Beautiful

Family, Faith, Flag and Cowboy Boots

WHEN WE THINK OF THE UNITES STATES OF AMERICA WE MOSTLY THINK ABOUT THE BIG CITIES. WASHINGTOM DC CITY OF POLITICAL POWER AND HISTORY.. NEW YORK CITY, WITH ITS LEGENDARY SKYSCRAPERS. LOS ANGELES, CITY OF STARS. BUT THERE IS A VAST TERRITORY THAT SHAPES MORE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF AMERICA THAN ANYTHING ELSE. THE MID WEST, COUNTRY WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE.

Patriotism is a value that sits high in the top ten of many Americans. They are proud of their country, its accomplishments, and they have every right to be. Hence it is no surprise that the stars and stripes are raised high on their flagpoles everywhere you look. The mid west of the United States is certainly no exception to this. But there are others values that Americans have lots of respect for, especially in the Mid West. Family is probably the very first one. But also faith is important for many.

Westopher calls Los Angeles home but he has never forgotten his Mid West roots. He cherishes his values of family, faith and flag above anything. That doesn’t mean however he is not willing to push his boundaries  whenever he can. Like the real American spirit he is. Huge fan of horror movies, animation and comic book – he counts Wonder Woman among his favorites – Westopher is also passionate about cooking healthy food and fitness. In fact, he made the latter his profesion.

Another thing Westopher loves is social media. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram and has thousands of followers. Not in the least due to the podcast he produces about trending topics and which enjoy much popularity. Westopher is cohost of The RichyRich and Westopher Show, available on iTunes and other platforms, in which they discuss the news of the week, celebrities and the sex question and answer which often reseluts in hilarious and very naughty results.

Matson Jones, born and raised in the City of Angels we know as the photographer who doesn’t shy away from photographing celebrities but who prefers to make his own discoveries. Though Westopher is rapidly becoming a social media celebrity, we haven’t seen many photographs of him. Let Matson be the one to break him in. Westopher proofs that even with strong values such as family, faith and flag, there is plenty of room to be naughty. With boots. –BM-

MATSON JONES | BEAUTIFULMAG

Law and Order

I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT DRIVES PEOPLE TO BECOME A LAWYER. TO ME IT ALWAYS SEEMD LIKE A JOB THAT REQUIRES HOURS AND HOURS OF ADMINISTRATIVE WORK. I’M WRONG OF COURSE. THERE IS MUCH MORE TO PRACTISING LAW THAN THAT.

In my opinion lawyers need to be sharks. Emotionless people, tough to the bone, who have only one objective in mind: winning. I know, stereotype right? A career in law has never been so popular as it has been over the past decade. It’s very likely TV series have added to the popularity of the job. Show such as Ally McBeal, Law And Order, The Practise, Suits and yes, maybe even Scandal, have added to the popularity of practising law and doubtless inspired many youngster to study law.

Casey is a young corporate lawyer who defies everything I ever thought about lawyers. He is handsome and smart and according to the photographer who is known by the name ShotsByGun Casey is also a very lively and friendly all around nice guy.  All the image I had from a lawyer. His smashing body and great looks makes it very difficult to have bad photographs of Casey. Which doesn’t mean of course the work ShotsByGun has done with him just came to happen. Sydney based photographer ShotsByGun is an excellent and most talented photographer who has showed he masters the arts many times before already.

So back to Casey. Living in Sydney, Australia, he makes a living, as stated before, in corporate law. Having dissolved all my reserves about lawyer, there is but one question that remains unanswered for me. Why corporate. One would think with looks like Casey’s and his unquestionable charm, he would make a great criminal lawyer. With that smile and those piercing eyes he could get anyone out of jail. I can imagine when Casey enters the court room there is a lot of law but maybe less order. He could defend me anytime. –BM-

SHOTSBYGUN  | BEAUTIFULMAG
CASEY | BEAUTIFULMAG

Born This Way [BM Cover Story]

IF YOU WANT TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWS, ESPECIALLY IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND YOU LIVE IN NEW YORK, THERE ARE TWO THINGS TO SAY. YES YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. AND NO IT IS NOT GOING TO BE PRESENTED TO YOU ON A SILVER PLATE. ROB ECO HAS WORKED HARD TO BE WHERE HE IS RIGHT NOW, AND STILL DOES SO. BUT HE CAN’T HELP IT. HE WAS BORN THIS WAY.

Rob Eco was born and raised in the city of New York. Fitness enthusiast as he is, he managed to get his ISSA certificate and works as a personal trainer. “I find pleasure in training personally as well as helping people change their own lives through diet and exercise,” Rob comments on his career choice. “Having love for what you do translates into positivity and success.” Now 27 years old, Rob Eco began modeling in his late teens and has had the opportunity to work with several of New York’s finest photographers. His portfolio holds work from Jin Wang, Carlos Arias, Harol Beaz, Mike Schmit, B. Charles Johnson, Richard Rothstein and more. You can safely say Rob is experienced and finds being in front of a camera exciting and rejuvenating. Rob Eco is familiar with fitness, fashion, editorial and commercial, but also doesn’t shy away from artistic and nudes. In fact, he is always looking to shoot with new talented photographers and to add exciting new work to his book. And to gain even more experience.

To be a model takes discipline and tons of hard work. Both in the gym and out. Rob Eco knows this as does photographer John Falocco who was able to bring the best out of Rob. And not for the first time. To look your very best you have to treat yourself the best you can. Through proper training and nutrition as well as a healthy attitude and lifestyle Rob Eco is able to achieve what others cannot. Being humble is a big part of who he is as an individual. Being comfortable with who you are is important and never looking down on someone because they don’t have what you have is a big part of that. Much of Rob’s time is dedicated to progressing in all areas both personally and professionally. Rob is also interested in developing his talent as a stage and film actor.

John Falocco is a creative centipede. Not only is John a well acclaimed photographer of male models, he is also active in the fields of art, editorial, fashion, fitness, glamour, hair and makeup, lingerie and swimwear. The latter is most useful conbsidering John falocco is also the proud owner of the Falocco Swimwear and Activewear Collection. His apparel lines contain fashionable simple pieces that make every man look good, but specially men such as Rob Eco. About his work with Rob Eco, as stated vefore, not the first collaboration the two creative men did, John says: “Rob in front of the camera is exciting. A truly dedicated professional who prepares himself properly for a shoot, Rob enables me to have a truly creative experience each and every time. He allows me to create timeless, beautiful images especially with regards to fitness, fashion, physique, editorial and fine art imagery.”

Rob Eco, inspired by creativity, whether sculpting his body, creating breathtaking images, or playing a character that takes him completely out of his element, works to build relationships with talented individuals and create with them. What can we say, the man was simply born this way. –BM-

ROB ECO | BEAUTIFULMAG
JOHN FALOCCO | BEAUTIFULMAG

Falling in Love

JUSTIN MCNAIRN WANTS TO FALL IN LOVE BUT FINDS IT RATHER DIFFICULT TO FIND THE RIGHT GIRL. THE MAIN REASONS FOR THAT ARE HIS PASSIONS FOR HARD WORK AND TRAVELING. TWO PASSIONS THAT MOST LIKELY MAKE HIM CHOOSE A CAREER PATH THAT DEMANDS HIGH COMMITMENT AND FLEXIBLE TIMINGS. NOW I’M NOT SURE IF A PUBLICATION HERE IS GOING TO HELP JUSTIN ALTHOUGH WE DO HAVE A GOOD AMOUNT OF FEMALE FOLLOWERS. BUT I DO KNOW THAT HE WILL FIND A LARGE FAN BASE AMONG THE MALE BM READERS.

When Justin McNairn commits to something he takes that very serious. Ever since he discovered a passion for fitness, he has been very devoted to it. It might lie in the reason why. Justin used to be bullied as a child and realized, in order to stand up for himself, he needed a certain physical presence. Maybe because of that bad first experience he is now totally committed and a highly motivated person when it comes to his training and healthy lifestyle. The downside is of course that, being dedicated to his passion as he is, he has very little time for other entertainment. But I think it is also safe to say Justin is not completely tigth up.

His sense of responsibility shows in the fact that Justin McNairn is an early riser. He likes to start his training at the crack of dawn, giving quality time not only to his fitness exercises but also to swimming and football. Asides from that Justin is also quite occupied when it comes to his daily job. Being in the Royal Australian Navy comes with some responsibilities and also makes his being away from home on regular base. Not the best conditions if you want to look for a serious relationship, but not undoable either. I mean, look at Justin. There is a lot to win with him as well. If there is anyone interested out there, let me add to this that Justin is very down to earth and friendly and proofs romance is not dead with a classic gentlemen’s attitude. Enough to fall in love with if you ask me.

Born and raised in the heart of the Lockyer Valley in sunny Queensland Andrew Stubbersfield always had a fascination with his dad's old school Pentax camera. Andrew’s dad taught him all the in's and out's of composition and metering and he found himself taking photos at a very young age. Jumping out of High School Andrew enrolled in a BA of Multimedia, where he quickly fell in love with Photoshop and soon found himself transferring into Photography at SQIT.

4 Years later and having survived spinal surgery Andrew Stubbersfield was ready to take on the world. He has developed himself mainly as a people photographer and this is where he sees himself evolving as time passes. Currently he lives and works in the metropolis of Sydney. Though he loves shooting outdoors Andrew also has access to some amazing studio's and doesn’t shy away from using them. He did it when he worked with Justin McNairn.

With a strong basic training in photography received from his father, Andrew Stubbersfield has become an excellent male physique photographer, although I doubt his father trained him in this specific area. But male photography is not all Andrew does. He also shoots women and weddings, couples, fitness and fashion and – and this is a specialism we don’t see every day – animals. Andrew is a photographer we can easily fall in love with. His work shown here today, which is clearly an artistic combination of male and fitness photography hits the right button for us. And so does Justin McNairn. –BM-

ANDREW STUBBERSFIELD | BEAUTIFULMAG
JUSTIN MCNAIRN | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag #226 Week 38-39 | Perfect Illusion

EDITOR’S LETTER

What does it mean to be fan of someone. Does it mean you have to love everything they do. Everything they represent. The way they speak, dress, behave? I don’t think so. Let’s apply this to some of the bigger female popular singers from our time. I’m a fan of Madonna. I have been from day one. I know she isn’t the best singer in the world. Far from I dare to say. But I like her music and I have respect for who she is, what she has done and does and how she has influenced generations. I do not however idolize her. I will not fall on my knees and kiss the very ground she might or might not have placed her feet on. I’m also a fan of Celine Dion. There, I said it. I know many will make a mock of that because “Celine isn’t cool”. But as with Madonna, I like her music and I like her authenticity, as far as one can be authentic while living in the spotlights.

For one reason or the other, if you want to be noticed in the much-overcrowded pop music industry, you need to bring something to the table that goes beyond talent. Though I do believe it is the talent that eventually garantees  a longSia is a good example. She is a very talented lady and has a particular look. One might say a bit Björk-ish though I don’t recall anyone ever having made that comparison. Rihanna rose to stardom thanks to her – ok let’s say it – rather annoying nasal sound (by the way, I like her too), which has since then been much copied by others whose names I don’t even remember. And then there is Lady Gaga.

Let’s set things straight. I’m not a big fan of Lady Gaga but I don’t dislike her either. There are some things that just don’t fall in the right place for me. Her name for starts. I understand Stefani Germanotta doesn’t have a very pop feeling to it, and I agree that Gaga is much more catchy. I guess I have more a problem with the lady part (no pun intended). It sounds so, I don’t know, travestic if that’s that even a word. But let’s face it, the Lady has talent. She has done some pretty rocky songs. I count Bad Romance and Edge of Glory among my personal favorites. Telephone too, partly due to the participation of Beyoncé, whom I also happen to like. And her recent ballad Till It Happens to You is a real tear jerker, and I mean that in the most positive sense. Lady Gaga is an artist, with a voice and musical education and should be recognized and respected as such. She is creative and artistic. She is also not ashamed to admit she finds inspiration in those who came before her. Big names such as David Bowie and – indeed – Madonna. The latter being a source of inspiration for many others as well. How could she not be with a career that spans over more than 3 decades. But why oh why does everything the young lady does needs to be compared with Madonna. Or worse, why does Lady Gaga needs to be accused of plagiarism each time she brings out a new song (well maybe each time is a bit exaggerated, but still). It happened with Born This Way, and true, first hand Madonna fan as I am, I do admit the similarities between that song and Express Yourself were maybe a bit too obvious. But do we really believe that Gaga’s latest – Perfect Illusion – is a copy of Madonna’s 1986’s Papa Don’t Preach? Ok, I admit, both songs seem to have a similar tempo and feel very 80’s. The latter is because 80’s music seems to have a habit to keep coming back, much like bad Chinese food, and obviously Papa Don’t Preach actually is an 80’s song. But since many of Madonna’s songs are, does that mean that everything that sounds remotely of that period diverge from her music?  No, I didn’t think so either.

So what is going on here? Why are fans such haters? Why can one artist - and mind you, I’m mostly talking female artists because I don’t see this happening a lot with male singers – not do something without being compared, judged and found guilty of copying as soon as they even open their mouth to release the first note. It’s not just Gaga and Madonna. In the past it was also Christina and Britney, and Mariah and Whitney but the various fans of those have been silenced. In Christina and Britney’s case probably due to the fact they both went very different musical directions, and when it comes to Mariah and Whitney – well – that comparison pretty much ended with Whitney’s death. Again, I do think Lady Gaga’s Born This Way was way too close to Madonna’s Express Yourself to be comfortable, and Madge even hinted at it while doing a hybrid live version during her MDNA Tour in her usual not very subtle way. But comparing Gaga’s latest to Papa Don’t Preach really is a stretch, and I think even Madonna will agree to that. If not, there is only one conclusion to draw and that is that maybe, just maybe, Lady Gaga is not the eccentric, artistic, creative and musical multitalented singer we all think she is. That maybe, just maybe she is indeed a perfect illusion? Born this way? Nay, I don’t think so either. –BM-

Cover photography by John Falocco.

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is