From the runways of the world to the rugged beauty of Madeira, Elliott Reeder reflects on the experiences, challenges and defining moments that have shaped his career. Captured against the wild volcanic landscapes, dramatic cliffs and untamed coastline of the archipelago, this is a portrait of a man still discovering new horizons.

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Madeira’s rugged landscapes, just off the coast of Portugal, feel a world away from the fashion capitals Elliott Reeder now knows so well. Yet amid volcanic cliffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean, the British model seems entirely at ease. Having fronted campaigns for brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, BOSS Bodywear, Ted Baker and Brooks Brothers, among others, Reeder has built an international career defined by versatility, moving effortlessly between heritage labels and contemporary fashion.

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After transitioning from competitive rugby to modeling, Reeder has embraced each new chapter with quiet confidence and a willingness to evolve. Today, that same curiosity extends beyond the camera, fueling a growing interest in fashion’s creative process. Speaking with DA MAN, he reflects on the experiences that have shaped him, his evolving perspective on style and masculinity and the mindset that continues to propel him forward.

Boxers by Tom Ford; necklace by John Hardy

DAMAN: You started as a rugby player before moving into fashion. What was the biggest adjustment?
Elliott Reeder: Rugby is structured. You train, you play, you know exactly what the week looks like. Modeling is the opposite. You can be in three countries in a fortnight, then quiet for two weeks. Learning to be comfortable with that unpredictability took a while.

Briefs by DSQUARED2; necklace by John Hardy

DA: What similarities have you found between these two worlds? Especially considering how different they are from one another…
ER: Both involve a lot of showing up, doing the work and not taking rejection or a bad day too personally.

Abel polo shirt by OBEY; pants by Sunspel

DA: Do you think your years as an athlete shaped the way you carry yourself in front of the camera?
ER: Definitely. Sport gives you an awareness of your body, how you move and how you hold yourself without having to think about it too much. It also teaches you to take direction well.

Outfit by BIASA; necklace by John Hardy

DA: Looking back, you were discovered after a photo from a holiday in Barcelona. Did you ever imagine such a casual moment would completely change the direction of your life?
ER: Not at all. It was just a photo from a trip; there was nothing planned about it. I think that’s the part I still find funny. You can plan your whole life and then one random afternoon changes everything.

You can plan your whole life and then one random afternoon changes everything

DA: Your background combines athletic discipline with fashion’s emphasis on creativity. How do those two sides influence your work today?
ER: The sport background just means I turn up prepared and don’t complain when the days run long. The creative side I’ve picked up along the way by watching people who are good at it and staying open.

Outfit by BIASA; necklace by John Hardy

DA: Menswear often explores different ideas of masculinity, from strength to elegance. How would you define your personal style today?
ER: Well-made basics, good fit, quality fabrications and nothing that feels like I’m trying too hard.

DA: What’s your current day-to-day style essential?
ER: Right now, probably a mule. Not the most expected answer, but they’re easy to wear, versatile and perfect for summer.

Outfit by BIASA

DA: Is there a designer, photographer or creative collaboration that has shaped the way you see fashion?
ER: It’s probably an obvious answer, but working with Ralph Lauren and seeing how everything is styled and how they create a moment rather than just a shoot.

DA: When you’re in front of the camera, how do you balance expressing your own personality while adapting to a creative vision?
ER: The personality comes through in the small things, like how you move and the energy you bring between frames. If you’re relaxed and present, it sort of ends up in the photos in an organic way.

Swimming trunks by HOM

DA: After working across different markets and with a variety of creative teams, what kinds of projects continue to excite you?
ER: Anything where the team genuinely cares about what they’re making. You can feel it within 10 minutes of arriving on set. Big or small budget doesn’t really matter. It’s more about the people and the energy in the room.

DA: What have you learned about the fashion industry that surprised you when you first started?
ER: How much of it is just people. From the outside it looks glamorous and intimidating, but day to day it’s stylists, assistants and photographers all working long hours because they love it.

Shirt by Orlebar Brown

DA: Today, models are also expected to build their own identity beyond images. How do you approach that aspect of your career?
ER: Loosely, if I’m honest. I’d rather share what I’m actually doing and interested in than manufacture a persona. People can tell the difference.

I’d rather share what I’m actually doing and interested in than manufacture a persona. People can tell the difference.

DA: You’ve traveled extensively for work. Which destinations have left the biggest impression on you?
ER: Peru, probably. Hiking up Machu Picchu was a completely different kind of trip. I’d also love to tick off all seven wonders of the world eventually.

Swimming shorts by Ron Dorff

DA: Outside of fashion, what keeps you grounded?
ER: Training, mates and family.

DA: Do you still stay connected to rugby or sports today?
ER: Definitely! I still train and still watch it.

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DA: Are there any creative directions or new challenges beyond modeling that you would like to explore some time in the future?
ER: I’m really interested in production, creative direction and understanding how the whole thing comes together.

DA: What’s one unique side of yourself that rarely makes its way into your photographs?
ER: My sense of humor. Shoots tend to want a certain look that’s more serious, so my true personality doesn’t always come through.

Boxers by Tom Ford; necklace by John Hardy

DA: Finally, after all the different roles you’ve taken on—athlete, model, traveler—what part of yourself are you still discovering?
ER: The creative side, probably. Sport was about execution; fashion opened up a part of me that’s more curious and open-ended.

Briefs by DSQUARED2; necklace by John Hardy

Photography Ronald Liem
Styling Staten Vale
Grooming skincare by SkinCeuticals
Model Elliot Reeder/SUPA Model Management
Location Madeira, Portugal