Nathan McGuire
Model, Director Mob in Fashion
Inaperlas Magazine interviews Nathan McGuire and chats about his journey as a model, the importance of cultural safety in the industry, and what his idea of beauty is.
I’ve shot with you a few times now. Could you describe your journey in the fashion industry? Did you always think you would model?
I love shooting with you Alejandra! We have so much fun on set! My journey has been like a rollercoaster. I have been modelling for 8 years now and I’ve done so much but have so much more I want to achieve. I felt I was underestimated in the beginning and continued to make great work and enjoy what I do. I have a great team around me and I do all I can to make sure they are happy and we enjoy this journey together.
You work in the industry as a First Nations Cultural Consultant, this is such an important role within the fashion community, how was that experience for you and what are you looking forward to doing with Mob in Fashion?
Cultural safety is so important. Having a role like this in the industry will help instill protocols that the industry can abide by and make the fashion space authentically safe and inclusive. I really enjoy the balance of speaking fashion and culture and how those two words come together. Part of how I do this is my program, Mob In Fashion which focuses on representation in behind the scenes roles that make up our industry. We now see a lot of representation in front of the camera on our runways, campaigns and editorials. I recognized an opportunity to expand the spectrum of First Nation representation other roles that make up our industry such as photography, styling, hair and makeup, production, journalism, marketing and events. Mob In Fashion finds the industry opportunities and gets the creatives meaningful career opportunities. It’s had a lot of interest and I’m excited for the industry to enjoy it.
“Cultural safety is so important. Having a role like this in the industry will help instill protocols that the industry can abide by and make the fashion space authentically safe and inclusive. I really enjoy the balance of speaking fashion and culture and how those two words come together.”
I’ve been loving exploring my mother’s idea of beauty in the Philippines. What are some memories you have of
fashion and beauty in your personal life?
That’s so beautiful! This is a good question. I have seen so much beauty in my culture as an Whadjuk Noongar man. Being an Aboriginal person and growing up in my community I have seen so much strength and power from my people. I think when I saw my eldest sister, Shannon McGuire start her modelling career I had my first look into fashion and beauty from the industry perspective. So the way she balanced culture and fashion has really inspired me to do the same.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve been given was to “think bigger.” Any time I have an idea. I make It bigger and almost impossible and then once I achieve something close to that idea, the ideas get bigger and bigger each time. It’s fun and a great way to manifest what you want in your career.
Nathan in Dior
Nathan’s favourite things
You can always find me... sipping coffee
Most used word.. yikes
Smell you love.. popcorn at the cinemas! Yum!
If you had a uniform, what would it be… Earthy colours
Favourite Song... Rock With U by Alicia Keys
Trend you’re loving now... Colour blocking
Place to visit.. Paris in Summer
Dinner spot.. Mum’s house
Muse… too many to choose one!
Colour.. Anything earthy and warm
“ I have seen so much beauty in my culture as an Whadjuk Noongar man. Being an Aboriginal person and growing up in my community I have seen so much strength and power from my people.”
Do you have a favourite shoot or job that’s stuck out over the years?
I did a shoot for the Sept 2020 issue of GQ Magazine which was shot by Jake Terrey and Creative Direction/Styling by Rhys Ripper. It was focused on me as a Whadjuk Noongar man and model. The process I took was to ask permission from my Elders back home in Boorloo (Perth) and then Elders on Gadigal Country (Sydney) to be painted in white ochre for one of the portraits. We had the first ever Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony ever for GQ. The shoot was so stunning and I’m very proud of it.
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