. –BM-

GERT KIST | BEAUTIFULMAG

King for a Day [BM Cover Story]

GLADIATORS WERE ARMED COMBATANTS WHO ENTERTAINED AUDIENCES IN THE ROMAN REPUBLIC AND ROMAN EMPIRE.  THEY WOULD ENGAGE IN FIGHTING EACH OTHER, CONDEMNED CRIMINALS OR WILD ANIMALS, OFTEN UNTIL DEATH. MOSTLY THEY WERE SALVES, SCHOOLED UNDER HARSH CONDITIONS. SOMETIMES VOLUNTEERS WHO RISKED THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL STANDING BY APPEARING IN THE ARENA. BUT THEY ALL HAD SOMETHING IN COMMON. THEY WERE ADORED BY THE ROMAN SPECTATORS. THEY WERE SUPER STAR ATHLETES. THEY WERE KINGS OF THE DAY.

The origin of gladiatorial combat is open to debate. There is evidence of it in funeral rites during the Punic Wars of the 3rd century BCE, and thereafter it rapidly became an essential feature of politics and social life in the Roman world. Gladiator games were immensely popular by the Roman citizens, and the lanista’s, owners of the gladiators, often used their enslaved fighters to gain higher social standing and political power. Even within the ranks of gladiators there was a hierarchy, depending on their fighting techniques and survival skills. The games reached their peak between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD, and finally declines during  the early 5th century after the adaptation of Christianity as state church of the Roman Empire. But up till today, the theme is immensely popular.

Simon Barnes has tried to adopt the gladiator theme in his photography on numerous occasions and knows as no other that it takes a special kind of model to play the part. Working not only as photographer but also in theatre productions, Simon has access to the most amazing accessories and costume pieces. Elements necessary to create a realistic vision of a gladiator themes shooting. Lately Simon has been focussing more on fitness and bodybuilding models with his photography, filling his folio with well proportioned and oiled muscle masses. And, working in that profile, he met Scott King.

Scott King is from Leicester, UK and is a 37 years old fitness, ink and fashion model. At one time he was a ladies hairdresser for top salons in his town. He loved it, had a great time doing the downtown London thing with all the top hairdressers. Soon after he found boxing. He began his athletic career in the sport of boxing, later retired then changed his look for modelling. He enjoys the freedom of expressing feelings and emotions through pictures. Simon Barnes has been a mentor in modelling for Scott. For Scott, the creative Simon has been a source of inspiration from the beginning of his career to this day. For Simon, Scott is not only a most willing and professional model, he also perfectly fits the mould for a gladiator shoot.

According to Simon Barnes a gladiator model needs to have a theatrical, powerfully rugged masculine presence to bring the theme alive in a subtle but personable manner. The model must also have skilled camera connection and posing skills. Scott King has all that and more. Because even though these images might suggest otherwise, Scott King is a loving father and an excellent cook with a passion for life and healthy living. Over the years, Scott has dedicated his life to doing his best and achieving his goals. He loves spending time with his little boy whom he adores and with his friends,  have fun and make people smile. For not only is Scott a magnificent athlete, but he also is a caring, genuine guy who strives to inspire and reach out to others. And that makes Scott King truly the king of the day. –BM-

SIMON BARNES | BEAUTIFULMAG
SCOTT KING | BEAUTIFULMAG

Dare to Dream

BEYONCÉ KNOWLES STARTED SINGING AT VERY EARLY AGE AND HAS BEEN DANCING PRETTY MUCH SINCE SHE MADE HER FIRST STEPS. IN FACT, IT IS SAFE TOP SAY SHE HAS DEDICATED HER WHOLE LIFE TO A CAREER AS ENTERTAINER, AND SHE HAS TRULY MADE A SUCCESS OF HERSELF. HER MUSIC, HER ACTING AND MOSTLY HER INCREDIBLE DANCE ACTS AND LIFE PERFORMANCES HAVE LED TO CRITICS HAILING HER AS ONE OF THE BEST ENTERTAINERS IN CONTEMPORARY POPULAR MUSIC. AT 31 SHE WAS RECENTLY CROWNED WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL CELEBRITY. NO WONDER SO MANY LOOK UP TO HER.

She has worked incredibly hard to get where she is right now. And she isn’t finished yet. At age 31 Beyoncé is not only a superstar in the entertainment industry, she is also a philanthropist and an example for the next generation. She carries her fame with intelligence and clearly knows her responsibility towards her followers. Oh, and did we mention she also has an incredible voice? Beyoncé is that one of a kind artist that rises above all others and becomes a figurehead for many who dream to be her. Or like her. But, again, let’s not forget. She worked very hard - and still does - to be where she is today.

Unlike Beyoncé, Rikie Kelly made his first steps on the path of entertainment at later age. Literally. Rikie started dancing when he was 20. But right from the beginning he showed he had the knack of it. Rikie is now 22 years old and trains at the Rare Dance Studios in Liverpool, where he works with industry professionals to master every aspect of performing arts. And even he has been doing it for just a bit over 2 years, his hard work and dedication pays off. Rikie was recently casted to be a part of Mathew Bournes Lord of The Flies production in Liverpool.

Unlike what you might think when looking at Rikie Kelly, he has never put a foot inside a gym. His strong muscular frame really is the result of his dance routines and his devotion to the arts. Driven and motivated as he is, Rikie still finds time for his family, which for him is priority number one. Especially his nieces, who mean the world to him, and who are without doubt very proud of the accomplishments of their young uncle.

Like many youngsters Rikie is a vivid fan of Beyoncé. She is his idol and source of inspiration. “What she has achieved in life is unbelievable and yet she's still so humble and continues to give to the world,” Rikie explains. “My dream would be to dance with her at her concert doing grown woman if I ever did my life would be complete I call my self Boyoncé. That's my alter ego – ha ha. It'd be great for Beyoncé to meet Boyoncé.”

It was recently that Rikie Kelly was contacted by Leicester based photographer Brian Selway. Brain twittered Rikie, telling him he was impressed by his physique and offering him a photo session to boost his portfolio. Though at first having some doubts about modelling, Rikie gave in and decided to give it a try. And not without success. Brian choose for a sober and darks etting, where strategic lighting highlights Rikie’s well shaped body. Rikie’s poses clearly show his agility and his ability to perform in front of a camera. With this shoot under his belt and probably more to follow, and his stage performance coming up on September 10-13 at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, Rikie Kelly is hard on his way to become a professional perfomer. And who knows, if Beyoncé reads this… -BM-

Photography by Brian Selway.

RIKIE KELLY | BEAUTIFULMAG