Text by Sarah-Eve Leduc
As seen in the January 2024 Print edition
Few stories captivate as vividly as that of Calum Harper in the butling world of fashion and social media. Hailing from the historic city of Gloucester, England, Harper’s journey from aspiring actor to an influential model and TikTok sensation is nothing short of remarkable. His unique path offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between personal ambition and the power of social media in shaping a career.
Calum’s journey began in the theatre-loving avenues of Gloucester, where his youthful fascination with the camera and stage set the foundation for his future endeavors. This early exposure to performance art was not just a pastime; it was the beginning of a profound love affair with the world of entertainment. The seeds of creativity were sown here, germinating into a passion that would later guide his foray into the realms of modeling and content creation.
In this exclusive interview, Calum Harper invites us into his world, sharing stories that are as inspiring as they are enlightening.
Photographer : Plouisa Rompoyuabbak
Stylists : Oisin Boyd & Ellie May
Hair Stylist Christos Bairabas
Makeup Artist Chiharu Wakabayash
Calum Harper @Menace Models
Lighting Assistant Alex Johnson
You come from Gloucester, England. How has your background and upbringing influenced your approach to both modeling and content creation on social media?
My background in Gloucester was always me trying to be infront of a camera or be on stage. I loved taking part in any theatre opportunity possible in my city and I was always trying random things to try make a break through. For example, when I was 16 I made a fitness social media page which I eventually stopped but I always wanted to create content for people and try my best to entertain. My modelling came about from me always dreaming of being an actor and trying to find ways to get my face out there. Hence why I applied to modelling agencies in London and fortunately got accepted to one.
Can you share the story behind your transition from aspiring actor to becoming a model? What motivated this shift, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic?
This is quite a funny story. I always wanted to be an actor as a kid growing up but when I finished my A levels, I decided that it was too risky to try and become exactly that. So I chose to go to University in Cardiff and study Business Management. However, one day in the peak of Covid, I watched high school musical for the first time. It completely reignited my love for musicals, so I started watching all the other musical films I could find on Netflix. Eventually this motivated me so much to drop everything and pursue my dream of becoming an actor. So I moved to London 2 weeks later and applied to modelling agencies.
Your journey from applying to modeling agencies to becoming a successful model is inspiring. Could you share any specific challenges you faced along the way and how you overcame them?
For the first year of modelling I didn’t get a single piece of paid work. It was such a hit on my confidence and I was very close to giving up so many times. But one evening I ran into my now mother agent who completely changed my life overnight. And here I am. However, not getting any work for a year straight taught me so many lessons, especially gratitude. Every single job I get in this rat race of an industry is such a win and such an honour to be a part of.
Your journey into modeling has been quite remarkable, including your London Fashion Week debut and your stay in Tokyo. Can you take us through the experiences that had the most profound impact on you during these moments?
Tokyo was by far the greatest experience of my life and I am so thankful that I started modelling so I had the opportunity to do this. It wasn’t just fantastic modelling experience but was also truly incredible for my self development as a person. I was by myself on this incredible adventure and I found complete peace in being completely alone. The day before I left Tokyo, I went to the highest building in the city and watched the sunset. I think I cried for around 30 minutes that evening. I was so proud of myself and I’m so thankful for every lesson that this 2 month experience taught me. Nothing will ever come close to this for me.
With 2.2 million TikTok followers, you’ve clearly made a connection with your audience. What do you think sets you apart from other influencers, and how do you maintain authenticity in your content?
My audience is truly incredible. I am so honoured to be so connected and engaged with so many people. Honestly, I just try to be myself throughout every experience and I try to show every single angle of my life. The good and the bad. I think this has allowed my content to be trustworthy and relatable to others. I also always imagine when making a vlog that I’m speaking on FaceTime to a single person rather than millions of people. Because that’s what I’m doing. There’s one human on the end of every phone so I try my best to talk to them directly.
How has social media influenced your career and personal life
Social media has impacted my career hugely. I absolutely love making videos and trying to entertain people for a short period of their day. It’s my passion. Also having a social media presence definitely helps the modelling side of things and I’ve 100% booked jobs because my following has been taken into consideration. Within my personal life, it’s been turned into something I would have never expected. Especially when it comes to travelling which in my opinion is the greatest perk of being in the modelling and entertainment industry. I am so lucky to be where I am and I genuinely cannot believe it.
Could you share some insights into your creative process for your TikTok content? How do you come up with ideas, and what’s your favorite type of content to create?
My tiktok video ideas come from absolutely no where. I find that since I started vlogging, my brain is on absolutely all the time. Always thinking and searching for videos. Most of the time I’ll just see something and my brain will light up. My mum tells me my greatest talent is making an entertaining piece of content from something so incredibly mundane. I just film day to day stuff and try my best to make it funny, entertaining and relatable. My favourite type of content to make is whenever I go to a new city and I just get to explore and bring people with me. That is something I find so incredibly fun and one of the many reasons I loved my time in Tokyo so much.
In your TikTok vlogs, you document unique modeling experiences. Is there one particular job or shoot that stands out as the most memorable or life-changing for you?
The most memorable job for me will always be the Gucci FW23 show in Milan. The casting and fitting process was truly the most insane and nerve wracking experience. I would leave the Gucci HQ and hope and pray I get an email to come back tomorrow day for the next part of the process. It was my first ever runway in Milan and to make that debut for Gucci was absolutely amazing. I remember being backstage before I was about to walk and having a seriously intense heart palpitation episode haha. After the years of not getting any work and all the rejection, it meant everything to me.
You have mentionned your evolving look. How has your personal style and self-expression evolved since you started your modeling career, and what role does fashion play in your life?
Yes I feel like my look has changed a lot since I started modelling. A big thing is my fashion and sense of style. I definitely dress a lot better than when I started. Since being in the industry I’ve been given an insight to so many incredible pieces of clothing from being surrounded by the best stylists in the world. It truly just opened my eyes up to what I can do with fashion. Also my taste has completely changed. I love to wear stuff that makes everyone in the street turn their head and think “what is he wearing”. In my opinion that means I look unique and different which are two beautiful qualities.
Modeling often involves a lot of travel and adapting to different cultures and environments. How has your globetrotting lifestyle impacted your perspective on the world, and do you have any memorable travel stories you’d like to share?
As I mentioned earlier, travelling the world is the greatest perk about being in this industry. Indulging myself in different environments and cultures will always be the most eye opening experience for me. I also learn the most about myself when I travel as 99% of the time I do it alone. I remember when I landed in New York for the first time to start castings for fashion week. I just walked around and thought… “I’m in New York. WHAT ON EARTH”.
As someone who has experienced the world of the modeling industry, what advice would you give to aspiring models who are just starting their careers?
If you’re just starting in the modelling industry I would definitely say practice the art of patience. Patience is an absolute virtue in this industry. Another thing is to always stay true to yourself and don’t lose who you are. This industry can chew you up and spit you out if you aren’t careful. So be humble and be kind to yourself and your body. You are beautiful no matter what!
Collaboration is often a significant part of both modeling and content creation. Are there any artists, photographers, or creators you dream of working with in the future? What kind of projects would you like to explore together?
My number one photographer I want to work with is someone called Damon Baker. My best friend shot with him and I remember being absolutely stunned by the images. He is a true genius behind the camera!
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future, both in modeling and your online presence? Are there any exciting projects or ventures on the horizon that you can share with us?
I just want to live younger Calum’s dream of becoming an actor and being on stage or on screen. I’ve never wanted anything more. In terms of modelling I would love to be a part of my first worldwide campaign and be on billboards. Then with social media… I really don’t care about numbers of followers or money. As long as I am still putting a smile on peoples face and bringing some sort of entertainment to peoples lives, then I’m happy. That’s all I want.