Michael Knowles is the darling of Unsigned MGMT. Scouted by Cesar Perin, Michael has already earned his stripes modeling for cult London brands SIBLING, Christopher Shannon and Bobby Abley, as well as gaining attention from further afield having walked for John Galliano. When he’s not showing of his cute-as-pie smile for the cameras, you’ll find Michael pouring the best cocktails in London at a little underground bar in Shoreditch. Something tells us he won’t be pouring drinks for long…
Name: Michael Knowles
Age: 18
Starsign: Aquarius
Hometown: It’s London!
Best thing about your hometown: The people, places and that everyone knows it.
How did you get into modeling / where were you scouted: I was scouted when I was 15 by Cesar Perin. I was just on Oxford Street with my friends, it completely took me by surprise.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you: I still sleep with a teddy bear and I think I always will. I’m not embarrassed!
Worst job you’ve ever had: I’d never like to moan about a job but I worked at Abercrombie and Fitch for about a year and that really wasn’t for me. I would much rather have been wearing the clothes at the beach rather than standing wearing them in a shop.
You’re a bartender, what’s your favourite drink: It would have to be an old-fashioned. That’s bourbon, sugar, bitters, an orange twist and that’s all. You can guess from the name, but it’s been around for a long time, and because it’s so basic and perfect no one has been able to improve on it. It’s also the first drink I ever made; I used to make them for my Dad quite a lot.
Were you interested in fashion before you started modeling: Honestly I’d never really looked into it that much. I always liked choosing new clothes and did care about what I wore, but modelling has definitely taught me a lot more about fashion.
Any dream brands you’d like to model for: I’ve always thought Tom Ford is pretty cool
Fashion week survival tip: Crazy-good organisation. I go really far with planning directions from each casting to the next. It seems like a lot of effort but I always manage to get to all of them and normally finish early enough!
Who are your favourite designers: I’d have to say Agi & Sam. I find their stuff really interesting and powerful, and on top of that they gave me my first ever show.
Most loved possession in your wardrobe: My dad’s old leather jacket. I nicked it from his wardrobe once when he was away and when he came back to see that I’d been wearing it every day he didn’t have the heart to take it back. I’ve worn it completely out of shape, but I don’t mind.
Most played tune on your iPod this month: The Libertines – Tell The King. I used to be crazy about this band when I was a kid and this was my favourite song. I got to see them when they got back together for Leeds festival in 2010, but they’ve just announced they’re going to play another gig in London in July! Tickets sold out fast and I will be in Japan. So getting my hit over ipod.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done: My girlfriend and I decided to go to Paris on a whim and we booked tickets that very next day. It turned out to be great, and we’re going again next month.
Photos: Kenneth Lam for Unsigned MGMT
Hair: Luke at LukeJacob
