From construction sites to fashion campaigns, Matty Carrington leads a life defined by both grit and gloss

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Matty Carrington’s modeling career began at sixteen, when a casual shopping trip in London with his mother turned into an unexpected stop at Select Model Management. What started as an ordinary day became a defining moment: he walked out with a contract in hand and the beginnings of a career he hadn’t even considered. Now, while fronting campaigns for Dsquared2, Intimissimi Uomo and JD Sports, he continues to run his family’s construction company in the UK—proving that discipline, humility and ambition can thrive in both steel-toed boots and designer shoes.

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Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 003.jpg — Jacket by Rick Owens; briefs by Emporio Arman

Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 004.jpg — Jersey pants by LU’U DAN

Carrington’s first love was rugby, not runways, and his athletic background shaped both his build and his mindset. The discipline, resilience and focus demanded by the sport gave him a natural edge when he began modeling. His early career progressed quickly, with appearances for London designers such as Astrid Andersen, Sibling and Bobby Abley, followed by a coveted spot walking for Givenchy. Editorials with publications like Wonderland, Attitude and The Independent soon followed. Those first seasons, he recalls, were a blur of castings, fittings and high-energy shows—an immersive crash course in the fast pace of the fashion industry.

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The turning point came at just seventeen, when he walked in a Tommy Hilfiger show that revealed the scale, reach and earning potential of modeling. It was the moment Carrington realized the work could be more than just a sideline. Yet he’s quick to downplay the glamour, focusing instead on the energy and chemistry of the teams behind the scenes. “It’s about the people,” he says, crediting a positive atmosphere on set as the true source of great results. This grounded mindset has made him a regular face for Dsquared2, with standout appearances in their sunlit Spring/Summer 2025 campaigns shot on location in Zanzibar. His work with Intimissimi Uomo’s IUMAN presentation and commercial spots for JD Sports—where he saw his first towering billboard—highlights his ability to move fluidly between high fashion and mainstream visibility.

Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 008.jpg — Hat by Jacquemus; T-shirt by Sacai

Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 009.jpg — Jersey pants by LU’U DAN

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Carrington prepares for shoots with focus and precision. In the days leading up to a major campaign, he sharpens his fitness routine by increasing cardio and tightening his diet to achieve the lean, athletic look the industry often demands. Daily exercise, however, is more than a professional requirement—it’s a ritual that keeps him grounded. “Some sort of exercise keeps me sane,” he says, using physical training not just for upkeep but as a way to reset mentally, wherever he is in the world.

Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 011.jpg — Polo shirt by Fred Perry; hat by Wear London

Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 012.jpg — Pants by Puma

Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 013.jpg — Polo shirt by Fred Perry; hat by Wear London

In an image-driven industry, Carrington has learned to manage the mental strain by maintaining healthy boundaries. He periodically steps back from social media, deleting apps to avoid the endless comparison trap. He’s never been one to chase trends, preferring clothes that prioritize comfort, practicality and personal style over fleeting looks. This no-nonsense approach mirrors his life in construction, where authenticity and teamwork matter far more than aesthetics. On job sites, surrounded by family and close friends, he enjoys a work environment free from ego or pretense. His modeling campaigns often go unnoticed there—something he finds both humbling and refreshing.

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Lensbymi by Matty Carrington for DAMAN August 2025 015.jpg — Pants by Puma

Working alongside those he’s closest to provides a sense of authenticity that contrasts with the curated world of modeling

Construction, after all, is where he feels most himself. Working alongside those he’s closest to provides a sense of authenticity that contrasts with the curated world of modeling. On a job site, he says, no one is impressed by campaigns or editorials, and he prefers it that way. A typical day starts with a morning run, followed by work onsite by 7 a.m. and wrapping around 5 p.m., with gym sessions added if a shoot is coming up. The balance isn’t always easy, but the structure keeps him grounded.

On a job site, no one is impressed by campaigns or editorials, and he prefers it that way

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For Carrington, success is no longer defined solely by career milestones. “Being able to look after the people around me” has become his true measure of achievement. While he dreams of landing a major fragrance campaign—Jean Paul Gaultier tops his list—his focus is also shifting toward the personal. After years of balancing the demands of two careers, he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family, and perhaps starting one of his own.

For all the polished imagery on set, it’s this dual life that defines Matty Carrington. His story proves that the fashion world’s brightest faces often carry more grit and character than meets the eye.

Photography Lensbymi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Grooming Farhana Nazmeen using Charlotte Tilbury skin and Unite Hair
Model Matty Carrington/ Select Model London

Matty Carrington on fashion, family and building a life beyond the runway

Farhana Nazmeen,

KIMBERLY YVETTE GOODNIGHT,

LensbyMi,

Matty Carrington