Model Watch: Damon Nelson

Self-described as Marilyn Monroe and David Bowie's love child, Hollywood-based model Damon Nelson was a natural fit for Guess' new unisex His & Hers line. The queer model's bleached, Warholian hair and androgynous look have made him one of Two Management's most promising signees, landing commercial and editorial alike. But the 21-year-old's life wasn't always so glamorous--his roots are in rural Nevada, where he developed a DIY interest in photography and used the Internet to help launch his burgeoning career. Keep clicking to see more of our current obsession, captured in California, and learn more about him, below.

OUT: Where did you grow up?

Damon Nelson: I grew up in a very small mining town, called Battle Mountain, in northern Nevada, close to the Reno/Tahoe area. [It] was named the armpit of America by the Washington Post. My brother raced professional motocross, so I spent a lot of my childhood traveling in a motor home. Even though it was small town in rural Nevada, I never really felt judged for looking and being different. I found that the people from Battle Mountain are very accepting and loving people.

How did you first get involved in modeling?

There weren't too many options for things to do where I'm from, so my friends and I would wander around in the desert and take photos on our parents point-and-shoot cameras, trying to emulate fashion photos we saw online and in magazines. This is when I first realized my love for storytelling through photography and fashion. A photographer a few hours away from my hometown saw the photos that me and my friends took online and asked to shoot me. From there, it led me to get signed and helped me make the decision that modeling was the main thing I wanted to pursue after graduating high school--what led me to move to Los Angeles and be with Two Management.

How did it feel to be the face of Guess' unisex His & Hers line?

It was a total dream come true working with Guess. Growing up I was always a huge fan of Anna Nicole Smith, so it was a surreal feeling knowing that I could be a part of such an iconic brand and in a way that reads true to my personal style. I think unisex fashion makes wearing fashion much easier, when you pick of piece of clothing because you simply like it and not factor in if it was made for a specific gender. I think people can find it quite liberating. I've never really payed much attention to what is supposed to be for boys or what is supposed to be for girls--if I like something, I wear it and don't overthink it.

What's been your favorite modeling project to date?

I did an August Getty fashion show that was art directed by David LaChapelle, and the way it was set it up made it feel more like an art installation or performance art--they turned one of the western sets at Universal Studios into this elaborate post-apocalyptic set and it was so amazing to be able to help bring the atmosphere to life. I really love any project that has [thoughtful] artistic direction, and one that gives me, as a model, the opportunity to tell a story.

Describe your dream photoshoot.

My dream photoshoot would be for Saint Laurent, wearing one of their amazing blazers and obviously very tight leather pants. I would love to model with Jordan Barrett or Andreja Pejic.

What's your favorite part of fashion? Least favorite?

Fashion allows a look into your life and who you are without saying anything. It can be such a great way of self-expression and can give you that extra confidence boost in certain situations. My least favorite is probably how much I spend on it, but at the same time, I do believe in the saying, "You get what you pay for."

What three songs are on your summer playlist, right now?

"Eyes Closed (Stripped)" by Halsey
"From the Dining Table" by Harry Styles
"Lust for Life" by Lana Del Rey

Photography: Sarah Benjamin

Styling: Phil Gomez

Wardrobe: Chapter