All Photos: Stevenson Delva (Delva Studio)
With over 15 years among fashion’s elite, male supermodel Wendell Lissimore aims to return to the industry’s forefront.
Having amassed a laundry list of editorial and runway credits, including features in Vanity Fair, Essence, Allure, and Harper’s Bazaar, he’s also walked—and booked campaigns—for brands including Hermès, Givenchy, DSQUARED2, Timberland, and more.
As he gears up for a new season of modeling, Lissimore sat down for an exclusive interview with Brother—in between his recent bookings in Los Angeles and Miami—at New York City’s premier Moxy Times Square hotel.
Recounting the wonder years of his career—and leading up to the present day, he shares: “Honestly, God has truly blessed me to still be here. And for me to still have such a large fan base and to still have a relevant career for so long, it is definitely a blessing.”
Read more below to discover Lissimore’s past and present career outlook.
How have you been able to maintain your image and presence—for so long—within the global fashion industry?
Honestly, God has truly blessed me to still be here. And for me to still have such a large fan base and to still have a relevant career for so long, it is definitely a blessing.
When did you first realize that becoming a male model was the best decision for you to make?
I would say once I noticed the reaction I was getting from the industry. The jobs I booked and the designers I walked for helped me to realize: ‘I might be on to something here.’
What inspires you after 15+ years of being active in the fashion industry?
The art of fashion inspires me. Much like acting, you get to become a different character each time you shoot: the photographer is the director, and you’re the actor, and together you create a ‘film’ which is the photo shoot. The photographer tells a story through the lens (as a director would), and the model brings the character to life (as an actor would). It’s like a silent movie being put on paper; it’s all art.
Who would you credit for pushing you to stay the course in your career?
I would have to credit my parents for giving me the perfect balance of discipline and work ethic, combined with patience and a steady hand. And with some credit to myself, for me being disciplined all these years to keep taking care of myself.
Why is it important for Black Men to be represented within high-fashion?
It’s not only important for Black men to be represented in fashion, but for all people of color. Again, it’s art, and there are thousands of ways to create it and thousands of characters to portray it. So, it’s important we use all forms of expression and representation.
Where do you think the fashion and modeling industry is headed next?
I love where fashion is at now, and I hope it continues to represent more new faces and reach for even more inclusion.
TALENT TEAM
Cover Star: Wendell Lissimore
Agency: State Models
PRODUCTION TEAM
Photographer: Stevenson Delva
Production + Editing: Delva Studio
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Moxy Hotels (Marriott Bonvoy)
Location: Moxy Times Square, Gym (New York City)
BROTHER MAGAZINE STAFF
Founder + Editorial Director: Avon Dorsey
Creative Director-at-Large: Kelvin Williams
Editorial Projects Manager: Latease Lashley
Partnerships, Planning + Promotions Manager: Chanel Clemons
Community Manager: Tyler Harris
Editorial Team Lead: Dami Ariyo
Styling + VIP Team Lead: Jada Adkins
West Coast Team Lead: Imari Gabrielle
West Coast Coordinator: Marché Dorsey