Andrés Velencoso interviewed by H&M. See the original post HERE.

ANDRÉS VELENCOSO

He is ranked as an industry icon by models.com and called a mix between sensuality and masculinity. Andrés Velencoso tells H&M Life about his future plans and what modeling has taught him.

Standing 6 feet and 4 inches (1.93 meters) above ground and weighing 186 pounds (84 kilos), the Spanish hunk was constantly rejected by modeling agencies at the beginning of his career. The muscular male model didn’t seem to be in style, and Velencoso’s career was set on hold because he was considered too big and goofy.

It wasn’t until an agent in New York discovered him that his career took off. This was in 2001, and he quickly became popular with famous and influential photographers – despite not speaking any English at the time. From that point on, Andrés has booked campaigns with major labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Banana Republic and H&M. Through the years he has been ranked on the top lists “The Money Guys,” “Industry Icons,” and “Sexiest Men” on MODELS.com.

Now, at 37, it seems he’s looking to take his handsome looks from magazine covers and ads to the silver screen. Andrés has starred in several Spanish movies and television shows – but he hasn’t left the world of modeling yet. After his latest shoot with H&M, the industry icon took time to fill out our questionnaire.

MY FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER IS…
“[The Dutch photo duo] Inez and Vinoodh!”

IN MY CAREER, I AM MOST PROUD OF…
“That I’ve always kept on trying.”

MY MOST MEMORABLE SHOOT WAS…
“Any of the shoots I’ve done together with Inez van Lamsweerde.”

MY CREATIVE OUTLET IS…
“Acting.”

MY BEAUTY SECRET IS…
“The best secret is just to have a good night’s sleep!”

I KEEP IN SHAPE BY…
“I do yoga, pilates, and work out at the gym.”

FOR A QUICK HAIR FIX, I…
“Take a quick shower.”

MY DE-STRESS TRICK IS…
“Be yourself.”

I SMELL LIKE…
“Myself.”

MY FAVORITE OFF-DUTY LOOK IS…
“When I’m not working I have an easygoing look.”

RIGHT NOW, I AM OBSESSED WITH…
“Playing golf!”

MY FAVORITE HOTEL IS…
“George V in the 8th arrondissement in Paris.”

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT IS…
“Three-star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona in the northeast corner of Spain.”

FOR BREAKFAST, I ALWAYS HAVE…
“Coffee… hello??”

FOR A LONG FLIGHT, I ALWAYS PACK…
“Very light, I only bring carry-on luggage.”

WHEN I HAVE SOME FREE TIME, I…
“Go to my home town Tossa De Mar in Catalonia.”

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS…
“Live and let live.”

BEING A MODEL, I HAVE LEARNED…
“To be patient.”

POST-MODELING, I WOULD LIKE TO…
“Act more!”

MY FAVORITE SHOW IS…
“I have many, but Breaking Bad and Homeland are two of my favorites.”

RIGHT NOW, I AM READING…
“Patti Smith’s biography Just Kids.”

MY GOAL IN LIFE IS…
“It changes constantly, but right now I’m trying to achieve something in the acting world.”