The lobby of the Tribeca Grand Hotel, on a recent Saturday afternoon, was the locale for a very upfront and personal interview with one of the current faces of Sean Jean, Miguel Perdomo. Accompanied by his publicist with black blazer in hand (clothing for his TQI Feature Story cover shoot), the 6'2 man of steel was ready to get candid about his success as male supermodel in New York, and the upcoming opportunities he has on the horizon. A proud Dominican with piercing eyes, and an unassuming way of speaking, Miguel hails from Paterson New Jersey. This one time basketball playing hopeful (with a second talent for boxing) is on the fast track to becoming a highly recognizable face. As we spoke about his recent return from Miami, the setting for the Sean John campaign for 2008, it became apparent just why and how Mr. Perdomo has attained the coveted status he holds today, and from what we've seen things are about to heat up.
Make Me a Supermodel
It's no secret that friends in high places can often assist in getting one what one wants, but what happens when you attain something that was never a desire in the first place? Miguel Perdomo found out quickly. Nearly three years ago on the referral of model Chris Collins, a model for Ralph Lauren, Mr. Perdomo decided to try his hand on the runway. The turning point was his first show donning the fashions of Phat Farm, where after 2 hours work he received what he happily described as an "extreme amount of money" for payment. "We did a Phat Farm show, and I met Russell Simmons. I met Kimora Lee Simmons, and then after the Phat Farm Show it was a wrap, I've been working ever since." Other modeling assignments in the interim have included Corona Beer, Calvin Klein Underwear, Songs of Freedom Jeans, COOGI Jeans, Azzure' Denim. Azzure' has been instrumental in his face appearing in nationwide publications and billboards abroad.
Enter Sean John
It's been 3 years, and as he puts it "its been good, it's been great". How great? Well, it seems Sean John contacts were met that glorious evening of the Phat Farm Show, contacts who were very interested in Mr. Perdomo's look. After meeting several from the Sean John staff, things began to look promising, although at the time Sean John was still working with another male model whose contract had not yet expired. A month later with a bit of fine tuning under his belt, Miguel Perdomo was presented to CEO Sean Combs directly, who was then ready to sign Mr. Perdomo on. Since then he has appeared as one of Sean John's TOP models. The tie to Sean John at this point in time is pivotal as the brand is one of the country's leading luxury sports wear lines created by an African American to date. The Sean Jean deal has proved to be the icing on Mr. Perdomo's cake as he was utilized in both the Fall 2007 and recent 2008 campaigns, things can't get much better... or can they?
"This" is What Fuels Me
At first glance it's difficult to know what most people's passions truly are. Our first glimpse of Mr. Perdomo was on the circuit, at various celeb-filled parties which have included the birthday party of NY Jets Free Safety Kerry Rhodes, a Nintendo Launch for Run Athletics, and the after party for couture designer b Michael during New York's most recent Fashion Week. However, there is more to Miguel Perdomo than the circuit. This male supermodel, still an unsigned freelance model by choice, enjoys drawing and painting in his free time; many of his works are displayed in the homes of relatives. In addition, he has a passion for music production, and in his free time has spent the last eight years creating beats for upcoming new artists. Lastly, of course he prioritizes physical fitness to the utmost. "I diet, I diet a lot, I eat a lot of oatmeal, grilled chicken, apples, pineapples, LOTS of water, the major ingredient is water. I workout an average of 4 days a week." At a svelte 185 lbs, Miguel Perdomo is looking at another 10 lbs of weight loss--cutting to 175 lbs to maintain an edge; " I don't worry about the guys that are out there already, but about the ones that may be coming."
Things May Feel 'Personal' in 2008
So what's directly ahead for our male supermodel who walked an average of 7 shows last season including: Caravan, Edwin D'Angelo, and Hot 97 FM's Rip The Runway. Looks like Pepsi Style is directly ahead; yes, there is no end in sight to the national--now international reach that is sure to come his way this coming year. The Pepsi Style campaign will allow Miguel to act as spokes model all over the world...not bad for a guy whose basketball coach predicted he wouldn't make it anywhere--no longer being a basketball player. The Pepsi Style campaign, like many of his projects, has been been brokered by publicist Ra-Fael Blanco, a former professional dancer turned well-connected, and highly knowledgeable publicist. It has been Mr. Blanco's expertise and persistence, along with know how garnered from working as a Regional Manager with Arista/LaFace Records, MTV etc. that have led his client Mr. Perdomo to the very unlikely path of male supermodel. Soon, you too will recognize Mr. Perdomo's face as clearly and succinctly as you do many other big name celebs, and if you're in the right place at the right time you may even meet him. If upon being introduced to him someone should say "Meet Miguel Perdomo...he's a male supermodel" you may think fondly of what you've just read and reply "funny, I already have!"
Credits: Feature Story cover model Miguel Perdomo was shot on location at 17 White Street, and in the vicinity of Churrascaria Riodizio Tribeca, New York, NY. Mr. Perdomo is wearing a black blazer, white t-shirt, and jeans all his own.
Article by Tia Walker
*cover photo by AJ Davis for The Quest for "it", headshot by AJ Davis for The Quest for "it", all other photos courtesy of Two R's Entertainment & Sean John
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