By Scarlett Kersey
Photography: Ofmany Ortiz & Rick Santana // Production: Fortiz Studio // Production Assistants: Ian Alvarez, David Pereira // Hair Stylist & mgmt: Valissa Yoe with See Management // Fashion: Tatiana Cinquino // Grooming: Alina Siz // Model: Alina Siz // Management: State Management
On a quiet lake in Oregon surrounded by trees you can find Christian Hogue—lying down on a white paddleboard next to his Australian Shepherd, Butters. That is when he's not in work mode as the ambassador of a cologne campaign or a familiar face at fashion week. It means something that the place he keeps returning to is one where no one is looking at all—far from electronics, far from crowds.
In a profession built upon a face, a measurement, a look—Hogue is ever-redefining what it means to be a model now, after twenty years of making this his life's work, in a time when virality, likes, and comments have become currency and social media a new third space.
shirt. RHUDE // trousers. RHUDE // shoes. CAMPER
While catching up with him, we asked Hogue what part of the industry he still falls in love with, which parts he has learned to stay away from, and, most importantly, what he's taken from it all.
1. You grew up in a small town where you describe modeling as something people looked down on. What happened at 15 that made you willing to go against those opinions?
Honestly, my mom forced me to do it so my mother agent would stop calling her. She got me going in this, but I was hesitant from the beginning because I was just a teenager from a small town in Oregon. I didn't think I was attractive, really, so I didn’t really have the confidence that this was a real option for me.
2. Is there a specific job or production set that has stood out among the rest? What made it memorable?
I had done cologne campaigns before, but when I booked Davidoff that was a different level because I was the main focus—it was mine. I had that campaign for almost 5 years and it changed my life drastically. That job kept me in the fashion world. I was ready to quit and move on to something else, but Davidoff gave me the chance to really branch out.
3. You've talked about craving peace after years in big cities and the spotlight. How does years of moving places show up now? Do you struggle to settle in one place or is it something you feel like you’ve finally earned?
Moving around was just part of the natural order of things in this industry. But now, after all this time, I'm so happy to have found a place, my home, with the peace and quiet and nature and waterfalls. The lush green just makes me feel so full.
4. What's something you've always wanted to be asked. Perhaps something people gloss over, or wouldn't even think to ask about you?
That question would be: “Do you feel you have made a true impression in the world you are in?” My answer would be not a big enough one. I want to keep going ‘til I'm remembered for a while and will be referenced to go back to for a long time.
turtleneck. LACOSTE // jacket. LACOSTE // shirt. THE FRANKIE SHOP // trousers. LACOSTE // shoes. CAMPER
5. You've said how much it matters to have an agent who genuinely cares about you. Why does that relationship end up being so defining?
Having an agent who not only knows you, but genuinely understands and cares about you is paramount in this industry. You need someone to have your back in this world and I'm so incredibly grateful for my agents who have been there for me during this, and working so damn hard dealing not only with my work but also my crazy ass ahah.
6. Between your motorcycle, your dog Butters, and paddleboarding, you've found ways to slow down. Where do you go to find peace, and what are you like on a day with no plans at all?
Peace for me is when I am getting lost in the woods or on a river where I don’t have service. It's just me and my dog grounding with my roots like I did back in Oregon. I don’t need much to find my peace, just to be away from crowds and electronics.
shirt. SANDRO // jacket. THE FRANKIE SHOP // trousers. SANDRO // shoes. SANDRO
7. This industry of work can be difficult to keep going, and it’s tough on your body and mind. What fuels you to persist during times of doubt?
To be better than I was yesterday. At the end of the day, when work slows and clients aren’t calling as much, you are the only one who can keep yourself up and improving. When times get tough I focus inward even more to better myself any way I can, and come back better than I was.
8. What advice would you give to your 15-year old self after almost 20 years of being in this industry?
Drop the ego, don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself trying something new, and stand out from the rest by being different. I always wanted to be part of a group growing up but that never really happened for me, and modeling was my “out” for this to expand my mind, travel the world, and come back knowing that being the same as everyone else is not the way.
9. What has modeling taught you that shows up in other parts of your life?
Nothing is guaranteed. Be prepared for 8 no’s out of 10. Hustle and find other ways to stand out or make money ‘til you make it in the area you are trying to master. You will get there eventually.
full look. ETRO
10. If you could describe your job to someone who knows nothing about what you do, what would a typical shoot day entail and how much prep work goes into a campaign for a model?
There's a full work force that goes into creating a campaign that a lot of people don’t see behind the camera. I'm honestly just a small part of the whole ordeal. My side of things isn’t too hard, even though it can be exhausting at times. I get my hair and makeup done, and start the first few looks. We shoot for around nine hours, off and on, when they have to shift lighting or change the set.
11. There was a certain period of your life when you talked about realizing you needed to detach from ego. When did that shift happen, and why do you think it was so necessary?
I had gotten this idea that I was this "Hot Shot" model because I was getting some amazing clients and campaigns. Thinking, "I'm too good for certain jobs or castings or even editorials," that I thought were too weird. I had to drop that ego, because I realized I can't climb higher in this world by having this useless ego. Since I did, my creativity exploded. I got more confident in my work and am more open to being molded into what it takes to be a model today.
full look. LACOSTE
12. You've said people feel more disconnected now, even with social media. As someone whose career partly lives on those platforms, how do you find that balance?
The world has changed so much due to social media, and I try very hard to stay connected to people in real life and also show that in my social medias—that I value true connection to the world, friends, and family over social connection.