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
Luka Bitchikashvili shot on film by Roman Valynkin on location in Georgia styled by Nora Tsiteladze, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
This new season brings a palette of bright colors and new wardrobe essentials, such as vintage-cut baseball caps or reversible leather belts.
Daniel Lee unveiled his Pre-Fall 2021 campaign for Bottega Veneta, starring ballet dancer Roberto Bolle, rapper Slowthai, and musician Tricky shot by Tyrone Lebon.
After two mixtapes “Réel” and “Irréalités” in 2020, Brussels’ most promising young rapper, Geeeko gifted us last week with a surprise 3-track EP “Level”.
This new video brings the controversial artist to a pink prison where he tries to escape with the help of emerging rap musician Jack Harlow. But, before escaping, Nas gives us an epic naked shower and NSFW scene.
Spirit, soul, mind and boby, are the words that best define LATIGO’s new project.
The third part of Julian Zigerli’s “HARD” series in collaboration with Iranian-born artist Shirana Shahbazi is being released this Sunday.
“Raphael Pavarotti really gave a contemporary twist to this Dior men’s Winter 2021-2022 campaign. The photographs are like paintings, with a color palette inspired by Peter Doig’s universe. It’s a mix between modernity and poetic melancholy.” – Kim Jones
“Everything has its time. It felt to us that it was time for something new to happen in the industry. Time for a new brand to be born.“
Bershka is throwing down a super capsule collection inspired by the game and worthy of champions.
A collaborative capsule championing love through the work of Keith Haring.
The BOBBLEHAUS Air 空气 capsule marks the brand’s first completely CGI lookbook, working alongside 3D artist Erik Hasan.
Nahmias unveiled its Spring/Summer 2022 menswear collection titled “Star Child“.
Georgia continues to position itself as the center of gravity for creatives.
The first Roberto Cavalli Men’s Collection, resulting from the creative direction of Fausto Puglisi, debuts with a special guest: boxing icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist Mike Tyson.
Tommy Hilfiger unveiled a new capsule collection that celebrates the uniqueness, beauty and diversity of the global community and the belief that great style knows no boundaries, with a range of size-inclusive, non-gendered designs.
Designed by Kim Jones for the Beachwear 2021 capsule collection of Dior Men, CD LINK sunglasses appear in a range of modern shapes and vibrant hues.
After this unparalleled period of global disconnection, the designer Marie-Christine Statz shares the desire of her community to open up.
Skate pioneer Erik Ellington is starting a new chapter in his creative career by partnering with Li-Ning, China’s pioneer sportswear brand, to launch their first-ever skateboarding line.
For Comme des Garçons SHIRT‘s Spring/Summer 2022 collection, Rei Kawakubo collaborated with Artist Christian Marclay.
A new project with the artist KAWS celebrates a long-held mutual admiration and friendship.
“Colour is a matter of taste and of sensitivity.” – Paul Manet, artist
The colors in Manuel’s universe are hundreds, thousands, millions: infinite. Manuel wants to help his mother to spend good moments during her two years of house arrest. His… »
The CLOT x Nike Air Max 1 “K.O.D.” – SOLAR RED taps into the historic past of CLOT that has led to its internationally recognized success in bridging the East and West.
