Simon Tham

by Matthew Lyn

In an industry dominated by the fair skinned Caucasian, Simon Tham has broken a few rules and made quite the name for himself in the fashion industry, particularly in the United States. His English-born mother and his African-born Chinese father are the roots of his fantastic aesthetic and he is often paralleled in looks to the young Twilight superstar, Taylor Lautner.

Simon realized early in his academic career that he felt lost. Failing classes, low grades and no direction threw him into a spiraling depression. It was not until he decided to model that he found himself starting to love life again and got back on the path to finding himself. Immediately he booked Abercrombie and from that he realized NYC was a real possibility.

Unable to get signed with mere Polaroids, he decided to make his way to New York and meet with the agents personally. Major Model Management was his one stop agency and was signed immediately.

Simon moved with no certainty of the future and the understanding he might have to return within a few short months if he was not successful. But a glimmer of hope turned into reality and two years later Simon is still in New York.

In some ways he is at the forefront for ethnic models and was the first Eurasian model to land a Ralph Lauren campaign. Many other campaigns followed including American Eagle, Aeropostale, Y-3, and Ralph Lauren Rugby. Vogue and GQ are among some of the more prestigious magazines that have utilized the Toronto native and his stardom is only continuing to escalate.

In a more personal conversation with the Sutherland model, he reveals his more traditional qualities which envelop strong moral fiber in his family and personal life.

Passing time is easy for this young star as he wanders the streets of Manhattan taking pictures of anything that inspires him, which is what New York is famous for.

Matthew: So travelling around the world is the best perk of modelling?
Simon: Hmm, yes it's definitely up there! I love exploring and experiencing new places and also the free time to do whatever you want!

Matthew: What is the coolest campaign you have done?
Simon: Maybe for Garage in Canada. I guess it's the coolest because we went to the British Virgin Islands (very beautiful!) for a few days where I hardly had to do anything because this other guy and I were background for the girls. They don't even have a men's line!

Matthew: Any crazy fan experiences?
Simon: Yeah, actually I had this girl contact me on facebook who worked in an Aeropostale store where I'm up right now. She said she was a fan and had a blog about me! I guess the Taylor Lautner look-a-like helps a lot. It's kind of weird for me to think that someone has a blog about me. How is there enough content out there about me to warrant a blog? Haha

Matthew: any advice out there to models getting into the industry and starting to make money?
Simon: Partying too much and looking haggard as a result, or missing jobs, castings - everything in moderation :) haha

Matthew: So right now your goals are pretty much to go with the wind and see where your heart takes you?
Simon: Yeah, I'm kind of going with the wind and I like it and sometimes I freak out a bit because I don't have a plan, a degree, or a skill set leading to a career!

I love Simon's free-spirited personality and his lightning fast pace towards a path he knows nothing about. I feel much the same way. He feels that British Columbia may be his final destination because the wilderness, the everlasting nature trails, and natural beauty that surrounds B.C. fits in with his persona. Simon is going to do many great things and I look forward to watching his progression.