Andrea Marcaccini
If we were to define Andrea Marcaccini only with one word, it would be almost impossible. A versatile model, with interests ranging from art to fashion. A look and a physique that doesn't go unnoticed. Find out all the details he shared with us on TheCorner.com, exclusively for The Corner Zine!
Andrea, can you tell us a little bit about who you’re and how your career started?
My career began by chance. All in thanks to my cousin who sent my photos to an agency in Bologna, where I was brought to start my modeling career. Meanwhile, I decided to study Criminological Sciences at the University of Forlì. Then, during an editorial shooting, photographer Michael Kenta advised me to find an agency in Milan. Here, I started working for the most important brands, like Trussardi, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. It was in Milan that I decided to change my look, letting my beard and my hair grow, and getting tattooed. At first, there were obstacle, because nobody believed in that look. Fortunately, having a beard has become a trend: now, I’m able to work even better than before.
When I talk about art, I speak believing that art goes hand in hand with the act of creating. You create art by drawing a shoe, taking a picture, or making an installation. The field of art is vast and I don't want to ever put limits on it.
The first time we met was on the set of a photo shoot where you were modeling. Today, you’re an entrepreneur with your own clothing line and a wallpaper designer. Which of these professions do you like the most?
Today I have a small brand, I do art and I have a store with my mother. I mainly recognize myself as an artist. My main goal is to make my brand grow. When I talk about art, I speak believing that art goes hand in hand with the act of creating. You create art by drawing a shoe, taking a picture, or making an installation. The field of art is vast and I don't want to ever put limits on it.
Today, having a beard is one of the most popular trends for men. Can you explain the reason why you decided to let it grow and how you groom it?
I’ve always liked the beard trend. I was impressed by a model from the 90’s who had a beard and really reflected those canons of beauty. Despite my booker's requests, I decided to keep my beard. I’m simply straightforward: I wash it like everyone else, nothing fancy.
Always staying on the fashion topic of look: how would you describe it? What can’t absolutely be missing from your wardrobe?
My look is simple, but complex at the same time. I prefer to wear casual jeans than classic trousers. I'm going from a look , that we could call the ‘rocker’ look, to a cleaner look. My look is about comfort; what can’t be missing from my wardrobe is a T-shirt, a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt and a leather jacket.
You said, "My tattoos are my life, I want what’s drawn on my body to stay forever." How did this passion for tattoos come about? Which of them are you most attached to and why?
Tattoos are part of my life, their memories, their decisions, their doubts and certainties. Everything that concerns my journey. The tattoo I’m most attached to is the one I have on my right arm, it represents birds as a symbol of freedom. As to the right leg, at the end of the tattoo session, I borrowed the machine and tattooed a phrase that was important to me at that time. The passion came when I was little with the famous temporary tattoos.
Being a model, it’s important for you to take care of your body and stay healthy, and clearly you’ve done a very well job! For you, what works best? do you follow a diet in a particular way? Do you practice any type of sports?
Thank you very much (Laughs E.D). I’m very lucky and I have to thank my parents for this. I don’t follow particular diets. I'm careful not to eat too many ‘unhealthy’ foods. I prefer vegetarian and vegan dishes to meat-based ones. I like to do sports, it keeps me active and recharges me. I do go to the gym, but more so I practice many sports like soccer, karate, volleyball and CrossFit.
Talk to me about your clothing brand. Can you explain its philosophy and characteristics?
The brand is called ‘Shine on District’. It’s a mixture that embodies all my different tastes, as if it were my closet, inside of which you can find research pieces from my travels. The city that inspires me the most is New York City: in this wonderful city, you can really find every kind of style and people. Textile research is also essential.
You have an Instagram profile with almost 150K followers. What do you particularly like about the world of social media and what don't you appreciate? Have you ever been faced with criticisms that ultimately helped you in your career and beyond?
The world of social media is fun and I also experience it as a job. However, I'm not obsessed with it. I’m interested in following accounts about art and some ‘spiritual’ profiles. Social media is a great means of communication: it can make you reach a visibility that wouldn’t have been possible without it. Or, at least, definitely faster. It’s a bombardment of images, that's true, but if you make a good selection, it can be a great starting point for personal research. What I don't like about social media is their superficiality. I don't really care about the criticism I get on social media. What interests me are the critics of the people I care about.
Any big plans for the future?
For the future, I hope for unlimited happiness for my loved ones and myself.