10 Questions With Max Schneider

If you've opened a magazine within the past few months or seen a Dolce&Gabbana billboard, you know who Max Schneider is. He made waves when leaked shots of Madonna being escorted around Harlem by a young man surfaced. That young man was Max Schneider.

In his first big modeling gig, he landed the role of Madonna's son in Dolce&Gabanna's womens Fall / Winter 2010 campaign, shot by Steven Klein, alongside the world famous singer, actress, producer and style icon, Madonna. We're very glad he agreed to answer 10 questions for us. Definitely check out this talent guy's website and his music!


HommeModel Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Max Schneider I’m 18 years old, born and raised in New York City. I’m an actor, singer, dancer, songwriter, and model. In my spare time I love to do circus, african drums, try different kinds of coffees (I’m sort of addicted), and play my Ukulele. I just released my first EP entitled “First Encounters” which can be heard and purchased on iTunes, Amazon, and Napster. I also love covering songs and adding my own little twist, like my cover of Britney Spears' “Baby One More Time”.

HM You're a very talented guy; you sing, dance, act and model. How do you find time to do all that while going to school and fitting in a social life? Most guys your age can barely stop playing video games.
MS Well first off thank you so much! I guess timing wise it all just falls into place really nicely, even though it can be pretty crazy sometimes but I’m blessed to be able to do what I love and make a career of it all as well. Of course I do love a good video game every now and then.

HM I'm sure you get asked this all the time but how was it shooting with Madonna and working with Steven Klein and Stefano & Domenico?
MS It was such an honor to work with all of them, definitely an incredible and humbling experience. Steven Klein is just a genius and his manipulation of light is so beautiful, it’s not wonder he’s such a legend. Stefano and Domenico were so sweet and creative, even moreso on top of everything and amazingly organized and detailed. Madonna was brilliant! She gave me so much respect which was such a pleasant surprise. I really felt like her son for the day.


HM Did you tell your friends at school that you were adding "model" to your already long resume, let alone playing Madonna's son in a worldwide campaign for Dolce&Gabbana?
MS I was very excited when I found out I was going to be doing the job and my friends were so happy for me but I’ve always been big about modesty and not letting things get to your head.

HM Are you interested in doing runway work? Is there a possibility we'll see you in Milan or Paris or New York for the Fall/Winter 2011 shows?
MS I would love to do runway work and hopefully you will see me there! I’m totally aware that given my height, runway is a stretch but who knows, things change and I’m feeling a short male model revolution coming on!

HM You've been a dancer for practically your entire life and I'm sure that's a big part of how you stay in shape, but the rest of us who don't dance 2+ hours a day, do you have any tips?
MS I’d say consistency is probably the most important part in staying in shape. A consistent diet and consistent work out schedule are key but specifically I’d say consistent pull ups and push ups. I try to do 4 sets of 50 pushups throughout the day aside from my hour workout in the morning and dancing 3- 5 times a week. Not only does consistent exercise make you look great, it releases endorphins thus making you feel great too!

HM Of all your accomplishments, which one or two are you most proud of?
MS I’d have to say being a swing in 13 on Broadway, because it truly instilled a new sense of hard work and professionalism within me. As well as my music because bringing people joy through something I’ve created is definitely one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.

HM You're a native New Yorker, where are some of your favorite places in the city to hang out or eat?
MS I love Amy’s Bread for delicious coffees, breads and sandwiches (47th and 9th), Zen Palate for the most incredible vegetarian cuisine and I’m not even a vegetarian (46th and 9th), the show Fuerzabruta because it’s just so sickly amazing (Union Square), and to hang out I love going down to Washington Square Park, the Highline, or Central Park of course.

HM Is there anyone you'd like to work with?
MS I’d love to work with Justin Nozuka, because his music is incredible and I really look up to him. Also Steve Meisel, his photography is just gorgeous.

HM Do you have any projects we can expect to see you in soon?
MS Well I just finished shooting a new movie called “The Art Of Love” starring Virginia Madsen, Aidan Quinn, Olympia Dukakis, and Zozia Mamet which was awesome and should be out some time in the spring. I’m also working on a new album and a lot of music and along with a lot of new projects. Check out my website for updates and upcoming news!

(all photos by Steven Klein)