JOHN PEARSON

The supermodel talks about hot yoga, ayahuasca and losing his vintage Omega.

- Justin Fenner

YOU COULD SAY John Pearson has benefited from great jeans. The 58-year-old, regarded as the world’s first male supermodel, was discovered at age 18 while managing a denim shop in his hometown of Hull, in northern England. Three years later, in 1986, he moved to New York, where he worked for everyone from Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to Levi’s and Gap, often shooting with photographers such as Helmut Newton and Mario Testino. A ‘good day in the office’ moment: starring alongside Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington in the music video for George Michael’s Freedom! 90.

In the nearly four decades since relocating to the US, Pearson has appeared in over 100 commercials and countless magazines. But perhaps his most personal project is the one he co-founded in 2020, the lifestyle and mental-health website Mr Feelgood. “It’s like a campsite chat,” he says of its insightful interviews. “We all need to try and learn to open ourselves up to new experiences and new perspectives.”

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

We live in an Ed Niles house and I can look at the sunrise over Hidden Hills (California) from our bed. And then I say, “Thank you. I’m grateful for being here and for having another day.” And then I make coffee.

What apps on your phone do you use the most?

Well, I’ve stopped using CNN. It’s just too depressing. I’m so embarrassed to admit it, but I use Instagram the most, just because I’m trying to do it for Mr Feelgood.