Art Of Modelling

Men’s Folio Model Search 2019 winner Silas Oo doesn’t only possess an edgy, otherworldly and utterly unique look, but is also professional with an attitude that is accessible and down-to-earth.

- John Ng

“What the hell, why not?” Silas Oo says he thought to himself when a friend apprised him of Men’s Folio Model Search 2019. Once an avid weightlifter, Oo had to call it quits when he maimed both his wrists (which still bother him today) and consequently made him to shift focus onto his other interest namely fashion. Having been modelling for just over year, the 23-year-old fine arts graduate confessed that he entered the contest with zero expectations.

From posting OOTDs on Instagram to doing small and then real gigs, Oo wasted no time making his presence felt in the fashion scene. “I’d say my biggest break was my shoot with the one and only TTFGA for one of the ‘TTFGA Take it to the Streets’ phases,” he says. “I had just shaved my head following a breakdown that stemmed from mental and spiritual exhaustion at that point in my life, and shortly after the shoot, demand skyrocketed and has been on a decent high ever since.”

Oo says that he’s well aware that self-discipline is one of the most imperative ingredients of a successful model – and he’s not wrong. “It comes in handy when you’re working, like showing up on time or early, networking at social events, building your social media presence, time management and scheduling,” he says, and adds, “On top of that would be to have motivation, perseverance and the right attitude towards your craft.”

When Oo isn’t working, you can find him rummaging one thrift shop after another. “I enjoy sieving through racks and racks of clothes and finding great pieces every once in a while,” he says. “Even when we [he and his girlfriend] travel, it’s our number one priority. Surry Hills in Sydney and Bricklane in London are two of my favourite locations.” Otherwise, he’d be crafting artworks.