Q: How did you get your start in modeling?
A: I happened to be with a girlfriend at a hotel where there was a modeling convention going on. I was approached by a few different agents and ended up calling one eventually. It was 2002, and I was 18 when I moved to New York.
Q: What was the most memorable thing you've ever had to do on a modeling job?
A: Probably my first job, the Gucci campaign where they drew the ‘G’ in the woman's pubic hair. Not too bad! That was me back in the day. Being from Texas straight out of school, I really didn’t know much about the fashion industry. My agency told me I had to go meet Mario Testino. I actually had a flight the same day back to Texas. I said, ‘I’m not going to change my flight.’ I didn’t know what was what. Fortunately, I got to see Mario another time and that’s who cast me.
Q: Were you shocked when they came up with that idea?
A: I actually walked in on it. They had been talking about this woman who’s very well known in France – who’s known for shaving woman’s pubic area. I thought it was a joke. Sooner or later, she was in a room getting her stuff taken care of. And I walked in and I was like – “Ohhh, excuse me!” A few moments later, it’s all neatly shaven in there. It wasn’t done with computers at all. I guess I’ve been in that position before. [laughs]
Q: What are some of your favorite ad campaigns that you’ve done?
A: It was always a pleasure to work with [photographer] Steven Meisel for Dolce & Gabbana. He’s really, really involved in the art aspect of it and that’s something I love. Working with Steven Klein is top of the line. When he took over the Dolce & Gabbana campaign – he really out-does himself each one, he works harder. I can’t say one was my favorite – but they are all – next level, next level.
Q: You are also on MTV’s The City. How did that come about?
A: My roommate had been approached by a friend who had recommended him. He had a meeting with MTV and he told them about me and our apartment.
Q: How’s the second season going?
A: I’m not too sure how much I’m in the second season. I had fun doing it. It’s an eye-opening experience. I’m edited on there as being asshole to my girlfriend. That’s the last thing I wanted. I’d never seen The Hills and didn’t realize it was so drama-, relationship-oriented when I got it.Q: People think the show is more scripted than reality. What’s the truth?
A: It’s not scripted, but it’s definitely edited. You’d be surprised how cutting a couple of shots can make you look like you had an orgy last night. You are at their mercy. Like any show, except it’s people related to your real life. It can get a little bit irritating.
Q: Did it have a negative consequence for your personal life?
A: Just having to deal with drama with my girlfriend is not something I’m used to. I never want to argue in a relationship. Not because of the show, but me and Ally aren’t together any more. Everything does add up and it does cause stress definitely. Every time you see an episode you aren’t sure how’s that one is going to go down. I said some awesome funny stuff, and you don’t get to see any of it. I guess they have to have their drama that needs to come out.
Q: Did you have a favorite experience working on the show?
A: Me and Jay were hitting golf balls at Chelsea Piers one day and joking around about Olivia and had the whole crew cracking up laughing for an hour. I thought, ‘Oh, man, I can’t wait for that one to come out, it’s going to be awesome.’ And it never came out.
Q: What are your favorite activities outside of your work?
A: I collect art. A friend of mine owns a gallery, and I’m always down there checking out new art. I’m always playing golf every chance I get. And I own a couple of restaurants Il Bastardo and Bar Baresco in New York. It’s a passion of mine. I came up with the concept of Bar Baresco. Hopefully, by next summer, I can open up a place or two back home in Houston.
Q: Where do you see your career going in the future?
A: When it comes to any of that stuff, if the right project presents itself, I would consider it. I really like art so I like the art aspect of acting. The reality thing, I don’t know if it’s necessarily for me.
