MODEL MAN: ROGER FRAMPTON

British model and fitness entrepreneur Roger Frampton has just celebrated ten years at Milan Fashion Week. He's appeared on top runways and in international fashion and editorial campaigns for years. His newly-launched and highly sought-after training method inspired by Olympic gymnastics, utilizes the body's own weight and is surprisingly accessible. From growing up on a small farm, ushering animals to the slaughter to becoming someone who advocates for animals and is at the forefront of fashion, health and fitness, Frampton is in an especially influential position to create desire around a more evolved definition of masculinity. Roger and I had a conversation where he shared some insights, highlights and ideas:

Joshua Katcher: What led you to modeling and what are some of the most widely-seen campaigns for which you've modeled? Roger Frampon: I was first spotted working at my brothers bar in London. The campaigns which I am most known for are; Ralph Lauren, Aquascutum, Thomas Pink, Jean Paul Gaultier & Topman.

JK: What few things do you always have with you when you travel? RF: Passport, sunnies, laptop.

JK: You're also a fitness expert. Tell us about your business and your approach. RF: I am indeed. The Frampton Method is a practise on working with your own body, nothing else is needed. It's unique to you and you only. I will be revealing lots this year on my YouTube channel. People will need to follow any one of my social channels to be in the know. [see below for links]

JK: What is it like to be vegan in an industry notorious for fur, leather, and wool? RF: Well I live in a 'world' notorious for fur, leather, and wool so do not blame the industry, sadly a case of supply and demand. The only plausible reason I had for consuming animals was taste. Taste is habit. Habits are in the mind. I am not my mind. Tick!

JK: What is your relationship with animals like? RF: Growing up on a farm I was surrounded by animals for most of my younger life, they were our friends but I still loved to help out driving them to the slaughter house whilst enjoying a bacon sandwich after. Looking back it's quite remarkable what you can teach a young brain on the rights and wrongs of life. My relationship with animals is now a very different one having made an adult moral decision that they are not here for me to eat.

JK: Is the era of spokesmodels and supermodels over? What power do models still have to influence fashion? RF: With social media, definitely not. Models are more accessible than ever. The power of the smize!

JK: What's your best advice for someone who wants to get in shape? RF: To remember it was not your bodies fault that you are currently out of shape. It is your fault. Your social choices, your greed, your lack of education and understanding. Take responsibility. Forgive yourself, move forth and make some lifestyle changes.

JK: What are you favorite cruelty-free grooming and fashion products? RF: Favourites are... Bulldog and Dr. Bronners Soaps. I would like to know more fashion brands!

JK: What's your most vivid childhood memory? RF: Walking the mile long walk home from school with my sister with the smells and sounds of the country.

JK: What's on your playlist, reading list and bucket-list? RF: Afraid of this generation - Dagavaq, The War of Art, The moon.

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