From Missouri to CK fashion runway!

My name is Ryan Mertz. I´m 20 years old from St. Louis, Missouri, USA. In high school I was the jock lol and totally not into fashion. I was caption of the varsity basketball team in school and was planning going to college at Mizzou this year but decided to hold off on school and just give modeling a shot. I spent my whole life here in St. Louis and really enjoyed living here. I was always surrounded with my huge family and tons of great friends. Even after all my sweet travels I still love being home in St. Louis. Before modeling came into a reality I never really even thought about leaving home and having opportunities outside the United States. I feel so lucky have been given such a great opportunity to experience such amazing things.

I started modeling just a little over a year ago. I got scouted by my mother agent here in St. Louis at my high school. Jeff Clarke at Mother Model Management was up at my high school basketball game and saw me on the court. At first when Jeff approached me I was a little skeptical of all of this. I never even thought about being a model or ever working in fashion. After a few emails I decided to go ahead and just give it a shot. We set up a test here in St. Louis with a photographer Steve Garnett. Just did some simple body shots and a few head shots. From then on I knew modeling was something I could get into. About a week later I get an email from Jeff and he telling me that I was now being represented by Next New York. This was such exciting news for me to know that I actually made it. The best thing about modeling for me is the travel and getting to meet so many cool new people throughout the business

Feeling comfortable posing to the lens of the photographers and the CK runway´s cool experience!

When working with photographers the best thing for me is making me feel comfortable. Before working with a photographer I always look up their past work and try to get a feel about how they work.

Fashions shows are a really fun and exciting experience. I have walked in shows for Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and Lacoste. My first actual modeling job was a Calvin Klein exclusive in Nyc. I remember being lined up backstage right before the show freaking out inside. I was so nervous since this was not only my first show but first job ever. Just as I am trying to keep myself calm I see Kanye West and a ton of other celebs sitting front row. Haha this didn’t help my nerves at all haha!!

Ryan by himself

A fashionista?: I don’t know if I consider myself a fashionista but I do try to dress trendy. Before modeling I never wore anything fashionable but now even outside of modeling I dress somewhat trendy lol.
Imagine u a famous model surrounded by a huge crowd. How you´d handle it?: If I was being being approached by a huge group of people I would probably milk it for all I can. I would just be super excited that a ton of people actually knew me
Human Right, Freedom of speech, Sexual behaviors: I would approach issues with a much more open mind now. I think before I was modeling I was much more narrow minded. Now after being well traveled and having meet so many different people with different perspectives I feel I see things differently
Show biz, Fame and 5 most important things for his life: Show business and fame is a very interesting lifestyle. Fame and success for me is becoming rich and known by millions of people around the world. The 5 most important things in life for me are: Family, Friends, Religion, Happiness, and Money
Dating: I think dating is really nice but for me right now living the single life is the best choice considering my lifestyle
Sports: I still love all sports. My favorite sport is basketball and football. I love sitting around all day with my friends watching sporting games
Craziest (nastiest?) thing he´s ever done in a summer time season: Pool hopping naked in my town ? hahaha
Fav undies for his daily activites and for those cool sexy moments (lol!): Favorite underwear is most def CK. I wear tight fitting briefs for the sexy moments lol
Fav band: Kings of Leon
Fav food: Pizza or Hamburgers
Most unforgettable moment: Getting confirmed for Calvin Klein show for my first job ever
Motto: Live life to the fullest

When you´ll come to visit Brazil zil zil? Ohh man I would love to come to Brazil! The place looks absolutely amazing! I hope someday in the near feature I will be there!!

The Projects

Right now I have the Gas Jeans campaign out and some editorials for Numero, Arena Homme +, and a few others mags. Not sure where this summer will take me but I know I be through out Europe

Ryan Daniel Mertz
Contact info Mother Model Management