Nigel Barker: Exploring His Dynamic Creative Journey + Celebrating 20 Years of "America's Next Top Model"

By Daniela Uribe

creative direction: vanessa coppes

Photographer: Michelle Behre

Stylists: The Style Duo

grooming: chris lanston

Location: blondes studios nyc

featured photography by nigel barker

Step into the world of fashion, beauty, and creativity as we sit down with the iconic Nigel Barker, a name most of you recognize from the famous TV show, “America’s Next Top Model,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. For 17 seasons, Nigel has graced our screens as a prominent judge on the beloved series alongside the iconic Tyra Banks, making an indelible mark on pop culture, fashion, and beauty worldwide.

But Nigel's accomplishments extend far beyond his role on reality TV or photography. With his keen insight and natural abilities, he has transformed various industries, effortlessly moving from photography to directing, producing, writing, furniture and fragrance design, and more. Simultaneously, he dedicates himself to philanthropy, leaving a profound positive impact and inspirational legacy through his remarkable talents.

In BELLA’s exclusive interview, Nigel shares the stories beyond the lens, giving us a glimpse into the world of fashion and photography that he's masterfully navigated, the industry developments he has witnessed throughout his career, and what new ventures await in the future.

Take us on a quick journey through your remarkable career, shedding light on how you transitioned from photography to becoming a significant presence in various creative projects.

I never intended on becoming a model, rather ironically I fell into it after my mother entered me into a televised model search in 1989. Instead of heading straight to college, I took a year off to try my hand at modeling to make a little money and see the world. One year led to two, which led to several more, and instead of a university life, I experienced the ‘School of Life.’

After six or so years traveling and living in cities like Paris, Milan, London, and New York, it became increasingly obvious that a modeling career wasn’t sustainable for me. I am a big guy at 6’4” and as the mid-nineties approached, ushering in the era of androgyny and heroin chic, I knew I would have to pivot. As it happened, I had always been a creative person and had studied fashion design, tailoring, weaving, and pattern-cutting, as well as photography at high school. So, it was pretty clear from working as a model that I would be more fulfilled and have greater staying power if I transitioned from one side of the lens to the other.

For several years I did both modeling and photography, and because of my experience as a model I was able to use that knowledge to help empathize with my subjects and help them relax in front of my lens. Then, of course, came “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM), the perfect show for me as it was exactly how I got my big break many moons before.

Every day on ANTM was a learning experience. It was impressive to watch and learn how to produce an episode of the show, each week and every cycle getting more efficient, streamlined, and better. From Tyra Banks I learned to multitask; her ability to wear both producer and talent hats was amazing. She oversaw every detail of the show and simultaneously worked as the host and ran her businesses. She inspired me to do the same.

One of my big takeaways from that experience was that if you commit and do the work, great things are possible. The sky is the limit; if you can dream it, do it!

I have tried to never pigeon-hole myself into one creative arena and strived daily to challenge myself, from writing books to creating skateboards and photo booths, designing my own furniture line and fragrances, opening gyms like the DogPound, and directing documentaries and TV commercials to understanding that as a creative leader I can work for any type of company, directing the overall creative direction from marketing to advertising and everything in between.

For the full cover story, order a copy of our Fall Fashion Issue!

Dolores Catania: Making Waves

Creative Direction: Vanessa Coppes
Styling: Mindy Gura + Paula Orlan I The Style Duo
Photography: Michelle Behre
Make-up: Chris Lanston
Hair: Katie Rote
Location: Wave Resort | Long Branch, NJ

Caftan: Cenia New York
Bikini: Melissa Odabash Hat: L*Space Bracelet: Carmen Sol
Shoes: Fendi
Hat: L*Space

Dress: Ramy Brook
Earrings: Carmen Sol
Sunglasses: Versace

Dress: Emporio Armani
Neiman Marcus, Paramus

Laughter, Fashion, and Life Lessons: Carson Kressley on Success and Staying True to Yourself

With his eclectic taste and infectious personality, Carson Kressley rose to fame in the early 2000s with the hit show, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” Little did he know, this was the start of an incredible journey.

Before taking the TV world by storm, Carson was happily ensconced in the world of New York City fashion, working for one of the most iconic brands, Ralph Lauren, a company he says he “always envisioned being a part of.”

“I had a job with a non-profit and that was great, but I really wanted to eat and buy a new pair of shoes,” jokes Carson. “I made a list of companies whose products and culture resonated with me, and Ralph Lauren was at the top of that list.” #

Despite not having much experience in the industry except for a love of clothing and its symbolism, Carson landed a job not long out of college with the renowned fashion company.

“I tell people it was like ‘The Devil Wears Prada …’ I was somebody’s assistant, got people’s lunches, picked up samples, and drove around in a black Town Car, but with really nice people who were also very preppy,” says Carson.

Since the world first fell in love with Carson, he’s had the opportunity to be a part of many great projects, both on-screen and off. He is a fierce supporter of the younger generation and aligns himself with organizations where he can help make a difference. “I remember my struggle, and anything I can do to make their pathway in the world a little bit easier, I think is valuable,” explains Carson.

Fascinated by Carson’s story and his passion for life, we sat down with the star to talk about his road to success and the ways in which he is helping others live a stylish life they love.

As a kid, did you ever envision you’d be where you are today?

I have always loved design, but it was not so much in the fashion space as the architectural space. I was constantly doodling houses, floor plans, and landscaping designs. I thought for sure I was going to grow up and become an architect like Mike Brady on “The Brady Bunch”! I thought, that's a great job, and then at some point I realized you had to be really good at math, so I was like ‘OK, next!’ I am not a math person!

I didn't know what I wanted to do at all, even through college. I had no idea what I was going to do the next Tuesday, so I just followed my heart. I knew I wanted to live in New York City, so the day after graduation I had a job lined up—not a dream job, but a job—and moved to Manhattan immediately. I think the city was a great catalyst in giving me amazing opportunities and opened my eyes to a variety of things I could do and that eventually led me to Ralph Lauren.

So, moving to New York City set you on the path you were meant to follow?

Absolutely! Moving to New York right away seemed exciting and a little bit scary, but it's the place where possibilities seem unlimited and that's very much my attitude. I know some people have Impostor Syndrome—I have the opposite! I thought, I'm going to go to New York, I can do anything I want, and I can be anyone I want, and that mindset let me become who I was meant to be.

To read the full interview, purchase the issue here!