IN CONVERSATION WITH THOMAS MEACOCK
interview by JANA LETONJA
British model Thomas Meacock is part of a new generation redefining modern menswear through understated confidence and timeless style. Known for his refined aesthetic, Thomas moves effortlessly between sharp tailoring, contemporary editorials and fashion campaigns, bringing a distinctly British sensibility to every project. Beyond the polished imagery, however, his personality shines through on social media, where his playful dance videos and love of Oasis-inspired style reveal a more relaxed, authentic side.
suit and shirt AMIRI
tie ETRO
shirt DOLCE & GABBANA
sunglasses TOM FORD
watches BVLGARI
Your style feels rooted in classic British menswear while still feeling contemporary. How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
I wouldn’t say my personal aesthetic is confined to any one style. I’m consistently taking inspiration from everyone and everything around me.
You’ve become associated with an Oasis-inspired look. What is it about that era of British style that continues to inspire you?
I’ve always been drawn towards the fashion sense associated with Brit pop. More specifically, Oasis and Blur. Nothing worn by either of these bands, whether off or on stage, ever felt forced, it always looked to be what they wanted to wear regardless of previous band related tradition. The simple authenticity of this is what inspires me aesthetically.
jacket DAVID KOMA
trousers DOLCE & GABBANA
shoes CHURCH’S
jewellery EMANUELE BICOCCHI
How has your relationship with fashion evolved since you first started modelling?
Having the opportunity to model professionally has exposed me to a wide range brands. This magnitude of exposure over the last 3 or 4 years has really broadened my fashion related horizons and continues to help me develop my style with time.
Social media gives people a glimpse of your personality through your dance videos and lighter moments. Was it important for you to show that side of yourself?
I like to think music is the most important influence on my sense of style. I’ve always felt as though I’ve found a way, through the dancing I do, to connect fashion with music and express that visually for an audience on social media. Although not life or death, being able to express this side of me does feel important as music and fashion are two such important aspects of my life.
coat and trousers DOLCE & GABBANA
t-shirt DSQUARED2
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
brooches BVLGARI
How do you balance the polished world of fashion with staying authentic online?
Staying truly authentic is certainly difficult to do consistently when exposed to such masses of information online. I think the best way to go at it is to make the content for you and because you like it, regardless of what people might have to say.
Modern menswear is becoming increasingly fluid and expressive. Where do you think men’s fashion is heading?
I don’t think anyone really knows the answer to that question, nor do I think it really matters as whole. People should be able to wear what they, want when they want to. As long as what you wear makes you feel confident in yourself, you’re doing it right I believe.
jacket and shorts TOD’S
poloshirt CANALI
shoes CHURCH’S
socks BRIONI
hat BORSALINO
jewellery EMANUELE BICOCCHI
Do you think masculinity is being redefined through fashion today?
The word masculinity means so many different things to different people. Whether it’s being redefined in what people wear is totally subject to those in said clothing. For me, it’s never been that deeper thought. As long as what I’ve put on gives me a strengthened sense of confidence when I step outside, I feel like I’m going about it the right way.
Are there particular designers or fashion houses whose work resonates with you most?
I’m a huge fan Jonathan Anderson and his work at Dior/JWANDERSON. I’ve never met the man, but I would love to at some point in my life.
necklace BVLGARI
Fashion often celebrates perfection. How do you avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic standards within the industry?
I’d actually disagree with this statement. I don’t think fashion celebrates perfection at all, no two houses are remotely the same and if there was perfection to be chased, they would all be heading in the same direction, which to my best knowledge is not happening at all. There isn’t a sense or goal of perfection when chasing expression, which is what I believe fashion to be truly rooted in.
poloshirt MISSONI
jewellery EMANUELE BICOCCHI
jacket ISABEL MARANT
shirt CANALI
trousers GCDS
ties ETRO
shoes CHURCH’S
hat BONFILIO
What have you learned about confidence through modeling?
Confidence can be hard to find in a career as volatile as modeling. As your success rate is based pretty much entirely on how you look, it can be easy to beat yourself up over rejection. After doing it long enough, you realise in time it’s not personal and only business. Even if based on your looks, you must remind yourself that if you’re signed as a model, you can’t be too bad looking.
Outside of fashion, where do you find inspiration creatively?
Music for sure. Most people assume I’m some sort of a die hard Oasis fan, but I listen to all sorts of genres and find inspiration in a huge variety of artists. My current favourite being Jurassic 5.
What are you hoping to explore next in your career—whether that’s fashion, creative direction or something beyond modelling?
Couldn’t give an honest answer to that question. You can spend awful amounts of time trying too hard to plan your future and for what’s next, but I’m a large believer in living in the present. Saying that, I do like the idea of acting. Whether I’m any good at it or not is a whole other topic.
jacket and jeans DSQUARED2
shirt and tie CANALI
t-shirt GCDS
jumper MISSONI
glasses CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN by MARCOLIN
jewellery BVLGARI
TEAM CREDITS:
talent THOMAS MEACOCK at IMG Models
photography STEPHANIE PISTEL at Tempo Media
styling ALESSANDRA BLOOM
hair and makeup KIERON JUSTIN at Forward Artists
styling management SIMONE BRONZI
lighting direction and digi tech LUKE JOHNSON
photography assistant CHRISTIAN YOUNG
post production STEPHAN LESGER
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA