FIELD TO RUNWAY. DA MAN catches up with pro soccer player-turned-model John Halls and chats about his journey in one of the most glamorous jobs on the planet
Outfit by Zara
Professional athletes, as it turns out, make for good model material. Maybe it’s due to the discipline forged through years of training, or maybe it’s simply being used to stay focused on the job even as thousands watch on. Of course, having a solid physique sculpted through the aforementioned years of training certainly helps. And more often than not, there’s an intriguing story behind the journey from field to runway. Case in point: John Halls.
We first had the chance to chat with Halls for the spring/summer ’15 issue of DA MAN Style, where he talked about his career-ending injury, how he coped with it and about his transformation into a full-fledged model. Now, nearly two years afterwards, the British model’s back in the magazine with more stories about himself, the industry he works for and the day-today realities of being a top-of-the-line male model.
DA MAN: Hi, John. Great to have you with us again. How have you been?
John Halls: Hey, how you doing? I’m good, thank you. Thanks for having me back!
DA MAN: The last time we caught up with you was in early 2015. So, can you tells us what have you been up to for these past two years?
John Halls: I’ve been lucky enough to sign two contracts with the amazing people over at next directory, so they’ve kept me busy. It’s been a great two years with them traveling to incredible places around the world. Walking the runway for Armani is always a standout moment for me too.
DA MAN: Can you give us a brief rundown of your soccer career for our readers who might have missed our previous interview with you?
John Halls: Wow, it seems so long ago now! Okay, so, I was at the team I grew up supporting, Arsenal, from the age of 11 and stayed until I was 21 … I think! From there I went on to play for Stoke City and Reading Football Club, but was unlucky to have to retire through injury at the age of 30.
DA MAN: Do you still remember what it was like during your first couple of modeling gigs?
John Halls: I started modeling just after retiring from football, and in the beginning I just rolled with it. I wasn’t thinking too much about it at all. I do remember one of my first jobs was quite funny though: imagine me in a lovely suit, but with a huge Lego head on! It was a sweaty day …
DA MAN: What was it that eventually made you go, “hey, I can actually do this”?
John Halls: I think the turning point came after I went to new York and was given the cover story for Man of the World and a great story with Details. After that, jobs started rolling in and I was lucky enough to get to do some big campaigns. I think that’s when I thought: maybe I can make a living out of this.
DA MAN: On the flip side, what do you think was it that made people in the industry finally go, “Hey, he can actually do this”? How did you convince them?
John Halls: I’m still not sure. I think a good personality goes a long way; if people find you easy to work with and enjoy their time with you, they’ll probably want to work together with you again. So long as you take a half decent picture as well.
“Imagine me in a lovely suit, but with a huge Lego head on”
DA MAN: Now, with several years’ worth of editorials, shows and campaigns under your belt, has anything changed in your perception of modeling as a career?
John Halls: I like to think I can stay in the industry for a long time as long as I look after myself and stay off the burger and chips! I’ve worked with a few different guys now that are in their 50s and are still going strong. So, the work is out there.
DA MAN: In your opinion, what does it take for a male model to succeed today?
John Halls: I think being someone that everyone likes to work with is a big thing. Being polite and doing what’s asked of you goes a long way, especially when you can be working closely with the same team for three to four days. Looking half decent is probably a good thing as well!
DA MAN: Is a strong social media presence really important for models?
John Halls: I don’t think it’s always the case. I know plenty of the top boys that aren’t on Instagram. It definitely works for a lot of models and may put you in people’s thoughts more.
DA MAN: Every job has its highs and lows; but in modeling, do you have anything like a “typical day at work”?
John Halls: Yes. it’s not too exciting, though. Normally, I arrive on set around 9 a.m., have some breakfast, crack on with the hair and makeup people and start shooting around 10.30 a.m. We break for lunch and then go again till we finish shooting, normally around 5 p.m. or a little later sometimes. Nothing too crazy, depending on who you’re working with. A working trip, however, can be a little different where you may have to start at sunrise to catch the light, which can sometimes mean really early mornings!
DA MAN: This might sound a bit cliché, but where do you see yourself in, say, five years from now? Do you see yourself perhaps branching out to other lines of work?
John Halls:: I’d like to think i’ll still be modeling but also I would like to be doing something else in the industry. I’ve not completely put my finger on it yet, but whether it’s my own line or even something to do with styling, it’s yet to be decided.
DA MAN: Speaking of maybe creating your own line or going into styling, what are your top fashion tips that you think everyone should know?
John Halls: The fit of your clothes is really important. To have things altered now is really inexpensive and can really make a difference to your outfit.
DA MAN: On a more personal note, how would you describe your own, everyday style?
John Halls: Smart casual. I love to look smart but also feel comfortable, and on the high street now there are tons of options for this kind of look.
DA MAN: They say hindsight is 20/20, but still, looking back at your journey so far—from soccer to modeling, from Arsenal to Armani—is there anything you would have done differently if you could?
John Halls: I’m not really one to look back and say I wish I did this and that, otherwise I think I’d be crying all the time over my football career. Currently, I’m very happy with how things are and hoping to push on with some more exciting stuff in the future.
Briefs by Calvin Klein
DA MAN: What’s next for you? Do you have any big milestones you’re trying to reach at the moment?
John Halls: Hmmm … I have plenty of them, but right now I’ve based myself in New York for a little while and hoping to meet and work with some new clients out here.
DA MAN: Outside of work, do you still make time to pursue other interests?
John Halls: I still love football and most other sports, so I try and stay in shape that way with my close pals. Also, sometimes it’s just nice to have some downtime and not do too much when I’ve been away traveling. My girlfriend, family and dog help me do that!
DA MAN: One final question. All in all, what is it that motivates you to get up and do your best each day?
John Halls: After a few days off work, I start to hate getting up and having nothing to do, so that drives me on a bit. Working with great people and having success in the industry makes you want it more and ensures you’re always striving for the next goal.
To see more photos from this shoot, get your copy of DA MAN December’16/January’17 here, and check out the outtakes:
See more on the next pages.
Photography & Styling Ronald Liem
Model John Halls/ Next Models