IAN JEFFrEY
Having been signed last Spring to IMG Models, Ian Jeffrey is making his way through the New York fashion scene as a model and entrepreneur. Ian spent some time with MOOD to chat about boldly switching career paths without guarantees, growing comfortable with his personal style, and launching his vintage garment shop, Dusted. Ian gets photographed and styled in Central Park, NYC, by photography duo Anthony and Edwin; with grooming by Maria Ortega, represented by The South James Agency.
Ian wears Saint Laurent FW21 accompanied with rings by Opened Jesus, and a Diamond necklace by Michael Raven
Ian wears Annakiki FW21 accompanied with necklaces by Saint Laurent and rings by Opened Jesus
Ian wears Saint Laurent FW21 accompanied with rings by Opened Jesus and necklaces by Michael Raven
Ian wears Ann Demeulemeester FW21 accompanied by a Natalia Fedner metal top, with bracelets by Saint Laurent, and rings by Opened Jesus
Ian Jeffrey has been a name people have been familiar with for several years. Fans were most likely introduced to the teen star as a social media personality who expressed himself through YouTube videos. Despite the large following and all the success, he soon realized that wasn’t the life and career path he wanted to continue with. With the victory came a lot of pressure. “Social media shows such a small sector of what goes on in my day-to-day life, to have a career that is focused solely on that has always been a nerve-racking thought I have,” he tells MOOD.
While Jeffrey still has a presence on social media, he now remains way more lowkey. With 1.5 million Instagram followers, it’s clear these days he prefers to post content when he feels like it rather than being forced to. After Jeffrey quit his occupation as a YouTuber, he moved from Los Angeles back to New York City, where he was born, two years ago to pursue a career in modeling. Even though nothing was guaranteed, the bold decision eventually paid off as he found himself getting signed to one of the top modeling agencies, IMG Models, earlier this year. “The experience has been great, to say the least. The whole team seems to be super excited about my arrival. A much-needed wave of positive energy,” Jeffrey shares.
Before gracing magazine covers and being featured in spreads, Jeffrey reveals that fashion has always been something he has been fascinated with. Although, like a lot of teens growing up, his style has evolved by becoming more confident in himself. Jeffrey explains: “Ever since I was a kid I have been intrigued with expressing myself through my clothing. It wasn’t until the past few years that I've been comfortable enough to wear what I truly enjoy. It’s been a journey as my style is always changing. From baggy jean shorts and a pair of skate shoes in elementary school to my now worn flared pants and leather boots.”
With that being said, his passion for fashion encouraged him to open up his vintage store, Dusted Garments, in 2020. “Dusted was launched a little over a year ago to create a selective marketplace of well-curated vintage garments sourced by yours truly. Each item is sourced based on my preferences, paint stains, repairs, alterations, patches, and distressing all show memories of the previous owner’s lives. These markings are what keep bringing me back for more. The feeling of wearing a 60-year-old tee shirt is something you can’t buy from a retail store,” Jeffrey informs us.
Today, the 19-year-old describes his style as “worn, ambitious, and bold” but struggles to pick just one thing that influences his image. “I draw inspiration from my surroundings wherever I go,” he says. “I’m also heavily inspired by the clothing worn throughout the 50s-70s as well as various celebrities like Lil Peep and Dennis Rodman simply because they don’t care what people think.”
Ian wears Ann Demeulemeester FW21 accompanied by a Natalia Fedner metal top, with bracelets by Saint Laurent, and rings by Opened Jesus
Over the past year, the global coronavirus pandemic has affected and changed everyone’s lives in different ways. For Jeffrey, everything slowed down. “For a time my focus switched from modeling solely to staying happy and healthy. My day-to-day life is now much more organized as well as productive,” he reveals, adding, “Health is also now very important to me and I can say... I'm a pretty good cook. After everything, I'm extremely grateful to be in the position I am in. Everything seems to be going in the right direction, it's just a matter of timing.” If there was anything Jeffrey had to adjust to, it was all the free time he had on his hands. “Over the past few years I have been working non-stop, the pandemic was a change and something I had to adjust to. It took some time getting used to, but I was able to use it as a resource and spent the majority of the time focusing on myself as well as planning for future ventures,” he says.
One of those “future ventures” he teased could mean a career in acting one day. Even though there is nothing set in stone just yet, it’s something he seems eager to pursue. “I was given the opportunity to film self-tapes a few months back. Ever since then, the thought of acting has become more and more exciting. Hopefully, in the future, something will come my way,” Jeffrey explains. One specific topic that is close to Jeffrey’s heart is mental health, which inspired him to set up his creative outlet, “In Every Mind, There Is Darkness.” The aim is to focus on improving mental health within society but more specifically within teens. While busy finding charities to team up with, he is also in the middle of creating merchandise. Jeffree shares: “I’m currently in the process of finalizing the charity as well as receiving samples of the clothing. It’s a process that's taking much longer than I anticipated, but like everything, patience is a virtue.”
As for his growing modeling career, Jeffrey appears very grateful for any opportunity that may come his way, stating that booking “any major campaign would be a dream come true.” However, a goal he would love to tick off his bucket list in the future would be being able to work with Anthony Vaccarello from YSL. Though, the goals he would like to achieve by the end of 2021 prove Jeffrey is very driven. “I would love to book a campaign before the year ends, walk in fashion week runways, as well as continue to grow Dusted,” he mentions. “Most importantly, I want to end the year happy and healthy. After everything the world experienced this past year, health and happiness cannot be taken for granted.”
Ian wears Carlota Barrera FW21 accompanied with a necklace by Saint Laurent, rings by Opened Jesus and Diamond earrings by Michael Raven
Ian wears Afffair pants accompanied by a Natalia Fedner metal scarf, with bracelets by Saint Laurent and rings by Opened Jesus
