SNAPPED & CAUGHT: BRIAN NIEH

Timings in life can be so fickle.  Sometimes you can go lengthy periods of time without tasks and tedious obstacles being thrown your way.  Other times, you are so loaded with with projects and appointments, you don't know which way to turn.  In the past year I have had the pleasure of meeting and arranging interviews with some really spectacular guys.  Because of this, I have found myself sometimes becoming annoyed with the order I would introduce them to you.  But not this time...

Because of my recent move back to NYC, I found it only appropriate to go with native New Yorker, Brian Nieh as the next inductee.  Regulars of Fashion Forward Men may question my reasons of placing Brian in the Snapped & Caught category and not the The Face To Watch section.  Its simple.  Although young(25) Mr.Nieh has done an exceptional job at branding himself. therefore in my opinion he has surpassed being a 'fresh face."  Brian has so many fans, he has had to sign up for numerous facebook pages in order to communicate with them.  Aside from FB, he also has  http://www.briannieh.com/.  Together, Brian's site hits have reached into the tens of thousands, each increasing by the day.  What I find incredible is that Nieh has managed to do most of this on his own, with very little help from the DC agency that represents him. 

  

I have known of Brian and his work for about a year now.  But what I didn't know is that this outspoken, barely dressed in pictures model, used to be very shy as a kid.  So much so that he had very few friends.  Brian shares with Fashion Forward Men that he is the product of an interracial family(Asian/Latin).  And though he is proud of his background, he did battle with certain aspects of his heritage.  Imagine going to school, and not seeing anyone else that shared your particular makeup.  For a kid that's an awkward feeling.  Lets be honest for a moment...Looking at Brian, chances are he was most likely cute as a kid.  But as a kid,  good looks weren't really what you are thinking about.  Fitting in and wanting or kids to like us enough to play with us was...

 For most of us, we eventually have those aha moments in life that causes us to open our eyes and began to see things differently.  For Brian, it was no different.  During the summer of 2004, a representative of a modeling agency suggested that he look into the modeling industry.  Sure, he was probably flattered, but it wasn't until the meeting of photographer/model Daria Polenov in 2007 when he began taking this suggested path seriously.  

With the guidance of his mentor, Nieh began growing as a person.  He became more comfortable with his body as well as his sexuality.  But that's not all...  The newcomer also learned that being attractive wasn't all it would take to be successful in this industry.  With a 5'9 frame, many agencies wouldn't dare consider him at all for runway.  Understanding this, he directed himself into Commercial and Print.

"People will try to break and criticize you.  Hear them out, and move on.  Modeling can bring a lot of people in your life and can make you popular for the wrong reasons.  Make sure you separate it from your personal life.  And make make sure you are going into it for the right reason," he says.

Being persistent always tends always pays off, and I am happy to say that our latest Snapped & Caught gentleman is fortunate enough to blessed in this manner.  So far, he made quite the name for himself.  Working with a number of photographers building his portfolio, being in a few music videos, and now releasing is own calendar are just a few accomplishments he has under his belt so far.

When I interview people,I feel it only necessary to ask about a persons personal life.  Not to be nosy, but to get a better sense of who they really are. After all, a persons profession doesn't describe the "true" person, it only describes what they do. Derrick Briggs of ADTV apparently shares my way of thinking.  In a recent interview ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZEEXKfyKxA ), Derrick discovers Brian's slight obsession and rather twisted view of Spongebob Squarepants. Curious??? I suggest you click the link above.  When not watching warped cartoons on television, Nieh confesses that he just chills and relaxes.

Though relaxing is essential to all, getting out and networking is a bigger part of Brian's life.  Sure he considers himself a homebody, but staying at home doesn't keep you relevant.  So when its time to network, clothing always come into factor.  Shopping at stores like Topshop, Diesel, Zara, and H&M keep Mr. Nieh looking his best

With age comes growth, with growth comes the eagerness to experiment and explore more.  I have seen pictures of Brian in various cities, including my former hometown Atlanta, but recently I have learned that he has traveled to L.A.(West Hollywood to be exact).  I also have learned that he loved the city so much he is planning to go back for an extended period of time.  Could it be that Brian Nieh is leaving NYC for good? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned to Fashion Forward Men to see.

Written by Rudy Reed