Who says male models have nothing to talk about? Jon Kortajarena is known as one of the most colorful guys in the business, and that hasn't worked against him: He's everywhere these days, in editorial spreads and in ad campaigns from Tom Ford to Diesel. We caught up with the 24-year-old Spaniard in Paris yesterday, after the Louis Vuitton Men's show.What was your worst modeling experience?
My first fashion week in Milan, at age 18. I was like, "What am I doing here?" I was feeling so alone. It was freezing cold and I didn't bring the right clothes. And I couldn't communicate because my English was even worse than it is now. Instead of saying, "She is blond," I would say, "She is yellow hair!"
What's the last book you read?
I just finished Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. It was very special. I'm in a difficult moment in my personal life now. Heart things. I don't mean medical heart problems—I mean relationships. Love things! So the book taught me about accepting life how it comes. Sometimes you are fighting for things you can't fight for.
Didn't you just work as an actor for the first time?
Yes. I can't give details about the movie yet, but it was an unbelievable experience. I felt more secure in front of the camera than in real life. In my normal life I have so many insecurities. I am learning from them, or trying to learn.
How much time do you spend at the gym?
Almost none. I really hate the gym. So I go running. When I lift weights I feel like I am hurting myself. I would rather do other things. Swimming sometimes. Why should I be two hours in a gym, suffering so much, with all these people that I don't know and don't want to know?
Have you ever fallen down on the runway?Yes! It happened during, like, my second show! But I was lucky because it was on a stairway that was mostly hidden, so the audience couldn't see anything.
Who hits on you most often—women or men?
I don't get hit on a lot. Really. I do see people looking at me but normally it's me who takes the first step. (laughs) I'm the one who walks over to see what's going on.
Photo: Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 Men's collection, George Chinsee.
