The Explosive Insta-Sensation Blake Gray On His Fashion Breakthrough, Growth, And Social Media
by Chidozie Obasi
Like most of us, Blake Gray has championed the incessant wave of social media when it first leaked back in the day. But thankfully, like not many of us, he gave in his all. Through the platform, he’s become a digital powerhouse on his own terms, with a modeling charisma to match. “Sup? I’m Blake Gray, a model, social media bloke and as of lately, a chef!” he chuckles at the start of our conversation. Then, Gray took me on a brief trip on his whirlwind rise to become a model, wasting no time. “When I first started, I was a bit nervous in front of the camera, but since then I’ve become much more comfortable across the board,” he openly reflects.
“I’m always growing and enjoying the process.”
Speaking on dabbling into the fashion game, he says: “I signed with NEXT Management and my first project was a partnership with Dolce & Gabbana on a campaign, plus an attendance at their show in Milan. This gave me a real appreciation of high fashion and since then I’ve wanted to get more involved in the industry.” Showcasing his style with unsurmountable energy (for confirmation, look no further than the workout pics with his boy gang), he admits that having fun with his own friends has been the most fulfilling part of his journey, with a feed that, if looked carefully, will have you busting out a training routine like never before. Riding on the wave of social media and its implementation on one’s self, the teen-sensation said: “I can definitely understand how social media could affect someone’s self-esteem, but I think it’s important not to focus on the lives of other people and instead to focus on building a life that you are happy with.” And that’s exactly how the media personality has us feeling with his whole aura, as he defines it, “empowering and prone to spread positivity”. Of course, some might get fooled at the thought that an insta-prodigy might have ‘fears’ over feelings when it comes to real-life obstacles. But in his case, “trying to stay happy and hopeful with everything crippling down has been a challenge.” With a newfound success through social media, Blake is determined to fuse his passions with the unexpected, with leading advice that reads: “Never give up and always bet on yourself.” Sounds like a great one to me.
Talent: Blake Gray @blakegray at Next Management @nextmodels
Photography: Jon Wong @iamjonwong
Styling: Brandon Nicholas @brvndo, Art Hunter @art.hunterr
Grooming: Nathaniel Dezan @nathanieldezan
Editor: Chidozie Obasi @chido.obasi
Brands: Obsessed Global, The Incorporated, Balenciaga, Ianeus, Burberry, Elwood, Vans, Braydon Alexander, Flight 94, Converse, Nike, Rimor.
LACOSTE x NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Carlota Barrera Fall/Winter 2020 Lookbook
actual
The Explosive Insta-Sensation Blake Gray On His Fashion Breakthrough, Growth, And Social Media
previous
LACOSTE x NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
next
Carlota Barrera Fall/Winter 2020 Lookbook
Arte Antwerp treats design as something everyone should own, wear, and use to say something.
Far different from the Ibiza of neon-lit clubs, this is a nine-acre sanctuary where rustic Spanish finca charm meets understated Soho House cool.
Pull&Bear’s latest capsule collection draws inspiration from Henri Matisse, transforming his playful shapes and vivid colors into summer-ready clothes and accessories.
Jason Fejiro photographed by Johanna Stroud and styled by Jay Taglè, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
For the first time, the work of more than 60 artists who have lived and created at the TOM House will come together in FXLK PLAY: Mythmaking, Devotion, and Mischief, an exhibition opening September 12, 2025, at Long Hall in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park.
Oakley is taking its expertise from extreme sports to outer space.
There’s something raw and electric in Last Exit on Bethnal, the new collaborative project between London producer/DJ Hannah Holland and filmmaker/photographer Lydia Garnett.
JIL SANDER backed the production of a seven-track EP and the Hamburg-shot music video for the song “Wanderlust”.
Balenciaga’s Winter 2025 campaign strips away polish in favor of something more intriguing: real moments in real spaces.
Marine Serre unveiled the first chapter of its “Heads or Tails” campaign, captured by the lens of Julia et Vincent.
Thirty students from fashion schools across Europe will gather in Barcelona this November to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges: waste.
The Phantom of the Opera has chosen his designer. Nicola Formichetti has been appointed Director of Masks for Masquerade, the new immersive Phantom experience coming to New York.
MM6 Maison Margiela and Dr. Martens are teaming up again, this time with a capsule that twists classic Docs into something fresh.
Kwir Nou Éxist project, a photo installation conceived by model, actress and activist Raya Martigny and her partner Edouard Richard, is now on view until July 25 in the iconic Tuileries Garden in Paris.
The legacy of Virgil Abloh will soon be celebrated at the Grand Palais in Paris with an exhibition developed in collaboration with Nike.
MODUS VIVENDI’s latest swimwear collection is made for days in the sun, with pieces that catch the eye without costing the earth.
Liam Goofy at Two Managment photographed by Martina Moreno and styled by Marta Ros, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
BIMBA Y LOLA has introduced its new DOG LOVERS COLLECTION, a capsule line celebrating dogs and their owners.
Nanushka’s Pre-Spring 2026 collection, Reflections, takes cues from Austrian thinker Rudolf Steiner’s belief that spirit and material are inseparable.
The wait and speculation are over. Almost a month after Francesco Risso’s departure, Marni now has a new Creative Director: Belgian designer Meryll Rogge.
Spanish-Nigerian designer Wekaforé Jibril has made history with the opening of his first standalone boutique in Barcelona, becoming the first Black designer to establish a flagship store in Spain.
“It’s an honour to work with Burberry,” Wu said. “The brand’s dedication to its heritage and innovation results in pieces that never fail to amaze. I look forward to discovering what we’ll create together.”
ICECREAM EU has teamed up with END. to launch a special capsule collection celebrating END.’s 20th anniversary.
Harrison Sheehan photographed and styled by Carlos Venegas, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
The Studio Archive is a new series releasing original Polaroids taken by the founder of Dominic Albano Collection.
C2H4® is slowing down. Instead of chasing seasons, their R011 Collection is built to last: one carefully crafted lineup per year, designed to stay relevant long after the trends fade.
We had the opportunity to chat with Martin about the great skincare reset and what we can learn from Danish clean beauty.
HAIKURE’s SS26 collection, Come As You Are, is for people who want to feel good without the effort, who wear clothes that fit their lives, not the other way around.
Daniel Solano captured by the lens of Arthur Coelho and styled by Dana Fracalossi, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
