backstage at new york | namilia

in Lacoste

With every video, model and content creator, Calum Harper offers a new lens through which to view the fashion world. He’s speaking with us from his bedroom in New York, sitting down following his digital cover shoot for Schön! 48 dressed in Lacoste. He’s holding his phone vertically and, in a way, it feels like stepping into one of his vlogs — intimate, candid, and full of insight. “The modelling industry is known to be quite serious and exclusive,” he shares. “I thought I could put a twist on it and make it kind of fun; showing the ins and outs of what it’s actually like to be a model. And that was the best decision I’ve ever made!”

At just 22, the Gloucester-born talent is making waves both on the runway and online and he’s about to take on the big screen as well. Harper first caught the spotlight on TikTok, where he began posting behind-the-scenes footage of life as a working fashion model. One of his most viral videos, in which he demonstrates how to perfect the model face, has racked up over 50 million views.

It’s surprising to learn that Harper’s first two years in the industry were marked by scarce work. After moving to London post-pandemic to attend drama school, he began reaching out to modelling agencies to gain exposure. Though he eventually signed with one, nothing really took off until he met his current agent, Patrick Egbon-Marshall, at a party. “Patrick completely changed my life! The big shift was having someone believing in me and pushing as hard as they could for me,” he explains. Soon after, Harper was sent to Japan to develop his career, and began documenting his modelling journey on social media.

He’s well aware that good looks alone aren’t always enough to make it in the industry. “There are so many top boys in the industry that don’t have Instagram. If you look that good, you don’t need anything else, but some of us need social media!” he laughs.

That self-deprecating British humour is part of what draws people to Harper’s content. His authenticity is a key ingredient in his connection with followers. From job bookings and billboard sightings to attending the Academy Awards, his excitement is palpable. “Honestly I couldn’t believe I was there! I’m from a very small town in the UK, this kind of industry was very foreign to me, to my family,” he says. “But for some reason, I knew I was going to do something in this line of work. I don’t know how, but I always knew, and I’m so glad I trusted my gut.”

top. Ernest W. Baker
rings throughout. Calum’s own
opposite
suit. Bode
shirt. Hanro
shoes. Prada

top. Lacoste
opposite

full look. Ulla Johnson
opposite
full look. Diesel

full look. Lacoste

Get your print copy of Schön! 48 at Amazon Globally, Amazon Germany, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, Amazon Poland, Amazon Belgium, Amazon Sweden and the UK Schön! store.

Download your favourite cover now at the Schön! store.

This Schön! 48 digital cover story is produced by

photography. Stephanie Pistel @ tempomedia.de
fashion. Charlie Ward @ See Management
talent. Calum Harper in Lacoste
casting. Alabama Blonde @ Strike the Blonde Casting
grooming. Valissa Yoe @ See Management using Oribe + Dior Beauty
retouch. Stephan Lesger
photography assistant. Nick Stokes
production. Frankie Production
location. The 1896
special thanks. Primate Props
words. Mehdi Bensalah

top. VIVETTA
shirt + trousers. Diana Klisaris

Photographer Alice Consonni lenses Sky with a cinematic softness in this Schön! editorial, styled by Stela Plaka who uses looks by Elie Saab, VIVETTA, Diana Klisaris and more, with hair by Alessia Trotta and make up by Jo Gandola.

top. Marie Lemet
top. SUNNEI
skirt. Vlerë
jewellery. Freya Haimi
opposite
top, skirt + shoes. Elie Saab
jewellery. Anton Koppenwallner

dress. RAMELLE
skirt. Kevin Brandi
bag. GB-DAVID
opposite
jacket. Vlerë
sunglasses. TAVAT
jewellery. Pavé The Way

sunglasses. TAVAT
jewellery. Pavé The Way
accessories. Freya Haimi
opposite
top. Elie Saab
jewellery. Anton Koppenwallner
bag. GB-DAVID

top. Marie Lemet
top. SUNNEI
skirt. Vlerë
shoes. My Chalom
jewellery. Freya Haimi
opposite
top. Vlerë
trousers. Diana Klisaris
shoes. Rick Owens
belt. Düttmann Design

dress. Daniele di Grazia
hat. Undercontrol Studio
jewellery. Pavé The Way
belt. Laura Pino
opposite
dress. RAMELLE
skirt. Kevin Brandi
shoes. LOLO Ballerina
bag. GB-DAVID