Andrew Christian

Model Search, Competition &  Fashion Show at 42nd West

A chance of a lifetime for someone with dreams of becoming a model will be fulfilled on January 22 at 42West at the OUT NYC Hotel, when a top underwear designer makes a rare New York City appearance to find and discover the next Andrew Christian model.

Hosting the show will be Andrew Christian himself, along with top models Arad and Cory Z, Brandon Cole Bailey, drag superstar Peppermint, Sasha Seven and Scotty Em, while DJ Steve Sidewalk controls the dance floor.

Get Out! spoke to Andrew Christian about what exactly what he’s searching for.

Andrew, please tell the Get Out! readers a little about your New York event.

We’re doing our Model Search Contest in New York, so I’m real excited about it. It’s the first time we are doing it on the East Coast. We’ve always done it in LA, because that’s where we are based. It’s a really great opportunity for me to meet some new guys who I may not otherwise be in contact with. Also, it’s a great chance for guys who may have what it takes, but they don’t know how to get into the business, and to get in contact with us about getting into the business.

What are you looking for in a model?

The thing I’m looking for is the guys have to look good, and I’m looking for personality. A really outgoing personality. They have to be very friendly, because when they’re out there they are representing the brand. So personality has a lot to do with it.

You’re pretty cute. Have you ever modeled your own underwear?

I haven’t, but thank you.

Why underwear?

It’s just how it evolved over the years. I started a company doing sportswear, which I still really like doing. Then I started doing swimwear, and then finally one day I just started designing underwear. It just like took off. My whole business took off when I started doing underwear. I think that part of the reason why was timing. I think it was the right time for men’s fashion underwear. Also, my underwear is different than a lot of other brands. It uses a lot of bright colors, cool color combinations, and really unique and different design details in it.

When you are designing underwear, how do you measure it? How do you determine the sizes?

There is a basic specification for the underwear. The underwear can look really cool, but it’s very important that the underwear are comfortable to wear. At the end of the day, if underwear is not comfortable, people are not going to wear it. Now, you don’t want to sit there and have something rubbing you the wrong way. If you’re scratching all day long, you’re not going to wear it. So first and foremost, the underwear has to be comfortable and functional.

What will the boys who are trying out to be an Andrew Christian model be required to do at this event?

They have to come out in the underwear, and walk and model, and then I’m probably going to ask them a few questions to see how they do. Just try to get the general energy from them, before we pick an ultimate winner.

Are there any age requirements?

Anywhere from early 20s to early 30s.

So they don’t necessarily have to be professional models?

They don’t.

What do you suppose the length of the event will run?

It depends on how many people show up. We’re expecting it to be a few hours. We will see how it goes. I’m really excited to come to New York, because whenever I come to New York I always feel like I’m coming home, which is kind of weird, because I’ve never lived in New York. I have always lived in Los Angeles, but I have so many friends in New York, so it’s really great to come there, to see everybody and catch up. You know, just the energy there is so much different than the West Coast.

What do you think the most rewarding thing is about being a fashion designer?

I guess the best thing about doing the niche market that I’m doing, men’s underwear design, is I get to make people feel more sexy and more confident about themselves. When I first got into this line of work, I didn’t really think about that, but I realized it over the years. I go to so many events and meet so many people, ordinary people from all over the U.S., people with not a perfect body, not a model body, but they love the underwear, and they wear it, and they feel a little more sexy. The fact that I can bring happiness to people that way is really gratifying for me.

Where will you be in 10 years in the industry?

In 10 years I see myself still doing what I’m doing. I love what I’m doing. Maybe expanding into different categories, and maybe there will be an Andrew Christian fragrance. Time will tell.

Did you have a designer who inspired you growing up?

Growing up I was really inspired by Karl Lagerfeld. He was so prolific. He was doing so many collections at the same time. It was just astounding to me.

Do you have a partner?

I do not.

Do you want one? Should I put it out there?

Sure!

Is there anything that you would like to add that I have not covered?

This should be a great event. I have two of my top models there. They are helping me decide if these guys have what it takes. I have Cory Z and Arad. These are very seasoned models and will see if these guys match up. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough decision, and I’m sure I’m probably going to find more than one there, so it’s going to be tough.

Is Andrew Christian international?

I am. It’s really a global brand.

Did you ever imagine your company would get this big from underwear?

I didn’t, not in my wildest dreams.

When someone mentions underwear, the first thing they think of is you. How does that make you feel?

It takes some getting use to. Your name becoming a commodity, it’s a little surreal at times. It’s a lot of years of hard work and dedication.
What advice would you give to someone who might be aspiring to be a fashion designer?

The fashion business, no matter what kind of fashion it is—underwear, swimwear—is really, really difficult. So if you really believe in what you are doing, you need to stick it out. I had so many people tell me no, slam the door on my face. You just have to be persistent and keep going with your dream.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be so serious.