It’s no secret that many men who are fashion gurus – whether from their products or their designs, to even their bodies that grace many magazine pages – are always given that raised eyebrow, pushed out mouth and “the look” that needs no explanation. A “you know he funny, right?” or “Long time he pon de odder side”, may occasionally follow.

It’s also no secret that on many occasions the predictions do turn out to be true. But on the other hand, for many male models in the industry, nothing could be further from the truth.

A real runway couple

During Calvin Southwell’s holiday collection debut last month, I was able to chit chat with a number of models whom I’d seen in many fashion magazines.

I won’t lie, I did enjoy the swimwear segment, and the open-buttoned shirts that revealed some really nice sets of six and eight packs, nicely oiled I might add to. Let’s just say that many of us women that evening got a healthy heaping of eye candy from the international male models, including Bobby Roache whom many of you watched in Beyonce’s Irreplaceable video.

Hold on a second ladies, there was no chance to flirt with the hottie, as he’s very much taken, and by an equally hot person too. So guys, even though some of you may have come to the fashion show to get a glimpse of America’s Next Top Model finalist Jade, she’s taken; and sorry ladies, Bobby is her man.

Wondering if their relationship will last? Wondering how they make it work? Wondering if they really have chemistry?

Well let me put it to you this way. While I went back and forth between the couple in the dressing room, I only really had to turn my head from one to the other, as Director of Insomnia Model Management Rickerson Ettienne applied Jade’s make-up, while already made up Bobby sat in a chair just behind his lady love.

Blushing as her boo spoke of her, Bobby explained that they’d been dating for over a year. “One of the best things about our relationship,” he tells me, “ is that we met each other without knowing who each was … she didn’t know I was a model and a actor, I didn’t know she was on the Tyra show… so we really got to know each other without the business.”

So are you gay?

No doubt, there’s a surge of swingers today, or as they like to call it, men “on the down low”, even right here in Antigua. These days, women aren’t just taking away other women’s men, but men have rolled into the competition (but that’s another article right there).

So while I had the chance to talk with the couple, and the other male models, I couldn’t stop myself from asking them all about “that” side of the industry.

When I asked Bobby if he’s ever got that type of comment thrown at him, that he might be gay or bisexual, he gives me the “of course” face, and laughs. “All the time … but hey,” he says as he wraps his arms even tighter around Jade’s thighs, “I know who I am… I know I’m a man, so I don’t listen to what they’re saying .”

Seasoned model Oraine, who’s graced the pages and covers of many international magazines, including Vogue, actually originates from Jamaica, and has also received his fair share of homo-related banters. But with his steady rise to fame, constant bookings, and let’s not even talk about the cash flow, he’s turned a blind eye and deaf ear to it all.

“I think in the Caribbean,” he starts, “we’re not exposed to certain things as men (in the fashion industry), but when you go away to the US and the UK, it’s totally different.”

He admits that the industry is ridden with men who are homosexuals, but it’s not a requirement for success. “I mean, yeah, the modelling industry is made up of a lot of gays, but if you know that you’re not gay, then what’s the problem? You have to go by who you know you are.”

Fellow fashion model Rick, who hails from the US and has been in the industry agrees with Oraine. He adds that there’s definitely a market for Black Caribbean male models. “The darker they are the better … and just stay true to who you know you are.”

Show me the packs

Amongst the new female faces in Southwell Models, were scattered a fair number of male models as well. Some admitted that they hadn’t told anyone about their involvement in the fashion show. Although by the end of the evening, which was videotaped by several stations, they were well aware that their anonymity would be dissolved.

Some looking a bit more pensive than others, they were prepared to deal with the negative criticisms that would be thrown at them.

Some of the other male models, however, had no problem sharing their venture with their friends and families. As one model put it, “I work out a lot, I have a great body, and I have no problem showing it off … I love showing off my body.”

While there’s no denying that the industry is riddled with homosexuality, whether by participation or association, for these male models, they see it as a lucrative career in the future.

Rick even added that Black men are “known for our longevity, so whether it’s 17 or 45, the market is there for these guys.”

At the end of it all it does boil down to the individual and how strong he is. But for the record, while people continue to believe that homosexuality goes hand in hand with male modelling, like these professional, money-making, hot-bodied models put it, if you know you’re not a homosexual, and if you just happen to be a heterosexual who loves looking good (that’s what a metrosexual is), then proceed, and let’s get some Wadadli faces on the cover of Vogue.

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