IN CONVERSATION|BEN ALLEN
Name|Benjamin Mark Allen
Age|19
Hometown|London, England
How did you get discovered?
I was walking around Portobello Road in London with a friend of mine who has A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and as usual, he was being hyperactive and silly—consequently drawing attention to us in the middle of Portobello—eventually Dounia, an agent at Select, scouted me. I went in the next day and was signed! That's how my career in modeling began...
What were you doing prior to modeling?
I was in school! I started modeling at 16!
People would be surprised to know that I...
almost could have become (potentially) a professional footballer when I was younger but my mum said no!
What's your latest obsession?
Lately I have become addicted to ebay and Geordie Shore (The english version of Jersey Shore). Techno music is another obsession of mine, I went to a techno specific festival in Amsterdam called Dekmantel—ever since, I've been hooked. I get addicted to something new everyday!
Your most prize possession?
A photo of my Grandmother when she was in her 20's. It sounds weird to say it but she was stunningly beautiful! I treasure it dearly.
Growing up, who did you look up to as your hero?
Perhaps a footballer (Boring answer!) but I've been football crazy since I was still in my diapers! I am English—it's in our blood! So in answer to your question, maybe David Beckham, he was the original icon!
When is the last time you said, "I Love You" to someone?
Today, to my girlfriend, around two hours ago...and to my mum, around three hours ago.
Three adjectives that best describes you:
Conversational, Explorative and Conscious
Describe your personal style:
My look can be anything. It can be decided by so many factors that affect my thought processes. Weather, music, general mood, whereabouts etc., I can be rugged and head to toe black or a bit more playful with layers and styling techniques using more contemporary designers or typical British. I even indulge in normality every so often. It really all depends. I can be whatever I want to be...
Your favorite place you have travel to:
Favorite all around happiness: Mustique Island, Saint Vincent
Both are so amazing and general nirvana when I am there. I also love the Caribbean. It matches my persona. Interesting place though would have to be Tokyo!
Your favorite film and scene from the film:
Friday is a damn funny film.—Scene: When Debo knocks that guy out is hilarious!
Your favorite sport:
Sport: Football (soccer)
Team: Manchester United
Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
If there's a destination or item you would recommend us to check out or visit about your native country/city or town, what would you recommend?
London, England—Notting Hill. I like it there. It operates at a different pace to London. It's almost like a separate entity in itself. I tend to start my nights in a bar there somewhere, then have an interlude in this great spot called "The Globe". They play fun music in a small basement. After that we all wander off into the night.
If you were given a indie cable show, what type of show would it be? Which song would you choose as your opening song?
We have a show in the UK called "Gogglebox" which basically entails various families being filmed watching tv and their hilarious commentary along with whatever they be watching. It's not easy to explain but it is absolute tv gold. I'd basically recreate that—Same premise but with me and my friends. I swear we say some of the funniest stuff ever.Theme song would be something goofy, I can picture it now!
Favorite moment in modeling:
Opening Prada on my first season most likely. That was just sheer Hollywood for me. Never seen so many flashes in my life. Definitely plunged in it at the deep end. They've since become like a second family to me there! They are the nicest bunch. Every Prada show is amazing, to be honest! There has been an awful lot of moments though, going to Shanghai with Dior was also incredible! Those two take the biscuit! Different reasons but equally amazing!
Your wish for the remainder of 2014?
To witness a life changing experience. I've had feelings of life changing of course, but I love to bear witness one incredible moment that changed my life, or view of life, forever!
Clothing: Hat, shirt and bomber coat, all by Fingers Crossed FW2014; military green shirt, Ben's own; all other clothing by Fred Perry
MODEL AGENT|AGENCY:
Dounia Benjellou|Select Models (UK)
IMAGES|CONCEPT|CASTING|John Tan
MODEL|Ben Allen|Select Models (UK)
Special thanks to Dounia Benjellou and the men's board at Select Models (UK); Ryu Hayama at Fingers Crossed; Bennett Polen at Fred Perry; Ben for his time and being photographed by JTC!
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BEN ALLEN' S SELF PORTRAIT
