“I’m happy Covid is over and we can be outside and enjoy summer in New York City again,” Evan Mock shares, sitting in the long-grass with the Williamsburg Bridge behind him. Ready to embrace the sun, even if the local weather hasn’t quite caught up with him yet, Evan pairs his black tee and skater shorts with a HUGO denim varsity jacket, a pair of black out sunglasses also from the brand, and a cute, intricate nature pattern painted onto his nails.
The 26 year old model, skateboarder and actor, famed for starring in the stylish Gen Z reboot of Gossip Girl, made his debut as a face for HUGO, the younger of the two HUGO BOSS brands,as part of their Spring Summer 2023 campaign by Stuart Winecoff, alongside pop star Tinashe and internet phenomenon Bella Poarch. The collection, with its playful wink in the form of a deep, sultry red across many of the pieces, celebrates individuality, attitude and breaking the rules. Who better to represent that than Evan, the Oahu-born style icon with a charmingly cheeky smile who is always rebellious yet fashion-forward on the streets of New York or on the red carpet, but would much rather be stripped to just his shorts and catching waves on the Hawaian coast, tattoos on show.
Here, Evan chats about his impeccable style and what he hates seeing other people wear, the one item of clothing he could live in forever, and his biggest idol.
Hi Evan, how would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as impulsive and based off how I’m feeling.
Has it evolved over time or has it always been that way?
Honestly, I think it has been the same ever since I was a little kid. I’m 26 now so I can’t really say I’m a little kid anymore but I feel like it’s been the same ever since I started thinking about style.
What’s the key to creating a great outfit?
I like to start at the shoes. It delegates whether you’re going to wear shorts or pants or just underwear. It’s a good base. It’s like a plant and a plant has roots. You’ve got to start from the bottom and work your way up from there.
What is the best style advice you’ve ever received?
You know, it’s funny, I haven’t really ever received style advice before. Not directly, at least. But my advice would be to just wear what you want to wear and what makes you comfortable. That’s why style and fashion is so fun because you can wear whatever you want and if you feel great then you look great. It’s all through feeling, rather than looking in the mirror. It’s about what feels good when you put it on.
Do you have any style icks?
White socks with white shoes. Dressing your dog up. Furry backpacks. Carrying around a camera and not using it. Wearing sunglasses and a hat indoors. Wearing a beanie in the summer with no shirt. Wearing all the same colour at the same time. Wearing a Thrasher shirt if you don’t actually skate. I have lots.
If you had to wear the same outfit for the rest of your life what would it be and how would you style it?
This is pretty easy for me. I grew up in Hawaii and the most natural thing for me is board shorts. Going to the beach and being in board shorts all day and getting a tan. The only thing that I would style it with is a beach towel and a surfboard and I’d only listen to Reggae.
Finally, who’s your biggest idol?
Probably my dad. He makes surfboard fins for a living and I’ve seen him go to work at 7am and come home at 7pm. I think I based my work ethic off of him. I’ve learned so much from him about hard work and how it can get you places.
Credits
Credits
Text Tom George
Photography Karl-hens Pompilus
Hair Laila Hayani at Forward Artists Agency
Fashion Assistance Emmalynne Walpole
Creative Direction Emery Coopersmith and Georgina Bacchus
Senior Producer Laurene Mpia
Producer and Videographer Shelby Bryant
Senior Client Partner Natalie Archip
Talent Evan Mock
All clothing, shoes and eyewear HUGO