David Koch: New Perspective

Karijera modela često izgleda glamurozno na prvi pogled, ali iza svake piste i kampanje stoje godine rada, odricanja i jasne vizije. David Koch gradio je svoj put postepeno, od prvih koraka u industriji do velikih međunarodnih projekata. U razgovoru govori o ključnim trenucima koji su obeležili njegovu karijeru, inspiracijama, izazovima iza kamere i filozofiji koja ga vodi napred.

Kako ste otkrili svoju strast prema modelingu i koji je bio Vaš prvi veliki proboj?

Otkriven sam kao model u maju 2011. godine i tada, iskreno, nisam znao gotovo ništa o modelingu. Mislim da su postojala dva ključna trenutka koja su zaista oblikovala i pomogla mojoj karijeri. Prvi je bila moja prva revija za Mugler u Parizu u junu 2011. godine. Drugi je bila moja prva velika kampanja za Diesel u Njujorku 2014–2015.

Naravno, na početku sam radio i za brendove poput Giorgia Armanija, Calvina Kleina i Jil Sander, što su bila neverovatna iskustva. Ali ako moram da izdvojim najvažnije prelomne tačke, to su definitivno Mugler revija i Diesel kampanja.

Koji modni stil ili brend Vas trenutno najviše inspiriše i zašto?

Zaista volim Givenchy kao brend — njihova celokupna estetika mi je bliska. Istovremeno, klasična elegancija Armanija me i dalje izuzetno inspiriše. Taj bezvremenski, čist izgled nikada ne gubi svoju snagu.

Možete li da podelite neki zanimljiv ili neočekivan izazov sa kojim ste se suočili radeći sa modnim brendovima?

Jedan od najluđih izazova bilo je snimanje kampanje za donji veš na snegu tokom zime u Njujorku. Bio je februar, temperature su bile ispod nule, a mi smo snimali napolju. To je definitivno bilo veoma teško iskustvo — u tom trenutku izuzetno izazovno. Ipak, u isto vreme, bilo je nezaboravno i deo onoga što ovaj posao čini tako jedinstvenim.

Kako balansirate između javnog imidža na društvenim mrežama i privatnog života?

Smatram da je veoma važno razdvojiti privatni i profesionalni život. Roditelji su me vaspitali da budem skroman i stabilan, i trudim se da tako funkcionišem. Ne delim mnogo detalja iz privatnog života na Instagramu. Moj online imidž predstavlja moju modeling karijeru, dok moj privatni život — posebno odnos sa mojom devojkom — ostaje privatan. Taj balans mi najviše odgovara. Ona me podržava, a to je najvažnije.

Šta za Vas znači „moda bez granica“ i kako vidite globalne veze unutar modne industrije?

Za mene „moda bez granica“ znači da moda povezuje ljude širom sveta, bez obzira na kulturu, jezik ili poreklo. Moda je univerzalni oblik izražavanja. Ona omogućava kreativcima, brendovima i publici iz različitih zemalja da sarađuju i inspirišu jedni druge. Industrija je danas globalnija nego ikada — zahvaljujući društvenim mrežama, međunarodnim nedeljama mode i svetskim kampanjama. Modu vidim kao snažan način izgradnje mostova između kultura i povezivanja ljudi.

Koji savet biste dali mladim modelima ili influenserima koji tek započinju karijeru?

Vrlo jednostavno: nikada ne odustajte. Nastavite dalje. Ostanite pozitivni i nemojte sve shvatati previše ozbiljno.

Posebno je važno biti ambiciozan, strpljiv i disciplinovan — i naučiti kako da se nosite sa odbijanjem i neuspesima. Znam da to nije lako. Ali ako želite da uspete, ne možete svako odbijanje shvatati lično. Odbijanja su deo života. Ključ je ostati fokusiran i nastaviti vredno da radite.

Kako birate projekte i kampanje na kojima želite da radite — instinkt ili strategija?

Iskreno, i jedno i drugo. Strategija je važna kada je u pitanju prepoznavanje pravih brendova i dugoročno građenje karijere. Istovremeno, kada me neki brend lično uzbuđuje i zaista želim da radim sa njim, kažem to svom agentu, a on ih kontaktira. Dakle, definitivno je reč o kombinaciji strateškog razmišljanja i ličnog instinkta.

Šta Vas motiviše da stalno pomerate granice svoje karijere i koji je sledeći cilj koji želite da ostvarite?

Uvek sam motivisan jer zaista volim ono što radim. Verujem da je važno stalno težiti visoko i postavljati nove ciljeve. To je ključno ako želite da gorite za nečim i postignete uspeh — ne samo u modelingu, već u bilo kojoj profesiji. Izuzetno sam ambiciozan i nisam osoba koja odustaje. Čak i kada stvari ne idu savršeno, nastavljam dalje. Iskreno verujem da uspeh dolazi vremenom — posebno ako dosledno i naporno radite na svojim ciljevima.

English here:

How did you discover your passion for modeling, and what was your first big breakthrough?

I was discovered as a model in May 2011, and at that time I honestly didn’t know much about modeling at all. I think there were two key moments that really shaped and helped my career. The first was my very first show for Mugler in Paris in June 2011. The second was my first major campaign for Diesel in New York in 2014–2015.

Of course, in the beginning I also walked for brands like Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, and Jil Sander, which were incredible experiences. But if I had to name the most defining moments, it would clearly be the Mugler show and the Diesel campaign.

Which fashion style or brand currently inspires you the most, and why?

I really love Givenchy as a brand — the entire aesthetic speaks to me. At the same time, I still find the classic elegance of Armani extremely inspiring. That timeless, clean look never loses its impact.

Can you share an interesting or unexpected challenge you’ve faced while collaborating with fashion brands?

One of the craziest challenges was an underwear shoot in the snow during winter in New York. It was February, freezing temperatures, and we were shooting outdoors. That was definitely a tough experience — in that moment, it was extremely challenging. But at the same time, it was unforgettable and part of what makes this profession so unique.

How do you balance your public online image with your private life?

I think it’s very important to separate private life from professional life. My parents raised me in a very grounded way, and that’s how I move through the world. I don’t share much of my private life on Instagram.

My online image represents my modeling career, while my private life — especially my relationship with my girlfriend — remains private. That balance works best for me. She supports me, and that’s the most important thing.

What does “fashion without borders” mean to you, and how do you see global connections in the fashion industry?

To me, “fashion without borders” means that fashion connects people all over the world, regardless of culture, language, or background. Fashion is a universal form of expression. It allows creatives, brands, and audiences from different countries to collaborate and inspire each other.

The industry today is more global than ever — through social media, international fashion weeks, and worldwide campaigns. I see fashion as a powerful way to build bridges between cultures and bring people together.

What advice would you give to young models or influencers just starting their careers?

Very simple: never give up. Keep going. Stay positive and don’t take everything too seriously.

It’s especially important to be ambitious, patient, and disciplined — and to learn how to deal with rejection and setbacks. I know that’s not easy. But if you want to succeed, you can’t take every rejection personally. Rejections are part of life. The key is to stay focused and keep working hard.

How do you choose the projects or campaigns you want to work on — instinct or strategy?

Honestly, both. Strategy is important when it comes to identifying the right brands and building your career long-term.

At the same time, when I personally find a brand exciting and truly want to work with them, I tell my agent, and he reaches out to them. So it’s definitely a mix of strategic thinking and personal instinct.

What motivates you to constantly push the boundaries of your career, and what’s the next goal you want to achieve?

I’m always motivated because I genuinely love what I do. I believe it’s important to always aim high and constantly set new goals. That’s essential if you want to burn for something and achieve success — not only in modeling, but in any profession.

I’m extremely ambitious and not the type of person who gives up. Even when things don’t go perfectly, I keep going. I truly believe that success comes with time — especially if you consistently work hard toward your goals.

Credits:

Model: David Koch @davidkoch8

Agency: One Management @onemanagement

Photographer: Damien Krisl @damienkrisl

Agency: CADENCE IMAGE @cadenceimage

Photographer Assistant: Karim Chehimi

Stylist: Arnold Milfort @arnoldmilfort

Hair Stylist: Tomo Jidai @tomojidaj

Agency: home agency @homeagency

Makeup Artist: Yuko Kawashima @yukokawashima_mua

Producer: Siqian Yang @siqian_y

Production Assistant: @carocasay_official 

Rooftop location: The Wallace New York / @thewallacehotel