Model Behavior: Arthur Kelso Was Discovered in a Shake Shack
Welcome to Model Behavior, where we spotlight the up-and-coming faces to watch on the runway, and have them share a little bit about their life, career and more. Next is Arthur Kelso, a model from Aspen, Colorado who recently starred in a Macy's pride campaign and dreams of modeling for Saint Laurent or Dior.
Name: Arthur Kelso
Age: 26
Hometown: Aspen, Colorado
Zodiac Sign: Pisces!:)
Pronouns: They/them
Agency: JAG
When did you start modeling? What was your first job? I started modeling five years ago. My first job was a runway show with Libertine.
What made you interested in modeling? I have always been interested in acting, but I was scouted in L.A. at a Shake Shack while chowing down on my burger the first year I had been living there and I realized quickly that modeling was an awesome place to start if I wanted to really build confidence and a better understanding of self for this acting stuff.
What's your relationship to fashion/style? How has it evolved since you started working in the industry? Before I was modeling, clothing was strictly functional. Coming from a place that doesn't care about those things as much, I always had a huge passion for clothing and would go to my local thrift store trying to layer things, feel fabrics, try different color combos, but I had zero influence, so I will admit these fits were pretty wild. But it showed I was having fun and expressing myself, which is all that matters. It has evolved since then with the same childlike curiosity, but as I get to know myself more and more, my outfits have become much more precise to what I like. Free and comfortable.
What have been your most memorable gigs so far? My most memorable gigs so far would have to be a small Vogue Japan shoot I got to be a part of with Albert Watson, a test shoot with Rushka Bergman, Studio 189 fashion show and Kidsuper fashion show. They all stuck out because of one thing and that is the people involved in making it happen.
Bucket-list modeling gig? Bucket list gigs are Saint Laurent or Dior.
Coolest place you've been to as a model? The coolest place for a gig was Barcelona.
Do you have any fashion week traditions? Fashion week is something out of the movies, and is always the most hectic time of the year so I do my best to be practicing an extra amount of self care in my routines while preparing and during the process like yoga/breathing, journaling, going to sleep early and putting the right foods in me.
What do you make sure to always carry with you during fashion week? I always carry a crystal in my bag!
Best piece of advice you've ever gotten? Best advice I have ever received is that most of what a model can work on in this industry is to show up relaxed and confident for any occasion.
Favorite backstage memory from fashion week? The most vivid memory I have of something backstage was at the Libertine show and it was my first time doing something like that. The designer was super amazing and I couldn't believe what some of us were wearing! (If you're not familiar with the brand, it is very loud and fun.) So before the show started I just found myself in awe with everyone around me, the clothes, jewelry, crazy patterns, everything that's excited me about fashion! I got a big silver acrylic pinky nail and wore a pirate hat — it was madness.
What's on your fashion week pump-up playlist? "Primadonna" by Marina and the Diamonds.
What's going through your mind when you're on the runway/working a presentation? I do have nerves before shows, but they are more directed towards excitement to be a part of something much bigger than me and to share that moment together.
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