10 Men - Summer 2009
Models Jakob Hyboldt and Tom Nicon
Ph Serge Leblon
St David Vandewal

Jakob Hyboldt and Tom Nicon (RIP) wear all Louis Vuitton and their special take on suits, photographed by Serge Leblon and styledby David Vandewal.

1) Alexander McQueen, Ambrose Olsen & Tom Nicon commit suicide

2010 was a terribly tragic year and our number one story, no doubt in our minds, had to be the deaths of highly lauded designer Alexander McQueen, and models Ambrose Olsen and Tom Nicon. Though they were not the only models to die in 2010, the list also includes Luiz Freiberger, Patrick Wessel and most recently, Charles DeVoe - though Charles did not commit suicide, but his passing is still very tragic.

Female models have also tragically taken their own lives over the years, such as Dual Kim. Neomie Lenoir also attempted suicide this year as well. The pressure and reject people in the fashion industry feel is immense. Shows like America's Next Top Model (and its sister shows in different countries) emphasize that the modeling is full of rejection.

Designers, casting agents, and others see hundreds of men and women every season and only about 10-20 usually make the cut for its fashion show and of them, only 1 or 2 will appear in that season's fashion campaign. There is never an explanation of why a model did not book the job so models just have to suck it up and move on.

However, even before they go on go-sees, they spend hours at the gym weeks prior to fashion week to get back in shape and to eat right, if at all. Unfortunately, a few can no longer cope with the the rejection and pressure and feel that taking their own lives is the only reprieve.

As for Alexander McQueen, his death rocked the fashion industry to its very core. Nearly a year after his death, people are still in shock over it and saddened at the loss of such a visionary. His designs were always ahead of the pack, with his use of colors, patterns and references, he was in a league of his own. The last collection he ever designed himself was his Fall/Winter 2010 Men's line. When he presented the collection in late January 2010, the skeletal references were dark and eerie, to say the least but McQueen always had a dark sensibility with his work. But the collection was later under much scrutiny after news of his death spread around the world.

Though his life ended far too early and the world will never know the full extent of his genius, he will forever be remembered as a genius and his name will live on. PPR, which owns his eponymous line, made sure of that when they chose to keep the house open for business, under the direction of Sarah Burton.

We'll never know why McQueen, Tom Nicon or Ambrose Olsen did what they did. We also doubt there can be anything to really be done about the situation other than imploring those who have such thoughts to seek help from a family member, a friend or a professional.

This past year truly was tragic and we can only hope that such tragedy will never happen again.

Visual Tales #3
Backstage at Spring/Summer 2011
Photographer Andrew Burmeitser

ETA - One more from Visual Tales. Dedicated to Tom Nicon

Born in France in 1987, Tom began modeling in 2008 and quickly made a name for himself, appearing on the runway of many designers, most notably Comme des Garcons and Burberry Prorsum. His smile and warm personality will truly be missed.

Upon hearing of his death, many photographers, stylists, and those who knew him personally mourned his death. The legacy he leaves behind is of being a sweet human being. I hope his family gains the closure that I'm sure they are looking for after this tragic death.

 
Top model, Tom Nicon, fell out of a window this morning in Milan. Blogger, IsaacLikes, confirms the story.

What a very tragic start to Milan Fashion Week! My thoughts are with Tom's family and friends.

Models Tom Nicon and Florian Babin
Ph Pejman Biroun

Photographer Tokumaru Junichiro