THADDEUS COATES WANTS YOU TO KNOW THERE IS SPACE FOR EVERYONE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Many of us may look on social media or in huge fashion campaigns and struggle to see ourselves in the models but Thaddeus Coates is a great example that if you set your heart to it, anything is possible. Along with being a signed model he also is a brilliant illustrator and has so much talent and love to share with the world. If you want to learn a little more about him, keep reading below!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How do you get your start in illustration and modeling? Tell us your story.
From 2014 to 2018 or 2019, the cool thing was to move up to New York and step into your fashion. We’re going to get discovered. That was the thing. So I was just taking these pictures and posting them all the time in 2018. And so I was walking on 6th Avenue to FIT and this lady stopped me and she street scouted me to do American Eagle. So once I did American Eagle, I could not believe I did American Eagle, I really didn’t want to tell anybody about it because I was scared and I had to sign an NDA. My friends were like, “Thaddeus, what’s the secret? What are you sitting on?”
You can ask my friends. They were so annoyed with me. I was like, “It’s coming.” And when it launched, I was like, “Surprise. I’m the new face of American Eagle.” It was just so amazing. The huge outpour of men who felt seen through me really just lit a different kind of fire in me. So I was like, “I should probably pursue this full time because I’m really good at it and also my POV matters so much because representation matters.” So, yeah, it kind of fell into it and after that I just started modeling.
What has it been like being signed to IMG models?
It has been so amazing to be a part of IMG Worldwide, it’s been a goal of mine to be represented by the best and they are no stranger to pushing the envelope and ensuring that the industry has space and territory for everyone.
What advice do you have for any plus size men looking to do the same?
I think it’s really important to have a strong sense of identity, especially when entering into an industry that can be as daunting as the modeling industry. It’s a journey of learning what does and doesn’t work for you and forging a path where you’re able to be a pillar of representation.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Manhattan, NY?
Currently I’m obsessed with the super colorful museums, some of my favorites have been the Color Factory, The Ice Cream Museum, and more recently SlooMoo Institute.
You’ve worked with various brands like Nike, Target and Urban Decay – just to name a few. Who would you love to work with next?
I value partnership so much, collaboration has always been one of the most important things to me. I would love to work with super imaginative brands, like Google, Uniqlo, Heaven by Marc Jacobs, Dazed and Hasbro.
How would you decide your personal style?
My personal style is very playful and really whimsical. I love playing with color and texture that pays homage to nostalgia, but in a super classic way. I’m very inspired by the interior design style of “wacky pomo”. So finding intersections in spaces and style is really my forte.
What are your top 3 favorite colognes?
My favorite scents currently are Viktor & Rolf (Spice Bomb) – YSL (MYSLF) and Jean Paul Gauliters (Le Male).
Have you always been unapologetic to who you are, or did you ever struggle with it?
I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded by a community of people so supported just how eccentric and expressive I am. I found a lot of solace in places like the school library with friends and a wonderful array of teachers who always poured into me and made me realize just how special my talent and my light is.
Give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to follow their dreams.
Nobody can be you, better than you can. So wherever you go, don’t be afraid to take up space, no one is you and that is your superpower.
TEAM CREDITS:
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Rochelle Brockington (@by.rochellebrock)
Creative Director: Lauren Alencar
Grooming: Maki Hyoung
Hair Stylist: Dexter Joseph
Public Relations: Jzon Azari (@jzonazari)
