The Couture AVENUE Look 2011 Contest has become “the” styling contest of the year. Different from other contests this challenge demands not only stellar modeling runway experience, stage presence and the ability to capture the perfect photo, but the capacity to combine these all together with an imaginative unique style. With impeccable designers such as Nicky Ree, Baiastice, Chantkare, LeLutka, Miamai, AZUL, Cheerno and Stylissimo one would think it easy, but it’s no small feat to style together three designers to an end result of fabulousness. November’s Finalist Todd Anton did just that. With an extremely unique and personal styling Todd took us to the boundaries of couture male looks. Each month the contest is more challenging to judge as contestants continue to step it up and raise the bar, taking the contest head on with a kill or be killed attitude. I’ve had the great pleasure of catching up with Todd recently for this interview and took a chance to get to know more about the man behind the look. Jesika Contepomi: Todd let me start by saying congratulations, your styling was fabulous and as a contest judge I can honestly say the competition was steep. Before I get to the how’s and why’s our readers are dying to hear, can you tell me a little about how you got your start in modeling? Todd Anton: I’d never given much thought to modeling until I moved to Costa Rica Sims earlier this year and I thought, “Hey! I should give this a try.” I snapped two pics of myself and I made the
cut! At that point I had met Mikey Batriani and he gave me a crash course in modeling 101 and I loved every minute of it. I really took to it and enjoyed the styling aspects of it all. A few weeks later I was crowned Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010 and then went on to compete in the Mr. Virtual world pageant, both of which were great training ground for styling to quick change to figuring out the best poses to use. J.C.: So you’re fairly new to the industry, but really coming out of the gate running. What inspired you to take it a step further and compete in the Couture AVENUE Look Contest? T.A.: I love modeling all fashion styles but on my journey to become a model I found that couture is really my passion because it allows me to be very creative without limitations. There’s more of an androgynous feel to it, so I’m not afraid to embrace the feminine side as well as masculine. Couture is a specialized look, and I tend to love things that are very unique. Not everyone can pull off a couture look -- especially men, because a lot of men are resistant to allowing themselves to embrace that other side of them -- that dramatic flair that is so important to the look of couture. So when I’m walking the runway in couture I feel like a king! J.C.: I can feel your passion and see through your styling a sense of individualism but what do you find really makes you and your styling so unique? T.A.: I’m not afraid to take risks and I go with my gut. If I style something I try to take it that extra step so I set myself apart from the others.