PRETTY SHADES OF BLUE. Male model superstar Lucky Blue Smith strikes a pose and opens up about his unordinary life, Iceland and family to Tim Chan

Suit by Etro, robe by Palace Costume, accessories by Luis Morais

All started with the name. Then came the hair. And before you knew it, you couldn’t walk down the street or flip through Instagram without seeing a photo of Lucky Blue Smith.

At just 17 years of age, the sixfoot-two, Utah-native has already fronted more than a dozen campaigns, including memorable turns for Tom Ford, Philipp Plein and Moncler. He was voted “Model of the Year” in 2015 and finished as the runner-up in a “Most Stylish Man” poll, right behind the one and only Kanye West.

But Smith’s success has had more to do with his serious work ethic and laid-back demeanor rather than on plain luck. He’s not only setting trends with his All-American style and ever-changing hairdos, but also setting the standard for what it means to be a top male model in today’s fashion industry. In short: Work hard, own your look and be nice to your fans.

Tim Chan: For those who don’t know, what’s the story behind your name?
Lucky Blue Smith: Well, my parents said they were lucky to have a boy after having three girls before me—especially my dad! So, that’s how I got my name.

Tim Chan: What have been the highlights in your career so far?
Lucky Blue Smith: It’s been crazy, but my career highlights have to be traveling to Iceland for the Moncler campaign, being on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and being in a Tom Ford campaign.

Tim Chan: How did it feel when you learned that you were up against Kanye as a finalist in that one “Most Stylish Man” poll?
Lucky Blue Smith: It was really crazy. I mean, I was surprised to even be in the contest in the first place, let alone going up against Kanye in the final round.

Tim Chan: Speaking of notable names, Hedi Slimane photographed you when you were just 12. What do you remember about that experience?
Lucky Blue Smith: Honestly, I had no clue how rad it was at the time. I mean, I was 12; so all I cared about was running around, going to the beach and doing all the usual 12-year-old things. Back then, I didn’t realize Hedi was a big deal in the fashion world, so thinking back about that experience with him, it’s really insane.

“The most important thing I’ve learned is to be yourself and own it”

Tim Chan: What do you enjoy most from modeling? What things do you dislike?
Lucky Blue Smith: I love the traveling part of modeling, and getting to meet such amazing people. There’s really not much at all that bugs me about it. I’m really blessed to be able to do this and be in this industry.

Tim Chan: What is the best destination you’ve ever visited for work?
Lucky Blue Smith: Iceland was so rad! Everyone needs to go there.

Tim Chan: You’re very active on social media. What do you think about the influence of social media on models and their careers these days? What do you think about privacy issues?
Lucky Blue Smith: I think it’s definitely helped models to be active on social media, but it’s also helped designers as well. Being on social media doesn’t always have to mean losing your privacy: Just because you’re on it, it doesn’t mean you have to let everyone know everything about you.

Tim Chan: How often do you check your social media accounts? Do you read all the comments?
Lucky Blue Smith: I check it a bunch throughout the day. I mean there’s a lot to check up on. I don’t really read the comments that much, though. Sometimes there can be some pretty gnarly comments on there!

Trousers by Astrid Andersen, accessories by Luis Morais

Tim Chan: Your siblings also work in the modeling industry. Does this benefit you in one way or another?
Lucky Blue Smith: Yes, I am very, very close to my siblings, and being in this industry with them helps a lot.

Tim Chan: You play drums in The Atomics band. Can you give us a taste of what is coming up, music-wise?
Lucky Blue Smith: There is so much about to come out this month. I can’t give you guys any dates, but just be ready for some killer music.

Tim Chan: Tell us about your film role in “Love Everlasting”? Is acting something you want to actively pursue?
Lucky Blue Smith: “Love Everlasting” was my first experience being in a movie, and I was lucky enough to be given the lead role. I was really attracted to the story: It’s about true love and inner beauty, which I’m really drawn to. As for acting, I would love to be in a movie like “The Breakfast Club.”

T-shirt by Bernhard Willhelm, trousers by Vivienne Westwood, hat and shoes by Palace Costume, accessories by Luis Morais

Tim Chan: What’s the most important thing you have learned so far?
Lucky Blue Smith: The most important thing I’ve learned is to be yourself and own it; you’re going to get turned down a lot, and you can’t let that faze you.

Tim Chan: Is there anyone in industry that you consider a role model or inspiration?
Lucky Blue Smith: Not really in the fashion world, but I’ve always looked up to my dad.

Tim Chan: You’ve already accomplished so much at your age. What would be your dream project for the future?
Lucky Blue Smith: Honestly, I’m not sure. I’m going to have to put some thought into that.

To see more images from this shoot, get a copy of DA MAN Style Spring/Summer 2016 here. And check out these outtakes below!

Coat by Versace, neckerchief by Vivienne Westwood

Outfit by Gucci, accessories by Luis Morais

Outfit by Marc Jacobs, necklace by Luis Morais

Outfit by Vivienne Westwood, ring by Luis Morais

Tank top by Palace Costume, jacket and trousers by Baja East, neckerchief by Vivienne Westwood, bracelet by Luis Morais

Photography Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Sean Knight
Digital Imaging Jon Norris
Casting Jonathan Clay Harris
Grooming Elie Maalouf at Jedroot
Model Lucky Blue Smith/Next Model Management

Lucky Blue Smith Gives a #NoFilter Interview for DA MAN Style

Astrid Andersen,

Baja East,

Bernhard Willhelm,

Etro,

lucky blue smith,

Luis Morais,

Marc Jacobs,

Palace Costume,

versace,

Vivienne Westwood