21-year-old TikToker who went viral for his wholesome excitement for trains was hired by Gucci and North Face for a new fashion partnership

@francis.bourgeois
@francis.bourgeois
  • TikTok's favorite train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois has made it to the world of high fashion.

  • The 21-year-old is the newest face of this Gucci x North Face fashion collab published by Highsnobiety.

  • His wholesome trainspotting videos have amassed 2.2 million followers and 37.5 million likes on the app.

Francis Bourgeois, the 21-year-old TikToker who went viral for his trainspotting videos, has been hired by Gucci and The North Face for a native partnership with streetwear blog Highsnobiety.

In the featured photos, Bourgeois models a $9,000 puffer and a matching pair of $2,000 trousers.

The gig is a big jump for the locomotive lover who once hid his passion for trains from other teenagers in fear of being judged, according to a 2021 interview with TikTok — and the internet is loving it.

"It's actually nice seeing someone so wholesome get brand deals like this rather than problematic influencers," one user commented on Bourgeois' video showcasing the campaign. "It's amazing."

@francis.bourgeois Here I am jumping aboard a 2MT locomotive for @Gucci x @thenorthface and @Highsnobiety campaign! #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

"I make these videos now so I can reclaim my love for trains," Bourgeois explained in a TikTok response to users questioning if he was a troll account. "I used to feel like I had to buy air max shoes and go to the gym just to fit in with everyone."

@francis.bourgeois Reply to @pusi_patrol I can see why people think I’m joking because I try and make funny videos but I genuinely love trains❤️ #trains #trending #fyp ♬ Outro - M83

Gucci and The North Face did not respond to Insider's request for comment on the value of the brand deal. While and Bourgeois' content differs drastically from most accounts on the app, a handful of influencers have been able to translate their online success into high-fashion modeling careers.

As for what's next in the trainspotter's future, Bourgeois told Highsnobiety that he wants to explore Japan's train culture, start his own clothing line, and open a "train-themed nightclub."

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