Tom OConnor

A new breed of man is emerging on the glossy pages and our big & small screens. A look familiar to LAB having embraced it for many a seasons, the Manchild, part man part child, with chizelled but innocent looking features thats contrasts to the classic handsome faces of the 90'-00's. The latest campaigns for Tom Ford, Alexander Wang with Max Motta, Givenchy with Simon Nessman & Jonathan Marquez, Danny Schwarz for Calvin Klien, Sebastien Sauve for Frankie Morello and Zara and celebrated on screen with James Franco, Robert Pattinson all celebrating this look. More recently Henry Cavill who has been cast to play the lead as the NEW Superman with another new film yet to be released about mythical tales - Immortals, due out early 2012 marks it as the trend to watch in male modelling. This model's look reminiscent of Henry Cavill (you be the judge also) in the Tudors recently nabbed the most coveted spot of opening LAB HOMME Salon Presentation SS12' Pre - Collection in Sydney, to a private audience of Media & Buyers during Australian Fashion Week in May. The honour was bestowed to Tom O whom is a veteran with LAB, the only male model to be cast at 4 out of the 4 presentations to date. We spend 15 minutes, post Australian Fashion Week to catch up & introduce the next face to watch, Tom O'Connor... LAB: Welcome Tom, Lets go back to the beginning, tell us - How | When did you begin modelling? TO: Around the middle of 2008- I had a few friends that were models and they were always encouraging me to do it so I went and payed a visit to Chadwicks. The manager of the men?s division was overseas at the time and I didn?t have any shots so they took a couple of digitals and when he came back I went in for an interview and was signed that day. LAB: Which agencies do you belong to? TO: I am with Chadwick for modelling and 360 Management for Acting/Presenting LAB: So where are you currently based out of? TO: In Sydney. LAB: Can you tell us about your fashion style that best describes you? TO: Definitely the 60s/70s. It was a liberating time for fashion- it might not seem so bold compared to fashion today but when you compare it to the conservatism of the 50s and early 60s it was really a revolution and I feel it represents the dawning of a more carefree paradigm that has heavily influenced the way I see fashion and also the world. That being said, I also think that different fashions suit different situations and there?s a timeless elegance in a well cut suit that?s hard to match. LAB: Do you have a current weakness for food you highly recommend? TO: I really love to cook and also love to indulge from time to time; I?m partial to good chocolate, lollies and also enjoy going out for a beer with my mates. I think the most important thing at the end of the day though is balance so I?ll train hard during the week whether it be basketball, mixed martial arts or just in the gym to make sure that any excesses don?t affect me too much LAB: Next question, Can you list 3 fav animals + characteristics, why you like or thought of them? TO: a/Tiger: I?ve always loved tigers; they?re such majestic creatures but at the same time they are incredibly fast, strong and about as high up on the food chain as you can get. I was fortunate enough to pat and play with one on a recent trip to Thailand and I?d love to spend some time working at a Tiger sanctuary in Africa or Thailand. b/ Dogs: They?re amazingly loyal animals. It?s been scientifically proven that having dogs around can help you live longer than people who live alone. I?ve had dogs all my life and I can imagine not having any. c/ Pandas: Basically just because they?re really cute LAB: Favourite colour? TO: Blue. It has always been my favourite colour and my favourite stones are lapis lazuli (Friendship, truth, love) and turquoise (strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world). The colour also seems so have calming properties and reminds me of the ocean when I?m not near it. [Colour theory - Blue is a "favourite color" of most and is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. Being strong, important, peaceful, intelligent. As the collective color of the spirit, it evokes rest and can calm the body, however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.] LAB: Who would you describe as your Movie ICON? TO: There?s way too many to name; from the classics like Humphrey Bogart, Steve McQueen and Robert Redford to modern guys like Heath Ledger, Leonardo Di Caprio, Brad Pitt. The actor whom I respect the most however is Johnny Depp- I love the fact that he?s not afraid to take risks with characters choice and the amount of work that he puts into BECOMING a character rather than just playing one. I also love his personal style and his laid back demeanour. LAB: And Best words of advice - given or advised? TO: ?Fortes fortuna adiuvat? (Fortune favours the bold) ?Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony? ? Gandhi LAB: Lastly your must-have LAB piece/s? TO: The suiting is all phenomenal. That being said, however, I can?t get enough of my superfine l/s tee and slim vest. Merci. LAB