THE WEB STAR. Model, viner, youtuber and comedian Twan Kuyper shares his life’s story and his passion for fashion with DA MAN

Twan Kuyper

Denim jacket by Pierre Balmain, denim trousers by Civil Regime

Really successful models tend to leverage their skills (and fame) to venture into other fields, typically fashion design or acting. Dutch model Twan Kuyper, however, took a decidedly different path and went on to become an online phenomenon. It started with Vine, where his channel amassed more than 2.1 million followers before the service was semi-discontinued in late 2016. Today, he continues to create vlogs, behind-the-scenes videos and—what’s really become his trademark—comedic skits on YouTube. All the while, he kept his modeling game on point and also branched out to more mainstream film productions. But when we peek under this long success story, what we find is a young man with the best talent of all: the drive to work hard.

Twan Kuyper

Sweater by Barney Cools, shorts by Ben Sherman, shoes by Nike

DA MAN: Hi, Twan. Awesome to have you with us. Let’s start with some really basic questions: How did you get started in social media and online video creation?
Twan Kuyper: First of all, thank you for having me. I love this magazine! I started posting on the social media about two years ago with Vine videos, and it went pretty quickly for me. On my first day, I gained over 80,000 followers, and it just kept going from there the more I continued to make funny videos.

DA MAN: As a YouTube star, social media influencer, entrepreneur, model, etc., do you have anything resembling a “typical day at work”?
Twan Kuyper: Well, I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical workday in my industry. But as an example: I wake up, hit the gym, shoot videos, talk or meet with my manager, do my meetings, head to acting class and just go from there. Every day is really different, though, which makes life really interesting and fun.

Twan Kuyper

Shirt by Adidas, T-shirt by Rag & Bone

DA MAN: When it comes to creating your videos, where do you usually start? Where do you usually get ideas and inspiration from?
Twan Kuyper: It really depends. Sometimes I write down my ideas for videos and then schedule a time to shoot. But sometimes I just sit down before I shoot, brainstorm really quick with creative ideas that are relatable to people, and think of funny scenarios around them.

DA MAN: What, would you say, has been the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today?
Twan Kuyper: Definitely pushing myself out of my comfort zone daily for the past two years, striving to become better and greater every day, and telling myself that I’m not going to stop no matter how big the obstacle might be.

Twan Kuyper

Shirt by Drifter, trousers by Dockers

DA MAN: Lately, there has been a huge increase in people trying to make it big on YouTube, Instagram and other social media platforms. What was it that you did differently and made you successful in this business?
Twan Kuyper: It’s always really important that your videos and edits are well put together, and pleasant to watch. Also, I believe that I’ve always connected with my fans in a special way.

DA MAN: On a related note, what is one thing that almost everybody gets wrong about your profession?
Twan Kuyper: That it’s easy or that we don’t work hard, when it’s actually really time consuming. A lot of hard, passionate work goes into making this career—or any career—happen. Think about how many things we have to be able to do to just make videos: You have to be able to write, direct, shoot and edit. On top of being creative, you have to try and find a great manager or agent to handle business matters so that you can continue to move your career forward in the direction you’d like to go.

Twan Kuyper

Jacket by Levi’s, shorts by Ben Sherman, sneakers by Bernhard Willhelm Trainers

DA MAN: Moving forward, do you have any big plans to expand your online presence or add more offline ventures?
Twan Kuyper: Yes, I’m always working on new things. Some of it I can’t talk about yet, but there will be merchandise coming!

Twan Kuyper

Suit by Canali

DA MAN: Stepping back from plans for the future to past success, can you tell us a bit about your modeling days? Particularly before you ventured into Vine …
Twan Kuyper: Before my vine days, I was signed to Next Models, and I did a couple of shows like for Louis Vuitton, etc. But now I’m with IMG Worldwide, and I’m extremely happy there. Also, I recently shot with Mario Testino for the anniversary edition of Vogue Netherlands.

Twan Kuyper

Jacket and sweater by Old Navy, shirt by H&M, bag by Bed|stu, watch by MYKU

DA MAN: What was it that eventually convinced you that modeling was for you?
Twan Kuyper: In the beginning, I had a lot of insecurities about modeling, but down the road I realized that this was really for me, and fell in love with it.

Twan Kuyper

Jacket and denim trousers by Ben sherman, shirt by Body Glove, watch by MYKU

DA MAN:Do you think that the skills and habits you picked up while modeling helped you perform better in front of a video camera?
Twan Kuyper: For me, acting helped me to perform better in front of the camera with modeling. It helped me bring emotion that translates into facial expressions in the photos.

Twan Kuyper

Jacket by Jaywalker, denim trousers by Ben Sherman

DA MAN: Will modeling still play a significant role in your future career? If so, do you have any projects lined up for, say, the next couple of months or so?
Twan Kuyper: Modeling will always be a part of my life, as will acting. Regarding future projects I’m working on, I have a lot of great things that are coming up, but I can’t really say what they are yet.

DA MAN: What would be your dream-modeling project? Campaign for a big brand, perhaps? Or maybe working with a certain photographer or stylist?
Twan Kuyper: I would love to work with Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.

Twan Kuyper

Sweatshirt by Vanishing Elephant

DA MAN: Moving on to your own style, are there any particular fashion trends that you like to follow?
Twan Kuyper: I really like to just kind of put together what I think looks good, combined with what’s in style right now, which may be a mixture of things—but it’s my style.

DA MAN: How would you describe your own personal fashion style, by the way?
Twan Kuyper: I would say that I have a good mix between Los Angeles fashion and New York fashion.

Twan Kuyper

Shirt and denim trousers by Ben sherman, briefs by Hugo Boss

DA MAN: What would you consider the top, say, three most important styling tips that every man should know?
Twan Kuyper: One: Train your gut instincts. Before you trust your eyes, do your research; see what’s available and what’s in style; then you can begin to trust your eyes. Two: Just because something works on someone else, it may not work for you; learn your fashion-self. Three: Accessories can make a huge difference in any outfit; find out what looks good on you, and don’t overdo it. I could go on…

Twan Kuyper

Shirt by Calvin Klein

DA MAN: Since your Instagram game is definitely on point: What would be your number-one tip for picking photos for Instagram? Especially when you want to highlight your clothing style …
Twan Kuyper: Really try to create new and exciting photos. Also, really make sure the lighting is good!

Twan Kuyper

Shirt by KTZ, denim trousers by American Apparel, sneakers by Nike

DA MAN: You’re also known quite a bit for your humanitarianism. For example, you support The Charlotte & Gwenyth Gray Foundation. Can you tell us why you support them as well as any other charitable causes you support?
Twan Kuyper: I believe the children are our future, so I stand behind any organization that supports children. I am also a huge supporter of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation by Denise Rich. They fight aggressively against cancer and I plan on attending their next event this year. I was introduced to them by my manager Gari who is also a friend and supporter of the foundation.

Twan Kuyper

DA MAN: You have just celebrated your birthday on February. So, are there any big milestones—career or personal—that you’ll be tackling this year?
Twan Kuyper: Everyday my goals grow and grow. The more I accomplish, the more I want what’s next. So, that is pretty hard to say because it will never stop for me. [Laughs]

Twan Kuyper

shirt by Calvin Klein, denim trousers by Banana Republic

DA MAN: One last question: Throughout your work and adventures over the past couple of years, what has become your number one source of inspiration and motivation?
Twan Kuyper: Winning and accomplishing my goals is what drives me, and with a strong team the sky is the limit. Here I come, sky!

Twan Kuyper

Suit by Canali

Twan Kuyper

Jacket and sweater by Old Navy, shirt by H&M, bag by Bed|stu, watch by MYKU

Twan Kuyper

Shirt by Momotachi

Twan Kuyper

Photography Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Lauren Larocca and Brandon Nicholas
Grooming Sienree at Celestine Agency using Make beauty and Kevin Murphy Hair Car
Model Twan Kuyper/IMG Models

The Life, Laughs and Fame of Twan Kuyper

Adidas,

American Apparel,

Banana Republic,

Ben Sherman,

Body Glove,

Calvin Klein,

CANALI,

H&M,

hugo boss,

IMG Models,

Jaywalker,

KTZ,

Lauren Larocca,

levi's,

Mitchell Nguyen McCormack,

MYKU,

Nike,

Old Navy,

Rag & Bone,

Twan Kuyper