Interview with Kirby Madden
Male Model of the Mars/Venus Issue
Interview
Conducted By: Fashion Editor-Teronce Styyles
mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
This interview was very enjoyable. I finally had the pleasure to work with Mr. Kirby Madden again. He was one of the male models that participated in my first fashion show in June 2007. It was definitely a blessing to conduct an interview with him. Kirby is well on his way to making big things happen in the modeling industry. He has what it takes to be successful and break down the barriers for all male models. Kirby is a delight to work with and I wish him the best in all his endeavors. So for those who haven’t heard of Mr. Kirby Madden, you will know after this interview.
TS: How are you,
sir?
KM: I’m good
can’t complain.
TS: I hear that,
man. This process is going to be harmless.
KM: (Laughs) I’m
up for it.
TS: Okay, I will start with the first question. Who is Kirby Madden?
KM: I am a
chameleon, confident and a very humble person from South Carolina. I don’t like
to be anyone else and I’m not easily influenced. I have many styles and looks
on a day to day basis; whenever you see me I never look the same.
TS: When did you realize that modeling was something that you wanted to pursue?
KM: I realized
when I moved to DC on August 16, 2004 and I went to my first fashion show around
September of the same year and I loved what I saw. I waited a year or so before
I went to my first model call and I got my first gig. Shortly after my first
fashion show I had my first photo shoot and I couldn’t believe that was me. I
love the attention from modeling rather it be good or bad.
TS: What’s the thing you like the most/least about modeling?
KM: What I like
the most about modeling would be wearing the designer’s garments and becoming a
character on the runway. What I like the least about modeling would be the fact
that male models have to be clean shaven and also the rejection part of
modeling.
TS: How do you handle rejection?
KM: Rejection is like a lesson learned.
TS: How do you
feel about male models not receiving enough recognition?
KM: It’s crazy because there is only one super male model that represents for all of us, which is Tyson Beckford. I think for the most part he does a good job and I believe he has the full package. I would definitely give him a run for his money so I wouldn’t back down by any means.
TS: What would
you do if you never reached your goals in the modeling industry?
KM: I’m very content with continuing to work my 9-5.
TS: Who’s your favorite designer?
“I love fashion and clothes so I would love to be a wardrobe stylist.”
KM: I actually
have a few designers that are my favorites, such as Dole & Gabbana, Prada,
Gucci, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. I’m waiting for Kanye West to come out
with his clothing line because I think he is a fashion icon for males who are
into fashion.
TS: How would you describe your fashion sense?
KM: I would try anything that compliments my body type but I make sure I read myself before someone else gets the opportunity to do so. In other words, I take the time to look in the mirror to make sure I’m on point with how I look before I go anywhere. THE PAPARAZZI IS EVERYWHERE.
TS: I so agree
that the paparazzi are definitely everywhere. I mention that all the time. You
have to be on point at all times even when you are feeling your worst.
KM: Oh, most definitely. I put clothes on just to go to the supermarket and the mall. You never know who you are going to run into.
TS: We definitely have the same views about that. Alright, next question. Are
you trendy or a trend setter?
KM: I feel that
I’m a trend setter.
TS: Do you prefer runway or print work?
KM: I actually
love it all but if I had to pick it would be the runway because as I mentioned
before, I love the attention.
TS: Which trend do you wish never existed?
KM: I wish the
baggy clothes that men wear never existed such as the big white tee shirts and
wearing pants off the butt.
TS: Who would you say is the best dressed male celebrity?
KM: It would
definitely be Kanye West hands down because he pushes the envelope, especially
with him being a hip hop artist.
TS: What would you say is the hottest trend for males?
KM: Well, I would
have to say blazers and vests.
TS: If you could work with one model, which would it be?
KM: OMG,
definitely Naomi Campbell because she is a beast on the runway.
TS: If you could work with one photographer who would it be?
KM: David
LaChappelle because he is the truth.
TS: Do you have any other interests/talents?
KM: I’m a
comedian at times; I like to cut up. I love fashion and clothes so I would love
to be a wardrobe stylist.
TS: Oh, that’s cool. We definitely have to work together on some styling projects.
KM: That would be lovely.
TS: How long have
you been modeling?
KM: I’ve been modeling for two years.
TS: What makes
you different from any other male model?A.jpg)
KM: I would have to say it’s my confidence.
“I am a chameleon, confident and a very humble”
TS: How do you keep in shape?
KM: I work out between three to four times a week and I try to watch what I eat.
TS: Do you have any body art and if so what is its significance?
KM: I actually have seven tattoos, which I feel is a sign of completion. My first tattoo is a lion because my mother’s maiden name is Lyon. My second tattoo is my name Kirby Madden - just in case anything happens to me I can be identified (laughs). My third tattoo is two drama faces with the saying “Live Now, Die Later.” I watched Martin Lawrence’s stand up, “Runteldat,” and he mentioned a phrase “I’m going to ride this B@$&, ‘til the wheels fall off,” which inspired me to get the saying. My fourth tattoo is my zodiac sign which is a cancer. My fifth tattoo is a “B” on the back of my neck because I love Lil’ Kim and my friends call me “BOUNCY” because I bounce in the club. My sixth tattoo is a pair of kissing lips located on my lower abdomen. My seventh tattoo is a cross on my hand which symbolizes “Lord keeping me at the cross,” especially when I’m about to go off on someone or something.
TS: Thank you for sharing the significance.
KM: Not a problem.
TS: What makes you uncomfortable?
KM: I would have to say when someone crosses the line of being professional. If I don’t invite you into my circle outside of the professional relationship then don’t try it.
TS: When was the first gig that put your name out in the industry?
KM: It was my first fashion show which was on April 2, 2006 with Green Apple Productions in Washington, D.C. at Club Mirror.
TS: What would people be surprised to know about Kirby?
KM: They would be surprised to know that I’m really shy, especially when I’m interested in someone. I wouldn’t approach them because I hate to be rejected. I’m a sensitive person in the inside but I have a hard shell on the outside.
TS: Do you think that male models are competitive?
KM: I know I’m competitive because I will take a male model’s spot in a minute.
TS: What are your views on gay marriages?
KM: I honestly believe if people who love each other in an alternative lifestyle want to get married then why deny them of that right? I personally don’t see myself getting married and having a husband and definitely not a wife.
TS: What advice would you give to upcoming male models?
KM: I would say to be you at all times. Make sure that you have confidence and personality.
TS: What’s next for Kirby?
KM: I want to get
into anything that involves entertainment.
TS: Would you like to add anything else for the readers of eXcape the matriX?
KM: I just want to say don’t take this interview personal because these answers are from my views. Also, keep a look out for Kirby Madden because 2008 is going to be a good year. I have another photo shoot in NYC and I’m looking to get signed to an agency and hopefully relocate to NYC very soon.
TS: Alright, well Mr. Kirby Madden, thank you so much for taking the time out
of your schedule.
KM: You are quite welcome, sir. It was a pleasure.
TS: This Teronce Styyles and always remember, “FASHION IS NOT A LUXURY.”