The Undeniable Allure of Evans King
When you pose for a photo, you can mimic an idea and repeat the structure and “look” that is currently popular. While this produces something aesthetically pleasing, it’s not emotionally captivating. To literally transmit emotion through a photograph takes many things but most importantly, it necessitates someone with an intuitive sense of self and connection; someone like Evans King. It’s undeniable when you see him. From a focused stare to his radiant smile, this Canada by way of Ghana model is garnering huge attention in the industry. It’s almost impossible to balance humility and unwavering confidence, yet this seems to be the brand of Mr. King. As authentic in his coy moments as in those of boisterous laughter, he has become increasingly visible to the public in recent campaigns for major clothing outlets like Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack. These apparel outlets are giants in the industry and are recognized as locations for the more fashion-minded consumer. Vacillating between sophistication and affordability, companies such as these need models who are multifaceted; those who are defiantly self-aware and at ease with themselves, even if that means finding amusement in the uncomfortable parts of life. No description could be more fitting when applied to Evans King. Unique, original, and charismatic, he projects a lightness that so many find captivating.
There was a time when conformity was a requirement, perhaps more so for models than anyone. That time is over. The first thing you’ll notice about Evans is his wide and brilliant smile. The second thing might be his syringoma. A syringoma is a non-cancerous (benign) bump, usually found on the upper cheeks and lower eyelids of young adults. Syringoma are harmless and are caused by the overgrowth of cells from sweat glands. Evans gleefully explains, “I was truly happy when my agent called me about Nordstrom choosing me for their Fall ’23 campaign and said, ‘Nordstrom loves your smile and found your syringoma very unique. They felt it set you apart from the other talents that will be part of this shoot.’ Beauty is wonderful but it’s personality that sets you apart from others. I haven’t always been so at ease with this idea but I’ve matured into it. The young boy who was insecure has become an adult who is thankful for his distinct look.” This is the magnetic quality that attracted Nordstrom Rack and is on display throughout the numerous images of Evans found in their physical locations and prominently on the store front. Of course, the demeanour on his face is only one aspect of what this model brings. While Marshall’s loved his look, his energy was the lynch pin for his inclusion in the company’s Spring-Summer and Fall-winter campaigns. King states, “Dimitrios Seymour, my manager at Angie’s Models, let me know that while Marshall’s loved my look, it was my self-tape that closed the deal. I taped myself dancing to the song “Manic” by Michael Sembello. I was free and playful, just being my expressive self. I guess the humor and energy of the moment sparked something in them.”
Despite what those of us in the public might think, modeling is a highly collaborative endeavor. On the shoot for Nordstrom Rack, photographer Kat Borchart brought the same energy to this shoot as to her prior work with Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Seventeen, Elle, and others. Evan remarks, “Every time I shoot with a different photographer, it’s like creating music together. You spark each other’s creativity and make something that represents both of you. It was that way with Kat who was so wonderful on this shoot. I have to say that there was something particularly special about this whole campaign and we all felt it. All the models, including myself, came in different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. My uniqueness and unforgettable look, including my syringoma that I wear with pride, contributed to my underlying mission of owning who I am, creating spaces for diverse talent and challenging what we consider to be traditional western beauty standards. My ability to translate my authenticity as a model with the photographer’s instruction brought the images to life – demonstrating my talent for making others want to buy what I am wearing. It was very rewarding to know that we all can look different and not fit the western society of beauty and still, make an impact. For that, I was truly honoured to be a part of the fall campaign for Nordstrom Rack.”
Writer : Calvin Hooney
