Soft like a flower: Deano & Oskar

Being in nature completely shifted the energy. In a studio, you’re working with lights and backdrops, but in Richmond Park it was about adapting to what was already there — the trees, the light filtering through the branches, even the wind. It kept me grounded and playful at the same time. I felt freer, less like I was “posing” and more like I was part of a story unfolding in the landscape. That definitely brought a more natural energy to the shoot.

Deano

I grew up in a small town called North Shields where community meant a lot — everyone knew each other. It wasn’t the most glamorous place, but it taught me to appreciate the little things, like spending time outdoors and making your own fun. I think that shaped the way I see creativity: you don’t always need huge resources or a big city to express yourself. Sometimes it’s about working with what’s around you and making it your own. That mindset still influences how I approach projects today I get strength in remembering where I’m from NE29 to Hollywood.

Deano

OSKAR on modeling, style and styling….

I never expected to become a model. What initially drew me in were the common perceptions and stigmas around the industry, but what has made me stay is something completely different. It’s the people you meet on jobs and at castings—the incredible inspiration from their outfits and their personal creative work.

My personal style is pretty broad, but for this shoot, I wanted to showcase two distinct aesthetics: Western American and traditional formal wear. My first outfit was a bit of a cowboy fantasy—think bootcut jeans, cowboy boots, and a vest. The other was an all-black suit. The real fun was in bridging these two looks, which led me to create a third outfit that was basically a Canadian tuxedo on steroids.

Growing up in Brighton, the number one thing I learned was acceptance. Brighton is a city without a mask; everyone is purely themselves. Seeing everyone’s unique and sometimes eccentric side shaped me into embracing my own creative instincts and not judging people before getting to know them.

Shooting in Richmond Park was a trip. At first, the clean, older gardens gave off this Victorian gothic vibe that felt formal and a little stiff. But as we moved to a more open field and I changed into the next outfit, the energy shifted completely. It felt more freeing, almost as if I was a ranch hand out in the middle of nowhere, totally disassociated from society.

Oskar

I actually stumbled into modeling rather than setting out to do it from the start. I was on holiday in Ibiza when I got scouted on the street to do a runway show. I said yes because they offered €50 an hour—and I was broke. That opportunity led to a photo shoot the next day with Alex Beer and his wife, Ruth, which then turned into a front cover in London. From there, I signed with an agency, and at my very first casting I booked a job with Mixmag. It felt like a good luck omen, and I knew this was the path I was meant to follow.

My martial arts and stunt skills give me body awareness and control. When you’re modeling, you need to hold yourself a certain way, and with martial arts training, I can shift between power, grace, and stillness. In acting, especially action roles, it lets me embody a character physically, not just emotionally.

Deano

The global issues that concern me most are climate change and the rising tensions between the West and East. As a species, we need a planet to live on, so climate change is an immediate and critical issue. I try to be as sustainable as I can every day. I often cycle everywhere—mostly because I’m a little broke, let’s be real—and I try to recycle as much as possible. I want to do more, but finding new ways to be sustainable can be tricky. 

One way I see younger influencers making an impact is through the rise of thrifting and selvage denim. These trends are popular, but what many people don’t realize is that buying second-hand clothes and high-quality denim intended to last for years is a huge step toward sustainability

Oskar

DEANO on daily choices and mental health…

Sustainability and mental health are two main issues that really stand out to me. Fashion has such a huge impact on the planet, and as someone who works in the industry, I think it’s important to be conscious of that — reusing clothes, supporting ethical brands, and not falling into disposable trends.
I’m pretty mindful about my daily choices, to be honest. I try not to be wasteful, whether it’s with food, clothes, or even energy use at home. I’m no saint, but I believe little changes stack up. I’ll choose quality gear that lasts over fast fashion, and I’m big on recycling and reusing. It’s not just about the planet, it’s about discipline and respect.

Mental health is just as important; so many people struggle silently, especially in creative fields where there’s pressure to always perform. I think we’re slowly breaking down those stigmas, but there’s still a lot of work to do.

My personal style is relaxed but intentional. I like pieces that feel comfortable and lived-in but still make a statement — vintage finds, layered textures, things with character. For the Richmond Park shoot, I leaned into that natural, effortless vibe with a cowboy twist. Since we were styling ourselves, I wanted the clothes to blend with the environment, not fight against it. That meant earthy tones, simple silhouettes, and outfits that allowed movement. I think it helped the shots feel authentic, like the park was an extension of us rather than just a backdrop.

Deano

DEANO on silver service & stunt action …

People are usually shocked to find out I used to work silver service in high-end hospitality. I’ve been David Beckhams personal waiter as well as  his model for H&M. I’ve worked in hospitality & catering for over 20 years now as I started at 14 as a glass collector in Whitley bay. I lied about my age to get the job so I could start helping my Mum out financially because we struggled. There’s a real art to it, almost like choreography, and it taught me patience and precision that I still apply to stunts and acting today. […]

I think elegance and action actually complement each other. Silver service taught me discipline, poise, and presentation. Stunt work pushes me into chaos, grit, and power. When you blend those together, you get a performer who can handle refined roles but also explode into dynamic action when the scene demands it. It’s all about balance.

OSKAR on Music, fashion and modeling…

Right now, I’m obsessed with 90s New York rap. Artists like Lord Finesse, Buckwild, Big L, Fat Joe, and Kool G Rap inspire me with their modern poetry and the raw emotion they express. Their sound has me completely hooked. Through this my personal style derives from these people fashion, weather it’s the oversized trousers, or timberlands I always try and find a place to incorporate it.

The biggest challenge for me as a new face in the industry is balancing my personal life with modeling. I have another job and other career goals, so trying not to sacrifice one for the other is a constant challenge. However, being a new face also excites me because I get to see how fashion is changing in real-time—I can see trends as they emerge and new concepts come to life, which in turn fuels my own creative passion


DEANO on a funny moment from being Benedict Cumberbatch’s stunt double in Doctor Strange…

Wey Aye! There were loads of people on set in a big green screen studio, and at one point everyone was asked to clear out. As I was walking off, buzzing that I’d even gotten that close to it all, I suddenly heard them shout, “Except Deano. Benedict wants to run lines with him on a close-up with Sam, the director. Just us.”
My whole body froze. Honestly, it was the best experience I’ve ever had. I don’t know what came over me—I’m still shaking my head about it to this day. While we were going through his lines, Benedict actually asked me what I thought. And without even thinking, I blurted out, “I think you can do better with more energy.” I’d heard a director say that once, and it just came out instinctively.
The second I said it, I froze again—like, who was I to give Benedict Cumberbatch notes? But instead of being offended, he looked impressed and agreed with me. Meanwhile, Sam was leaning over my shoulder, laughing his head off.
It was one of those make-or-break moments where I thought for sure I was about to get fired, but it ended up being a huge confidence boost. My ADHD definitely has its funny moments, and that was one of the wildest.

DEANO on handling firearms on a set in light of recent global tensions in Europe…

I’ve just used a gun in my latest role, and there was a lot more awareness on set—asking me to pull the trigger to the side, just in case. There’s definitely a heightened sensitivity now. On set, I treat every stunt and weapon with absolute respect—it’s always safety first. I’ve become even more conscious of how firearms are portrayed and handled, because what we do on screen can influence how they’re perceived off screen.