Colin Steers ’09 (Charlottesville, Va.), a psychology/neuroscience major with his sights set on medical school, never understood the concept of loosening up . . . until he trained to become a supermodel. Steers spent fall term as a contestant on Bravo’s reality television series Make Me a Supermodel, which follows a group of young men and women as they compete for $100,000 and a contract with a New York modeling agency. “I always thought my being awkward was more of an act,” he says. “But when I was put in front of the camera, I actually was pretty awkward. I had to get over that quickly.”
In his defense, it is true that Steers was asked to strike some rather uncomfortable poses: being hoisted by cranes above New York City in a Plexiglas box while he was wearing nothing but a bathrobe, for example. Although he was eliminated from the show in the eighth episode, Steers took away some newfound confidence and a continuing desire to walk the runway. He plans to pursue modeling full time after graduation—for at least a year—to see if he can become a success. “I had never considered doing anything with my life that wasn’t academic,” he says. “It could be senioritis, but I found it refreshing to experience life in the entertainment industry.”
For our entertainment, we asked Steers to fill out the Carl Quiz.
Secret talent: The ability to peruse the Internet for hours on end without getting tired or accomplishing anything. It’s a skill.
Favorite hobbies: Playing guitar and programming some thumpin’ ironic techno on my laptop.
Favorite male model: Tyson Beckford. Because someday I want to be the only male model you can name.
Three fashion trends everyone should try:
- Thigh-high boots instead of pants (you laugh now, but you’ll start seeing this more). Still waiting for the men’s version.
- Sandals with socks—not as stigmatized as they used to be, and comfortable.
- Tighter pants—seriously, guys, you can do this.
Strangest outfit you had to model: Speedo, codpiece, and wire cages around my shoulders. It was cute; I’d totally wear it to class.
Best place on campus to do a photo shoot: The Arb. Natural light can be beautiful, and the juxtaposition between Minnesota landscape and high fashion is just jarring enough to make a sweet editorial.
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