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PHOENIX JAMES [www.twitter.com/phenzwaan]

Phoenix James


Last Updated: 11/28/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Single
Country: UK

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[01 Oct 2009 | Thursday] 

Phoenix: Well known... Who me?? I don't think you have the right person. I'm well known... really? Wow, I had no idea. People always just spring these things on me at the last minute or when I least expect it. That's a pleasure. I'm pleased to hear that. I've been in the fashion industry now for just over two years. Don't ask me how I got away with it. I think the fashion police we're all off duty when I sneaked in. I started out many years ago, modelling for fashion shows and appearing in photo shoots for various different projects and campaigns. That lasted two years then things began happening with my writing which I also do. I recently over these past two years returned to modelling and the whole fashion world again and it's been really great. I've been enjoying all aspects of the industry at a much more mature level than I was at the age of 17/18 and feel I have so much more to bring to the table now in terms of experience and creativity so its been a really enjoyable journey thus far. Plus, like now, I get to spread my good gospel across the city of Cape Town. (This BMW interviewer is based in Cape Town.)

BMW: Take us through your daily routine...

Phoenix: Okay... My daily routines vary from day to day depending on what assignments I have scheduled that day. Generally, I'll wake up around 6 am, turn my music on, then make a hot drink, check my mail and return emails, exercise, sort out my clothes, run a bath and cook some food before I go out. If I don't have any meetings or photo shoots or shows or any other assignments on a particular day I'll start the day more or less the same way but perhaps a little later like 9 or 10 am and just relax and chill like a lazy rat and watch Current TV or the movie channel.

BMW: From your profile quite a lot of your projects and assignments have had to do with good causes like ones with UNICEF. What's the inspiration behind this?

Phoenix: Yes, that's very true. However, I have to admit that it's not always a planned thing. Projects and assignments just often come up that are related to charity and good causes besides what I may already be doing and I'm always pleased to be a part of them when I can as I know there are people that are less fortunate and that those in need will benefit from my participation in making the project a success. Its always a pleasure.

BMW: What's your most memorable assignment?

Phoenix: My most memorable assignment would probably be the last London Fashion Week fashion show I was modelling in for Fashion TV. I was awarded FTV Best Male Model. That was a very memorable assignment for me. There's been so many in the past two years but that's one that I have to mention as it's my most prestigious award for modelling. Another few exciting, highly pleasurable, thrilling and very memorable assignments were given to me by my ex-girlfriend but I should probably talk about those another time or after the interview.

BMW: You're an accomplished model, writer, actor, singer, photographer and poet. As a male model, what keeps you going?

Phoenix: As a male model, what keeps me going is, as with the other things you just mentioned, a desire to be creative. That's the drive for me. I am blessed to be a very creative individual and that's what I am happy doing. From modelling for photo shoots to modelling on the catwalk. It's the whole coming together and the creativity of it all. That's what wakes me up early in the morning and that's what keeps me up late at night. A desire to create and share that creativity with the world around me. Other than that I just do it to get the pretty women really.

BMW: Lol... interesting stuff... So what are your targets now and what do you hope to accomplish in the near future?

Phoenix: My targets for the future are way too many to mention but I'd love to continue modelling for as long as I am able to be considered a model. I aim to do even more traveling. I really enjoy traveling and would love to spend a lot more time in the places I get to visit. I'm in the process of planning to buy some land and build a house in the Caribbean and have lots of crazy and wild model parties. The type where the neighbours come over to complain and then eventually find themselves right in the middle of the floor with a drink in each hand and dancing like lunatics. I also like to take photographs so I plan to do more of that in the future too as I like being behind the camera as well as in front of it. Oh I love skydiving. That I plan to do more of too and perhaps go full professional. I am planning to organise a few more fashion shows with others in the fashion industry and raise more money for charities for disadvantaged children, breast cancer and AIDS awareness. Other than that I just want to have fun, play and enjoy loud music and continue campaigning for free ice cream and popcorn for everybody on the planet.

BMW: How do you manage the attention (especially women) with all the distraction that comes with it?

Phoenix: I think I manage the attention pretty well. I don't really get distracted when it comes to women. I'm very focused when it comes to my work. Women don't really bother with me much. Most of them think I wouldn't be interested in them or that they aren't good enough for me so they don't bother even approaching. Others assume I'm gay because I'm a male model in the fashion industry. Some I can tell would love to be my distraction but spend more time trying to prove that they aren't attracted to me. I don't know what that's about fully yet and the rest of the women are either lesbians or already married and can only fantasize about being my distraction.

BMW: Word to upcoming models...

Phoenix: My famous and fabulous word to upcoming models is to be self motivated, learn to do for self in any endeavour. Be independent. Whilst on the glorious road to becoming a global supermodel, learn your craft. Take as many photos as you possibly can. Learn your poses. Let friends and family help you out with taking photos etc. Create locations for test shoots at home and out wherever you can. Learn your angles. Learn how to make love to the camera lens... even when you are not required to be sexy. Which means learn to communicate with your eyes the emotion or feeling that is asked of you or that you want to portray. Build a basic portfolio before you build your professional portfolio. Otherwise you may end up with a professional portfolio that looks unprofessional. Same thing when it comes to the catwalk. Practice, practice, practice. Immerse yourself in your work. See it as a job and a career and take it seriously. Treat it like a sacred artform. Shape and mold yourself into the model you aspire to become. Promote yourself, promote your name, promote your face. Seek out everything there is to know and know it well. Utilise the internet. Go to places where the type of people you want to associate with in your chosen field will be. Network, network, network. Build a database of contacts and useful people... other models, photographers, fashion designers, event organisors etc. Attend fashion events, organise and attend test shoots. Always get your pictures. Always... get... your... pictures!!! Your photos show what you have done and are representative of you and what you can do. Document and make notes of every assignment you go on, every event and every shoot you participate in. And in between all of that, perhaps get in touch with some great reputable modelling agencies and tell them who you are, what you've been doing and how you feel they could help you and how you feel you can help them. Enjoy it all and have fun.

BMW: When and how do you spend your free time?

Phoenix: I take advantage of free time whenever I have less assignments and projects going on really. I love having free time to just do nothing and be a lazy rat. In my free time I just love to chill out and rest, watch movies, sleep, write, cook, relax in the bath, play music, surf the internet, go to the park, catch up and spend time with family and friends. Other than that just having really great sex.
 
This interview is taken from and currently featured on BlackMenWomen.com which profiles "the World's Hottest and Smartest Upcoming Models of Color."
Check it out here!!  


 
08:00 
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[25 Jan 2009 | Sunday] 


"Phoenix James is the 1st ever Male Model to appear on Urban World's Model Focus"


We know you by two names, Phoenix James and Phenzwaan Who are you really?

Yes, I have many names and many faces, I am an extra-terrestrial...present from the afterworld. Sorry I couldn't resist...lol. No, I'm an individual primarily driven by a desire to create. Creativity and art is the driving force behind all that I do and have done to this point from birth. It has changed and changes from form to form over time but the common thread stems from the highly artistic and creative nature within me. I am ruled by the god or gods of creative freedom if you like. That’s who I am. The research is ongoing but I've gathered that much about who I am thus far. Will keep you updated...lol


Apart from modelling you're also a poet. I've seen girls going wild while you’re doing a poetry performance on stage, but then you are delivering some raunchy stuff. Tell us a little about that?

Yes, I've been a spoken word artist and performance poet for a long while now, writing for myself and others. Again it's one of my passions as is anything that gives me an opportunity to create and experiment with new ideas, new things, new concepts etc and with poetry it allows me to express verbally what is on my mind, explore language, expression and speech all of which again I have a great love for. Since I began writing poetry professionally in 1998 I've had the opportunity to delve into different areas of writing through various commissions for my work which has also allowed me to expand my abilities within the artform beyond poetry. I say artform as that’s how I view writing. Yes I've heard a few stories that one or two ladies have happened to lose their underwear here and there at my performances and otherwise over the time that I've been doing it..lol. I just express what's on my mind as opposed to what I think people want to hear and often a lot of poets, writers etc don't allow themselves to let go that much and I feel that’s part of the attraction to my work. I've been told my work is honest.


Having all this rolled into one must make you a hit with the ladies. Are you available or is there that special ONE?

Yeah I get that a lot. You see, the thing is most females automatically assume I'm taken or I must have woman already or be in a committed relationship already or I must be married and so most don't even approach me and that’s like the majority of women. So you have all these fine women around who most of would probably make a great companion..potentially and they're not even looking my way. On top of that, contrary to popular belief..lol I'm actually quite shy when it comes to approaching women, I need to have like a clear sign that she's interested in me or I don't even go there...totally. I have a whole piece I wrote about it in my new manuscript. It’s not out yet but the piece is called Rescue Me. No I'm single. I'm still on the look out for the ONE. I haven’t given up yet I'm still searching. Ladies, anyone who sees this I'm single!! If anyone sees my future wife please please please tell her I'm looking for her, I need rescuing and she needs to come and save me and provide me deliverance from my promiscuous and whorish ways...lol


How did you get into modelling?

I started modelling at 16 and did so for a couple more years until my writing etc started to take off and I went touring and recording and travelling etc. That was my first introduction into modelling. One of my first shows was a men’s modelling competition sponsored by Chupa Chups. As you can imagine it’s great to come back to it now as one of my passions and to have it work out as well as it has done since I've made the return with my most recent award and magazine cover feature in the US etc. People think it’s been years but it really hasn’t been that long it’s only been months. I just had a desire to return to it as another creative field I started off in when I was younger that was at the time cut short. How I got into it back then was pretty much the same thing again; a desire to be creative and express myself.


Whats your stats?

Neck 42cm, Chest 40-42, Waist 32-34, Inside Leg 31-33, Shoe 9. I wear most things. All designers etc feel free to get in touch.


Who you'd like to model with?

I think I'd enjoy modelling with absolutely anyone male or female who is a great model whether famous, recognised or otherwise as long as they're committed and dedicated to it whether as a profession or as an art form or both. I'd like to model with any great model who generally has a love for modelling as well as fashion and photography or at least an understanding or desire to understand those aspects additionally to just being a 'model'. I like modelling with models who push the boundaries, who are also not afraid to experiment and are always aiming to improve on everything they manage to create.


What do you think of the current UK urban modelling scene: Males and Females?

I think the UK urban modelling scene like everything else has a place. It's a growing and ever developing and expanding scene. There have been considerable breakthroughs and improvements over the past 20 months. It has a movement of its own and brings its own creative edge to other aspects of the modelling industry that are not considered as urban or were not present before in terms of creativity and ideas and style. I came up as part of the urban scene doing my first ever shows and shoots etc so of course I will always work well in that arena as well and always have an affinity, respect and love for it as well as that which I have developed for all other areas within modelling and fashion culture.


Anything else that you'd like to add?

I think that’s it for now. If anyone wants to reach me they can locate me online via facebook, myspace etc just search 'Phoenix James' or 'Phenzwaan'. In fact I have a facebook and myspace for both. All stalkers welcome..lol..and ladies i'm single!!..incase you all missed that part earlier...rescue me lol.

Oh and one of my favourite quotes is by Willie Mays...

"In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept destructive criticism. Without 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this."


This interview is for Urban World and can be located on the official Urban World website at: http://www.urbanworld.co.uk/fashion
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[23 Dec 2008 | Tuesday] 


Tell us a little about yourself?

I am currently a full time model. I have been modeling for just over a year. During this time I have also been actively choreographing fashion shows, doing photography, directing and co-ordinating and organising photoshoots and other fashion related events.


What sparked your interest in modeling?

I began modeling at 16 and continued for two more years until my writing and music began to take off. After much writing, recording, traveling and touring I decided I was comfortable with taking a break from that to focus on some of the other creative things I am equally passionate about which include modeling.


Do you consider yourself attractive? Do you think that may help to succeed?

I do consider myself attractive. I say that not just because I am and because people say so but also because I believe for any model aspiring to be successful in the field has to have and maintain that view of themselves constantly. If they don't believe that inside about themselves, it will radiate outward and also the same for if they do believe it. So yes, I consider myself extremely attractive..lol


Do you think the pressure to be thin is the same for male models as it is for female models?

I dont think the pressure for male models to be thin is as much as it is for female models however I do think there is a healthy pressure for all models male and female to always be in good shape and well groomed.


What do you think about the modeling world?

I think the modeling world is a very competitive, challenging, demanding, artistic and creative place to be. Perhaps why I enjoy it as I do.


Are you a fashion guy? What do you like to wear when you are not working as a model?

I am definitely a fashionable person. 100%. I owe that to being a creative person. Even when I am not working as a model there is still a concern for me in regards to how my clothes are put together and what I am wearing. Sometimes I'll wear a suit and tie on my days off just because I like style and dressing up.


How did you develop your skills as a photographer?

My skills as a photographer were developed through creating mini exhibitions when I was younger. I would do things like dress up a mannequin and take photos or photograph flowers and water fountains. Taking photographs of my clients for my brochure when I did hairdressing taught me a lot about angles and lighting. I once did photography exhibition of Bob Marley. Things kind of developed from all of that.


What is your favorite place for taking photos?

I dont actually have a favourite place for taking photos. Everywhere and everything is a photograph for me. I see everything as a series of portraits or movie stills. Everything is a moment to be captured. Theres a classic photgraphic moment in everything, you just have to be on time.


Your work is very creative. Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?

My ideas and inspiriation comes from, without being too vague, people, places and things. I get ideas from movies and theatre, music, other photographs and photographers and generally watching everyday people and of course at shows and out and about.


What future modeling projects are you excited about?

I am really excited about some of the upcoming projects i am currently involved in. Fashion Romance UK is growing and expanding into many other areas besides just being known as an exclusive fashion networking event, which is really great. I'll be modeling in a few more magazines this winter and part of a few widespread campaigns for various things which is a great lead up towards the end of the year. Looking forward to developing my acting more aswel which my agent is pushing me for also. There's much in store for and from me right now.


Do you feel you are able to express yourself more as a photographer than a model?

Not at all, I am equally passionate about everything I do. I am a creative individual before anything else. Everything I do I do with the same artistic drive, tenacity and committment. I always aim to be better in each new thing than the last thing though it be something completely different or new.


What do you love most about your career?

What I love most about my career is the freedom and ability to be as creative as I want to be. I have always lived a life of creativity and expression and thats what will always make me happy, and for me personally, validate my existence. Tomorrow when I feel I have achieved what I set out to create within a specific area or field, it will be on to create something else even more creative and challenging. But always creating. Thats my passion.


How do you market yourself?

I market myself through my work mostly and through others who experience and value what I do. Its like word of mouth will always be a strong form of marketing. I use most if not all of the other mediums available at that time e.g television, radio, internet, mobile phones, flyers and leaflets, t-shirts, periodicals etc. Marketing and promotion is key!


What would you like for our audience to know about you?

I guess at this time I'd like for people just to know that it is okay to contact me, add me to their online networks like myspace, facebook etc. I don't bite and I am always interested in meeting, connecting and collaborating with different people in their varying creative fields whatever they may be. The more people we connect with the more we learn, the more we grow and the more we can create and so on.

This interview is for Allezom Magazine and can be located on the official Allezom Magazine website at: http://www.allezommagazine.com

 --------------------------------------------------------------

A very special thanks & credit to my team:
Designer & Stylist: Aaron Ray Dowie
Make Up Artist: Andrea Sterling
Photographer: Keddy Marsin
Studio Director: Adrian Pini

Also to:
Allezom CEO & Founder: Mozella Sullivan
 
17:30 
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[24 Oct 2008 | Friday] 
Phoenix James appears in the latest issue of Illusion Magazine - Winter/Issue 7. Available to order online and in selected stores now. For more info: http://www.illusionmagazine.co.uk
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[19 Sep 2008 | Friday] 

Phoenix James wins an FTV Best Male Model Award after an exclusive filmed London Fashion Week fashion show for Fashion TV which took place last night at the exclusive new Vendome venue in Mayfair, central London. Coverage of the event will be broadcast on Fashion TV and will also feature in a number of forthcoming magazines and periodicals, on various websites and in other media.

Fashion TV is an international television channel devoted to fashion and modelling.

Founded in France in 1997 by its president Michel Adam Lisowski, Fashion TV has become one of the most widely-distributed satellite channels in the world: 31 satellite and 2,000 cable systems, with a total of 300 million households in 202 countries across the five continents.

Stay tuned for more updates and information...

15:00 
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[18 Sep 2008 | Thursday] 

Phoenix James attended the Official SMS London Fashion Week Party in London yesterday with friends. Attending were guests from many various fields within the fashion industry who all came out to network and party. The night also featured photoshoots, numerous DJs and a special model search.

15:00 
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[17 Sep 2008 | Wednesday] 

Phoenix James returned to the catwalk last night for the exclusive Fashionaires Fashion Show at Dolce in the heart of central London modelling designs by Anoosh.

See later for more details...

11:00 
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[25 Jul 2008 | Friday] 

Phoenix James will soon appear on the cover of a new US fashion magazine. The photoshoot for the forthcoming editorial took place today and will also feature an exclusive special interview with him.

Check back later for more details... 

 

20:00 
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[24 Jul 2008 | Thursday] 

Phoenix James yesterday modelled for the forthcoming launch of the new and exciting campaign for Clearstep Braces which will appear nationwide within the next few months. Read below for more info on the product.

About Clearstep
Clearstep is a simple affordable series of clear positioning trays, which gently guide your teeth from their present to the desired position.

How does it work?
Believe it or not your teeth are always moving, albeit minutely. Clearstep exerts gentle pressure upon the tooth/teeth in the direction in which you'd like them to move.

Who does it work for?
Virtually everyone. Provided you are over 7 years of age and your dentist considers you orally fit enough for orthodontic treatment, Clearstep is for you. 

So, why Clearstep?
Well, in comparison to existing systems Clearstep is free from visible wires and does away with the need to bond metal onto the teeth. It is invisible, and removable, allowing you, the wearer, to eat that steak dinner, give that public speech, meet that client without embarrassment or discomfort. You simply remove, brush, floss, rinse and reinsert: Clearstep will do the rest. wearing a positioner.

Find out more information at: http://www.clearstepbrace.com

 

08:00 
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[22 Jul 2008 | Tuesday] 

Phoenix James will feature in the next supplement of the new Body Beautiful Magazine.

More details to follow...

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