Total look TOM FORD.
Photography WILLIAM FERCHICHI, Styling KIELEY KIMMEL, Words DAVID GARGIULO.
Top RAF SIMONS, pants and jacket ÉTUDES.
Sweater ETRO, rings THE M JEWELERS.
The world of modeling is often regarded as a realm of glamor and allure, a stage where flawless images reign supreme. But beyond the dazzling façade lies a life of immense pressure, constant scrutiny, and personal sacrifices. Sean O’Pry, a male model who has spent 18 years navigating the intricacies of the fashion industry is no stranger to these struggles. “Self doubt is warranted in an industry based on the perception of beauty.” Sean confides to Vestal while admiring a beautifully intricate hand-painted artwork adorning the walls of one of New York City's last remaining sanctuaries for artists: The Freehand Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Manhattan's creative enclave, the Freehand is a place where unpolished elegance scoffs at conventional luxury, mismatched furnishings find harmony, vintage finds and repurposed relics share space with cutting-edge design. This vibrant tapestry of contrasts serves as the perfect background, where the glimmer of the fashion industry meets the gritty realism of life, all while Sean maintains his equilibrium with humility and commitment to personal growth. From dealing with the spotlight to confronting self-doubt, the model offers a candid glimpse into his journey, revealing the struggles, triumphs, and lessons that have shaped his perspective on fame, success, and personal growth. “Rising above my inner turmoil allowed me to do things I would’ve never dreamed of.” he reflects.
From the tranquil town of Kennesaw, Georgia, Sean acknowledges the unique challenges of transitioning from a tight-knit community to the bustling streets of New York City. The contrast is stark, with the anonymity of a small town giving way to a life under the constant glare of the spotlight. Sean confesses that handling the attention has not been easy for him. A deeply private individual, he has found solace in music. “When everything becomes too overwhelming, I put on some Ray Charles or Tim McGraw and go back to Kennesaw, Georgia in my mind.” Sean shares during the interview.
Success in the fashion world often demands significant sacrifices. Sean discloses that the most poignant sacrifices he has made involve missing out on cherished moments with his family. The industry’s unpredictable demands can swiftly disrupt personal plans, highlighting the delicate balance models must strike between their careers and personal lives.
“Self doubt is warranted in an industry based on the perception of beauty. [...] Rising above my inner turmoil allowed me to do things I would’ve never dreamed of.”
— Sean O'Pry
Nevertheless, his success is underscored by the sturdy support network he's cultivated, where family and friends comprehensively grasp his commitments and lend a compassionate ear. In return, Sean fiercely safeguards this circle, as the invasive nature of the media and the public’s voracious appetite for personal details is a challenge. Staunchly preserving his privacy, he asserts his right to keep his personal life shielded from the public eye. As a male model, Sean’s experiences have included confronting stereotypes. He humorously references “Zoolander,” the movie that cheekily parodies the industry, while acknowledging his pride in challenging and dispelling stereotypes through his own career. Yet, akin to other sought after models, achieving balance is a perpetual quest, “I’ve been working in the industry for 18 years and I still can’t find balance. It’s a blessing that I operate quite well in disorder and confusion.” he concedes. Amidst the pressures of his career, Sean immerses himself in a canvas of passions – from the strokes of art to the cadence of music, and the adrenaline of racing cars. Furthermore, he embraces his role as a devoted dog parent, drawing from this cherished bond a wellspring of creativity and fulfillment that extends beyond the conventional boundaries of the fashion world. He is also driven to give back to a cause important to him: children’s hospitals. His own brush with a life-threatening illness during childhood has kindled a fervent commitment to philanthropy, underscoring his belief in the transformative power of making a positive impact and the profound importance of giving back.
Engaging in a variety of activities has enriched Sean’s perspective on life. Interactions with accomplished artists and the environments of creativity have deepened his understanding of art and culture, serving as constant sources of inspiration and education. Looking ahead, Sean dreams of embracing family life while maintaining his career’s momentum. Aiming for progress over perfection: “I honestly just hope to take more steps forward than backward; and if I fail at that, I’ll just try again.” he says.
Sean O’Pry’s journey reflects the multifaceted nature of success and the resilience required to navigate the demanding world of modeling. With candor and introspection, he has provided a glimpse into his life, offering valuable insights for anyone striving to balance personal passions, relationships, and fame. Through his experiences, Sean reminds us that the path to success is both arduous and rewarding, shaped by the challenges we face and the choices we make.
Total look DOLCE & GABBANA.
Jacket ÉTUDES, sweatshirt HAIDER ACKERMANN, pants MAISON MARGIELA. rings THE M JEWELERS and PAMELA LOVE. ( opposite ) Top and shoes VALENTINO, pants DOLCE & GABBANA.
Total look DENZIL PATRICK.
Jacket ISABEL MARANT, top Stylist's Own.
“When everything becomes too overwhelming, I put on some Ray Charles or Tim McGraw and go back to Kennesaw, Georgia in my mind.”
Total look ERDEM.
Total look TOM FORD.
Photographer William Ferchichi, Stylist Kieley Kimmel, Grooming Timothy Aylward using Sunday Riley Skincare, R+Co Haircare (The Wall Group), Photo Assistant Antonio Moore, Talent Sean O’Pry (VNY), Location The Freehand Hotel NYC