Examiner.com has covered many designers for fashion show events; however, we have yet to interview any of the models in the events. In a female dominated industry, we thought it would be a breath of fresh air to hear from male models that are making waves on the cat walk in the fashion capital of the world, New York, New York. This is the first of a two part series of interviews with two separate male models on how they got into the modeling industry, what they have accomplished so far and what the future holds for them. In part one we would like to introduce you to JaRed Cameron.
It’s Couture Fashion Week and the audience is waiting in anticipation of the Marlene Haute Couture fashion show. The music starts to play; it’s a beautiful Russian tune, elegant and timeless. Then, he appears. A true gentleman in all black, blonde hair, copper skin, dark smoky eyes, chiseled face. He is heartbreakingly handsome and perfectly poised as he heads down the runway towards the hordes of flashing cameras with one hand placed casually inside his jacket showing off a single gold bracelet. He stops in front of the photographers pit and opens his jacket to reveal a beautiful silk embroidered vest, then places both hands in the pant pockets. He is a sight to behold and the epitome of a male model. His name is JaRed Cameron, also known as Jay Cam, and he is more than just another pretty face.
A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, Jay has known since childhood that he was put on this earth to be in the entertainment industry. “I recall the days my mother, godmother and I would sit in the living room watching the Awards shows. Though I was only a child, I could picture a future where I would be in a tuxedo on that red carpet - cameras flashing, interviews flowing, endless smiles, beautiful outfits, amazing talented people all around. That was the dream I saw for myself,” Jay explained.
Jay began performing at a young age, playing the piano and tap dancing until his early teens; however, much of the focus in those years was towards academics and playing sports. “Although I had much creative energy within me, it had never been truly released and explored,” he said.
In an interesting turn of events, the college he ended up going to did not have a baseball team, leaving him completely devastated. “Up until that time I had planned to go pro and this significantly derailed my future plans. I was lost and had no clue what else I should do,” he said. Then, one semester attempting to fulfill one of the academic goals, he decided to take acting classes. “Once I took that first class I was bitten by the acting bug immediately and with the help of my Professor, David Dannenfelser, my mind was opened to another world.” At this time his path seemed clear, that his calling was to be a professional actor. However, it seems life had even bigger plans for Jay.
Examiner: How did you make the transition from wanting to be an actor to going into modeling?
Jay: I was still at a crossroad to whether or not I should pursue a career in the entertainment industry because of the level of difficulty and uncertainty for success. The deciding moment came one weekend when my Dad and I took a trip to Baltimore, Maryland on what we called a 'Sonday.' I received inspiring words from my Dad who gave me the final push of encouragement I needed to move forward with this career choice. So, I went to get headshots and after that shoot, I was asked to come back for fashion shots. It was on that shoot that I realized something else. I wanted to be a model as well.
Examiner: Tell me about your very first fashion show and how that shaped your career in modeling.
Jay: My very first show was to walk for Ray Brown, designer for Ray Vincente Menswear. As soon as I stepped foot on that runway, it seemed as if that was exactly where I belong. At that show I met publicist William Michael Reid and that partnership led to what seemed like an infinite number of industry events and networking opportunities that created a non-stop flow of gigs.
With William Michael Reid’s help, Jay’s show offers and castings for New York Fashion Week started to roll in. “Being a part of nine shows in my first Fashion Week was an amazing and humbling experience that will live forever in my memories,” said Jay. Besides New York Fashion Week, his resume also includes New Jersey Fashion Week, Couture Fashion Week, Miami Swim Fashion Week, and walking for a fashion show during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. “I now have my sights set on working internationally. To walk the runways of Paris, Milan and Japan would be a complete dream.”
Examiner: So what does JaRed Cameron have in store for us for the remainder of 2013?
Jay: I have recently been cast to be featured as Elliot in one upcoming episode of The Carrie Diaries on the CW Television Network airing this month. I finished one part of a movie project for a new film called The Psychotics by director Ken Kushner, and am looking forward to shooting the pilot for the new TV series with the same title.
Examiner: Very impressive. And finally, what is your inspiration?
Jay: I have learned my purpose in life is to be able to use all I attain to help others. It is why I take part in a lot of charity work for AIDS, Domestic Abuse Awareness, Alzheimer’s and Cancer research and awareness. I also seek to build a road for the younger generation so that they may see my story and aspire to succeed in whatever it is their heart desires. I want them to know that anything is possible with much hard work, ambition and dedication. The most important factor being an unwavering belief in yourself – to never give up. If I can get one person to say ‘If he can do it, so can I,' I will have done my job.
One can conclude that Jay has true class, dignity, grace, professionalism and respect of his peers. And as a male model, you need to have a lot of swagger, or in Jay’s case, Swaginur. This is the brand he has created for himself and it is a network that unites positive and inspirational people of different professions with quality work that is marked by elegance.
For more information on Jay Cam's Swagunir brand, visit swagunir.com.
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