S kampanjama za brendove Diesel i Calvin Klein iza sebe i osobnim stilom koji kombinira najbolje od ikona iz 70-ih s modernim twistom, Nathan Hopkinson stvara svoj, autentičan put. Suptilan, promišljen i neprestano znatiželjan – ovako izgleda moda kada dolazi iz srca

U industriji koja se često kreće brže od ljudi koji u njoj rade, Nathan Hopkinson jest osvježavajuća iznimka. Njegov put – od početaka u high street modi do luksuznih kampanja – ukorijenjen je u autentičnosti i temelji se na samoizražavanju. Bilo da stilizira look, staje pred kameru ili istražuje umijeće glume, sve čega se dotakne djeluje promišljeno.

Grazia razgovara s modelom i multitalentom o osobnoj evoluciji, kreativnoj disciplini i što uistinu znači izgraditi nešto trajno.

Imao si puno uloga – influencer, model, a sada i glumački entuzijast. Kako te uloge utječu jedna na drugu?

Svaka uloga bila je poput stepenice koja me vodila prema sljedećoj. Rad kao model omogućio mi je suradnju s nevjerojatno talentiranim kreativcima – fotografima, stilistima, redateljima – i puno sam naučio o vizualnom storytellingu. Prirodno me to gurnulo prema stvaranju vlastitog sadržaja, gdje sam imao više slobode izražavanja i oblikovanja vlastitog narativa. Stvaranje sadržaja probudilo je u meni želju za dubljim izražajem – i tu dolazi gluma. Svjestan sam da je gluma potpuno drukčiji svijet – nije samo nastavak onoga što sam do sada radio već i umjetnost koju duboko poštujem. No sve što sam dosad učinio pomoglo mi je da izgradim samopouzdanje i znatiželju kako bih zakoračio u to područje.

Kako bi opisao svoj osobni stil i kako se razvijao tijekom godina?

Trenutačno je moj svakodnevni stil prilično opušten, udoban i bezvremenski, ali to stvarno ovisi o prilici. Puno sam eksperimentirao tijekom godina i mislim da je to ključno. Igrati se različitim estetikama, pokušavati i griješiti – sve je to dio otkrivanja identiteta. Svaka faza nečemu me naučila i sada znam što mi stvarno odgovara.

Tko ili što su ti trenutačno najveći stilski uzori?

Iskreno, kombinacija različitih mjesta. Odlazak na Tjedan mode uvijek me inspirira – energija, individualnost, rizici koje ljudi preuzimaju. Pinterest mi je stalna moodboard inspiracija. Ali era koja me najviše privlači su sedamdesete – čini se kao da su se tada ljudi stvarno trudili oko izgleda. Od kreatora jako cijenim stil Bryanta Gilesa, Andrewa Georgiadesa, Alexandera Rotha i mojih dobrih prijatelja Jordana Mainoo-Hamesa, Josefa Michaela te Regana i Reecea Walkera. Svaki od njih ima jedinstvenu viziju!

Čiju bi garderobu ukrao u trenu – može biti stvara ili fiktivna osoba, živa ili ona koja nas je napustila?

Moram li stvarno izabrati samo jednu? Da mogu, napravio bih savršenu hibridnu garderobu koristeći komade Lennyja Kravitza, Dennisa Rodmana i Colmana Dominga. Lennyjeva rock elegancija, Rodmanova odvažnost i bunt te Colmanov profinjeni edge – savršen spoj.

Osjećaš li pritisak pratiti modne trendove kao influencer ili pokušavaš stvarati vlastite?

Ne baš. Ne osjećam pritisak – volim se kretati svojim tempom. Trendovi dolaze i prolaze, lako se izgubiti u toj bujici. Za mene je ispunjavajuće ostati vjeran onome što mi je autentično i razvijati se prirodnim tokom.

Koje modno pravilo najviše voliš kršiti — i zašto?

Ono staro “ne kombiniraj plavo i crno” – obožavam to prekršiti. To je tako zastarjela ideja. Zapravo mislim da plava i crna mogu izgledati nevjerojatno elegantno kad se dobro stiliziraju. Pravila su tu da se preispituju.

Vrati nas na početak – kako si otkriven kao modni influencer? Je li to bilo planirano ili slučajna sreća?

Bilo je itekako planirano. Počeo sam objavljivati modni sadržaj oko 2017. i tada sam tagirao stranice poput NCL Gallery i Pause, nadajući se da ću biti repostan i stvoriti modnu zajednicu. Počeo sam se redovito pojavljivati na većini modnih stranica. Tijekom lockdowna dobio sam velik zamah stalnim objavama, posebno na TikToku. Ta dosljednost me lansirala.

Koji je najnevjerojatniji ili najveći trenutak tvoje karijere do sada?

Rekao bih suradnja s brendom Jaded na velikoj kolekciji 2021. godine. Bio je to nevjerojatan projekt s nevjerojatnim timom. Ukazano mi je povjerenje da pomognem oživjeti tu viziju – i vidjeti ljude kako nose komade koje smo osmislili bilo je nestvarno. Bio je to onaj full-circle trenutak i podsjetnik na to koliko sam daleko stigao.

Kako danas izgleda uspjeh u odnosu na početke?

Iskreno, nije se puno toga promijenilo. Od početka mi je cilj bio pružiti sigurnost majci te izgraditi život u kojem se mogu probuditi i voljeti ono što radim. Uspjeh je za mene sloboda – sloboda stvaranja, davanja i primanja brige, sloboda kretanja i mira kad mi je potreban. To je ravnoteža kreativnosti, zdravlja i smislenih odnosa.

Naslovnica i editorijal za Graziju nastali su uz pomoć umjetne inteligencije – inovativno, ali i kontroverzno. Što te potaknulo na taj pristup umjesto tradicionalnog snimanja?

Uvijek sam vjerovao u otvorenost prema novim oblicima izražavanja. Rano sam prihvatio društvene mreže pa mi je logično istražiti i AI. Kad se koristi odgovorno, to je izuzetno moćan alat. Osjetio sam da je ovo pravi trenutak za nešto novo – zakoračiti u budućnost i istražiti mogućnosti.

Slike sam stvorio pomoću platforme Foxy.ai, odgovorne AI platforme koja surađuje isključivo s talentima. To znači da nitko ne može generirati deepfake verzije mene – ili bilo koga drugoga – bez dopuštenja, što mi je izuzetno važno.

AI klonovi i virtualni influenceri sve su češći – brendovi poput Prade, H&M-a i Coacha već su uključeni. Što misliš o tom pomaku?

Mislim da je uzbudljivo – sve dok je jasno označeno da se radi o AI-ju. Već smo vidjeli stvarno zanimljive kampanje u svijetu ljepote i mode. Ipak, ponekad nedostaje dubine i emocionalne priče koju nosi tradicionalno snimanje. Proces je brži, što je učinkovito, ali ponekad nedostaje ona postupna izgradnja do krajnjeg rezultata. Unatoč tome, postoji golem kreativni potencijal i siguran sam da će tehnologija s vremenom biti još bolja.

U svijetu preplavljenom sadržajem, kako ostaješ autentičan i zadržavaš publiku?

Uistinu ima previše sadržaja – gotovo previše. Može biti iscrpljujuće. Trudim se uzeti si vremena i dijeliti samo ono s čime sam stvarno zadovoljan, što mi je autentično. Za mene je sadržaj oblik samoizražavanja pa se ne opterećujem previše oko publike. Oni koji se povežu, ostat će, oni koji ne, neće – i to je u redu. Ali zahvalan sam svima koji ostanu. Velika ljubav za njih.

Da ti ormar plane (nadajmo se da neće) – koja bi tri komada spasio bez razmišljanja?

Lako – moje YSL mokasine, Rick Owens trapezice i Bottega Andiamo torbu.

Koje osobine tražiš kod suradnika – bilo da se radi o stilistima, fotografima, agentima ili brendovima?

Ljubaznost je broj jedan. Jesu li ljubazni ljudi? Ugodno je surađivati s njima? Jesu li marljivi i otvoreni? Pomažemo li jedni drugima? Imamo li iste vrijednosti? Ako je odgovor na sve to potvrdan, suradnja je gotovo sigurno odlična.

Za one koji tek počinju – što je važnije: broj pratitelja, kvaliteta sadržaja ili stvarne veze?

Sve je važno, ali rekao bih da su kvaliteta sadržaja i stvarne veze ključni u početku. Ako izgradiš čvrste temelje, pratitelji će doći s vremenom. Puno ljubavi za moje pratitelje, ali ne bih imao nijednog da nisam stalno stvarao – što stvarno volim – i da nisam upoznao ljude koji me podržavaju.

Tko ti je trenutačno najveći ženski crush – u modi, filmu, ili jednostavno netko kome se diviš?

Moja djevojka Antara. Golema mi je inspiracija i ne uzimam je zdravo za gotovo. Puno me toga naučila.

Koji je tvoj savjet za mlade kreativce koji žele ući u modni svijet bez tradicionalnih resursa?

Stvarajte što više možete. Biti kreativan je ljekovito – zdravo je i za um i dušu. Istražujte, dokumentirajte svoj proces i objavljujte. Svjestan sam svojih privilegija, ali sam i jako naporno radio. Bez discipline, vjere i svijesti da mi svijet ništa ne duguje ne bih puno postigao. Kratkotrajan uspjeh je lagan – dugovječnost dolazi iz truda i srca.

Misliš li da se industrija uistinu razvila po pitanju “raznolikosti” ili još uvijek kasnimo?

Sigurno se razvila, ali još imamo puno posla. Raznolikost bi trebala značiti stvarnu uključenost i reprezentaciju – svih ljudi, bez obzira na podrijetlo, izgled ili identitet. Ljudi se trebaju moći prepoznati u svijetu oko sebe, pogotovo u modi. To mora ići dalje od puke geste – treba biti dio kulture, castinga i storytellinga. Tada je to stvarno.

Imaš li osobni moto ili trik za mentalni reset kad se osjećaš kreativno blokirano ili zanemareno?

Vraćam se osnovama. Maknem se od buke – meditiram, krećem se, pišem dnevnik, uzmem pauzu od mobitela. Pogledam dobar film, skuham nešto fino, nazovem mamu ili se izgubim u Pinterestu. To mi obično pomaže. Radi se o ponovnom uzemljenju i podsjećanju zašto sam uopće počeo.

Radio si s najvećima – Burberry, Gucci, Valentino, Dior – ali si počeo s high street brendovima poput Boohooa. Što si naučio iz tih ranih suradnji?

Odrastajući, high street moda bila je sve što sam poznavao. Mama je uvijek kupovala u takvim trgovinama pa mi je suradnja s tim brendovima bila ostvarenje sna. Tada sam naučio kako online suradnje funkcioniraju – kako se prilagoditi, kako snimati s namjerom te kako kroz styling i vizuale prenijeti poruku proizvoda. Morao sam biti svestran i učiti u hodu. To mi je dalo dobru bazu.

Kako si se osjećao kad su dizajnerski brendovi počeli kucati na vrata? Je li postojao trenutak kad se sve promijenilo?

Bilo je nestvarno. Krenulo je s brendom Moncler na događanju u Serpentine Gallery u Hyde Parku. Sjećam se da sam ušao i vidio lica koja sam dotad gledao samo online – PAQ su bili tamo, a onda je ušetao Rick Owens. Nisam mogao vjerovati. Ta mi je večer ostala urezana u sjećanje. Nakon toga su počele dolaziti i druge prilike. Mislim da se pravi pomak dogodio tijekom lockdowna – kao i mnogima – kad sam se još više posvetio sadržaju i samo nastavio.

Što je sljedeće za tebe?

Tko zna što točno budućnost nosi – otvoren sam slijediti ono što mi se čini ispravnim. Nastavit ću raditi ono što volim, raditi na sebi i dopustiti da se sve ostalo prirodno razvije. Imam nekoliko uzbudljivih stvari u pripremi, ali zasad ih čuvam za sebe. Vjerujem da će me proces odvesti tamo gdje trebam biti.

Nathan na Instagramu: @CurlyFrysFeed
PR agencija: IntriguePublications.com / @IntriguePublications

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English version

With campaigns for Diesel and Calvin Klein under his belt and a personal style that nods to ’70s icons and modern-day edge, Nathan Hopkinson is carving out a lane that’s entirely his own. Understated, intentional, and endlessly curious — this is what fashion looks like when it has heart.

In an industry that often moves faster than the people in it, Nathan Hopkinson is a refreshing exception. His journey — from high street beginnings to luxury campaigns — is rooted in authenticity and built on self-expression. Whether he’s styling a look, stepping in front of the camera, or exploring the craft of acting, everything he touches feels considered. Grazia sits down with the model and multi-hyphenate to talk personal evolution, creative discipline, and what it really means to build something that lasts.

You’ve worn many hats — influencer, model, now an aspiring actor. How do you see these roles influencing each other?

Each role has been like a stepping stone that’s led me to the next. Working as a model gave me the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented creatives — photographers, stylists, directors — and that taught me a lot about visual storytelling. It naturally pushed me toward creating my own content, where I had more freedom to express myself and shape my own narrative. Content creation gave me a hunger for deeper expression, and that’s where acting comes in. I’m very aware that acting is a whole different world — it’s not just an extension of what I’ve done, it’s an art form I deeply respect. But in many ways, everything I’ve done up until now has helped me build the confidence and curiosity to step into that space.

How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?

Right now, my day to day style is pretty easy going, comfortable and timeless but it really depends on the occasion. I’ve experimented a lot over the years, and I think that’s essential. Playing with different aesthetics, trying and failing — it’s all part of discovering your identity. Each phase taught me something, and now I know what feels true to me.

Who or what are your biggest style influences right now?

A mix of places, honestly. Going to Fashion Week always leaves me inspired — the energy, the individuality, the risks people take. Pinterest is a constant moodboard for me. But the era that’s really got a hold on me is the ’70s — seems like people really made an effort back then. In terms of creators, I really admire the style of Bryant Giles, Andrew Georgiades, Alexander Roth and my good friends Jordan Mainoo-Hames, Josef Michael and Regan and Reece Walker. Each of them brings their own unique point of view!

Which celebrity wardrobe would you steal in a heartbeat — living or dead, real or fictional?

Do I really have to choose just one? If I could, I’d create the ultimate hybrid wardrobe using pieces from Lenny Kravitz, Dennis Rodman, and Colman Domingo. Lenny’s rockstar elegance, Rodman’s boldness and rebellion, and Colman’s refined edge — that’s a dream lineup.

Do you ever feel pressure to keep up with trends as a fashion influencer, or do you try to set your own?

Not really. I don’t feel pressure to keep up — I like to move at my own pace. Trends come and go, and it’s easy to get caught up in the churn. For me, it’s more rewarding to stay grounded in what feels authentic and evolve naturally over time.

What’s one fashion rule you love to break — and why?

The old “don’t mix blue and black” rule — I love breaking that. It’s such an outdated idea. I actually think blue and black can look incredibly chic when styled well. Rules like that are made to be reimagined.

Take us back — how were you first discovered as a fashion influencer? Was it planned, or more of a happy accident?

It was definitely intentional. I’ve been posting fashion content since around 2017, and back then, I used to tag pages like NCL Gallery and Pause in hopes of getting reposted and building a fashion community. I started getting reposted on most fashion pages. Then during lockdown, I gained a lot of traction by posting constantly, especially on TikTok. That consistency helped things really take off.

What’s been the most surreal or greatest moment of your career so far?

I’d have to say collaborating with fashion brand Jaded on a huge collection back in 2021. It was an incredible project with an incredible team. Being trusted to help bring that vision to life — and seeing people actually wearing pieces we worked on — was surreal. It felt like a full-circle moment and a reminder of how far I’ve come.

What does success look like to you now compared to when you first started?

It honestly hasn’t changed too much. From the beginning, I’ve always wanted to make sure my mum is secure and build a life that allows me to wake up and truly love how I spend my time. Success, to me, means freedom — the freedom to create, to care and be cared for, to move my body regularly, and to have stillness when I need it. It’s a balance of creativity, wellness, and meaningful connections.

Your Grazia cover and editorial shoot were created using AI — groundbreaking, and a little controversial. What inspired you to take that route instead of doing a traditional shoot?

I’ve always believed in staying open to new forms of creative expression. I embraced social media early on, so it made sense to explore AI, too. When used responsibly, it’s an incredibly powerful tool. This felt like the right moment to try something new — to lean into the future and see what’s possible. I created the images with Foxy.ai, a responsible AI platform that works exclusively with talent directly. That means no one can generate deepfake versions of me — or anyone else — without permission, which I think is crucial.

AI clones and virtual influencers are becoming more common — with brands like Prada, H&M, and Coach already jumping on board. What’s your take on this shift?

I think it’s exciting — as long as it’s clearly disclosed as AI. We’ve already seen some really cool beauty and fashion campaigns come from it. That said, it can sometimes lack the depth or emotional journey that comes with traditional shoots. There’s less process — it’s instant, which is efficient, but you do sometimes miss that layered build-up to the final product. Still, there’s a lot of creative potential there, and I’m sure AI tech will get even better over time.

In a world flooded with content, how do you stay authentic and keep your audience engaged?

There really is so much content — almost too much. It can definitely feel overwhelming. I try to take my time and only share what I’m truly happy with, what feels most authentic to me. For me, content is a form of self-expression, so I don’t stress too much about keeping everyone engaged. People who connect with it will stick around, and those who don’t, won’t — and that’s okay. I’m so grateful for anyone that does stick around though. Big love to them.

If your closet caught fire (let’s hope not), what three items would you grab without hesitation?

Easy — my YSL loafers, my Rick Owens flares, and my Bottega Andiamo bag.

What qualities do you look for in the people you collaborate with — whether it’s a stylist, photographer, agent, or brand?

Kindness is number one. Are they kind people? Pleasant to work with? Are they hardworking and open-minded? Do we make each other’s lives easier? Do we share the same values? If the answer’s yes to all of that, then it’s usually a great collaboration.

For someone starting out, what matters more: followers, content quality, or real-world connections?

All three matter, but I’d say content quality and real-world connections are what you should focus on at the start. If you build a strong foundation there, the followers will come over time. I have so much love for my followers, but I wouldn’t have any without the consistent practice of creating — which is the part I truly enjoy — and without the people I’ve connected with I wouldn’t have the strength to create.

Who’s your ultimate woman crush right now — fashion, film, or just someone you admire?

My girlfriend, Antara. She’s been a huge inspiration for me and one I don’t take for granted. She’s really taught me so much.

What advice would you give to a young creative trying to break into fashion without traditional access or resources?

Create as much as you can. Being creative is healing — it’s healthy for the mind and the soul. Do your own research, document your process, and post about it. I understand I’m privileged to be in the position I’m in, but I also worked very hard to get here. Without discipline, faith, and the understanding that the world doesn’t owe me anything, I wouldn’t have made much progress. Short-lived success is easy — longevity comes from effort and heart.

Do you think the industry’s idea of “diversity” has really evolved, or are we still playing catch-up?

It’s definitely evolved, but I think we still have a long way to go. Diversity should be about genuine inclusion and representation — for all people, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, or how they identify. It’s about making sure people can see themselves reflected in the world around them, especially in fashion. It has to go beyond a token gesture — it should be embedded into the culture, the casting, the storytelling. That’s when it’s real.

What’s your personal mantra or mindset hack when you’re feeling creatively stuck or overlooked?

Back to basics. I step away from the noise — meditate, move my body, journal, take a break from my phone. I’ll watch a good film, cook something nice, call my mum, or get lost in Pinterest for a while. That usually does the trick. It’s about grounding myself again and remembering why I started.

You’ve worked with the biggest names in fashion — Burberry, Gucci, Valentino, Dior — but you started out with high street brands like Boohoo. What did those early collaborations teach you?

Growing up, high street fashion was all I knew. My mum always shopped high street, so working with those brands was a full-circle moment — it felt like a dream at the time. Those early collabs taught me how online partnerships actually work — how to adapt, how to shoot with intention, and how to communicate a product’s message through styling and visuals. I had to be versatile and learn on the job. It gave me a solid foundation.

How did it feel when designer brands started knocking? Was there a specific moment where it all shifted?

It was surreal. My first experience was with Moncler at an event at the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. I remember walking in and seeing all these faces I’d only seen online — PAQ were there, and then Rick Owens walked in. I couldn’t believe it. That night stuck with me. After that, more opportunities came. I think the real shift was during lockdown — like it was for so many people — when I leaned into content and just kept going.

What’s next for you?

Who knows exactly what the future holds — I’m open to being led by what feels right. I’ll keep doing the things I love, keep working on myself, and allow the rest to unfold naturally. I’ve got a few exciting things in the works, but I’m keeping my cards close to my chest for now. I trust that the process will guide me where I’m meant to be.

Nathan on Instagram: @CurlyFrysFeed
PR Agency: IntriguePublications.com / @IntriguePublications

Foto: Foxy.ai