MADDOX KAESTNER
It has been a while since we had a Model Spotlight here at CSLTM, so it is such a pleasure to present to you this amazing Top Male Model who have been blazing the fashion industry with his own masculine style and quiet yet unforgettable appeal. Maddox is the kind of model that is hard working, always professional and totally reliable. He is friendly and approachable. Maddox belongs to many top notch modeling agencies and have been featured in many SL magazines such as Maniera.
CSLTM believes in showcasing Top Talented Supernovas or Bright Rising Stars in the Fashion Industry so we can learn from them on their modeling journey. Please give some love to Maddox Kaestner.
Q: Please tell us about yourself and what you consider your defining characteristics as a model that makes you unique and recognizable from the rest.
MK: Well, I’m pretty much just a regular kind of guy. I’m not extravagant or over the top, I’m rather pretty laid back and down to earth. I’ve been in SL for about 3 years or so, and have had all kinds of remarkable experiences during that time. I’m currently as happy as I could ever be, with my career in modeling, in my relationship with the amazing Talyia Tarber, and just with myself as a whole.
I think my defining characteristics would have to be that I am a perfectionist, particularly when it comes to my modeling. I always strive to do my best in all aspects of it, whether that is in the styling, the poses, or the walk, but in that staying true to who I am. I hope that my attitude and the way I treat others is what people recognize, above any look that ditinguishes me from others.
Q: What is your view of SL Fashion and how did you venture into the modeling industry?
MK: The SL Fashion industry is just amazing. We have so many talented designers within our community that really make our job as models very easy. Fashion has come a long way within SL, and I am constantly in awe of what these incredible designers bring to us on a daily basis.
I got my start in modeling about a year and a half ago. I was searching for something I could do that I felt would be challenging as well as fun for me. I’ve always been a shop-o-holic, and was adamant about trying to make my avi presentable, and as close to “real life looking” as possible. A friend of a friend owned a small modeling agency, and she gave me a shot. I loved it and never looked back.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments within the modeling industry and describe what would be one of the most defining moments of your modeling career?
MK: I’ve been very blessed throughout my career thus far. I am affiliated with a number of wonderful agencies and magazines. I have the privilege of being the Assistant Academy Manager and teach new models at SuperElite Fashion Academy, I am currently a General Manager for Opium Fashion Agency, and am in charge of managing the runway for shows, etc.
Defining moments…..hmmm, I’ve had so many extraordinary experiences, it’s so hard to narrow them down as each have been important milestones for me. I would have to say the 2 that stand out most at the moment would be, being a finalist in Mr VW in 2010, and being chosen as a Maniera Man of Style, also in 2010.
Mr VW was my first big competition. I had no idea what to expect or what I was in for. It was definately a challenge, as well as an awesome experience. The competition was just incredible, all the guys were amazing and I feel very lucky to have made it to the finals.
It was not long after that, that I entered the Maniera Man of Style competition. I was pretty shocked, but extremely grateful to have won. I feel that the combination of these two experiences and the many other phenomenal opportunities I’ve been granted, have opened up many doors for me.
Q: You have certainly established yourself well within the modelling industry. Please tell us what you believe are the essential elements to being a successful model. Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
MK: Well, thank you, I appreciate that. I’m sure each model has their own beliefs as to what are essential elements. For me, it’s integrity, loyalty, and dependability. Of course models have to be motivated, and we should all strive to be unique in our own ways. But I believe without core values and morals, it’s all for nothing.
My advise for new and aspiring models would be to stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Stay focused and always try to keep a good attitude through the good and the bad, cause trust me, it’s not always easy out there in the model world. 🙂
Q: What do you like and dislike about modelling?
MK: Hmm what do I like? Wow, I like it all really. I love the huge variety and visions for shows and I love walking the runway. I welcome the challenge of every modeling opportunity. When you can take an outfit and present it, whether on the runway or in print, in a way that pleases the designer is always the most rewarding. I love the diversity within the modeling world, how each and every model envisions and creates a look of their own.
Now for my dislikes…lol. How long have you got? No, I’m kidding. Honestly I don’t have too many. Of course I loathe copybotters. Anyone who steals the ideas and hard work of another is without a doubt on the bottom of my list for a Christmas card. I’m also not a big fan of divas, or models who like to think they are above putting in the time that the rest of us do in practicing or rehearsing for shows, etc. I don’t think any of us are above any other, sure some of us have been in the industry longer, or have an established name or whatnot. But really, it can all be taken away in a split second, and I’m not beyond that realization.
Q: What motivates you to be a model? Who inspires you the most and what is your inspiration?
MK: My biggest motivation to model is the brilliant talents of our designers, and the irreplaceable feeling you get when you’ve finished an amazing project, show or shoot that highlights those talents and presents them to the general public in a way that helps that designer flourish in their business.
My inspirations range widely. What inspires me in modeling are designers, photographers, my fellow models, even to people I’ve never met. I see inspirations in RL, on the internet, in magazines, on the street.
Inspirations in my personal life, are my friends and family, my darlin Talyia, who is a constant support to me in all I do, and in RL – my grandparents, who have always instilled in me: to stand up for what you believe in, to love with all your heart when the time is right, and to treat everyone as you would want to be treated. And though I may fail miserably at times, I do strive to live by those standards.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Any future shows or projects we can look forward to?
MK: Hmm, let’s see, what’s upcoming. Well we just finished up London Fashion Week, which kept me extremely busy. At the moment, I am gearing up for Menswear Fashion Week, which is March 18th-25th. I’m working on a shoot for Radar Magazine. And Opium’s ‘I am Fierce’ Competition is continuing, which I am also involved in behind the scenes. So I’m staying busy. 🙂
As far as other plans for the future, well basically to just continue what I’m doing. I am constantly learning and growing as a model, and I strive to become more involved as my career progresses. I’m mostly looking to get involved in more print work, as opposed to runway work, so we’ll see how that pans out.
Q: Do you have any other interest or career in SL other than modelling? Tell us about it.
MK: Outside of modeling, I play football for the SFL, on the Frank’s Place Lions team. GO LIONS!! lol I also own and manage a horse ranch, Outlaw Ranch Inc., where we breed and sell horses, as well as dogs and fish. And of course my main interest…..well Talyia of course. 🙂 I said I’d never settle down, lol….well never say never is my new motto. So yeah, I’m madly in love and am enjoying every moment we have together.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
MK: I’d just like to thank CSLTM for the opportunity to be in the spotlight, and listen to my ramblings….lol. No really, it’s a great honor, and it means the world to me. Thank you. 🙂
We thank Maddox for his time in allowing us to interview him and we once again congratulate him for being chosen as a Model Spotlight to appear here in Confessions of a Second Life Top Model blog. We wish Maddox continued success for all his future endeavours!
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