Photographer Jerris Madison for www.jerrismadison.com
Grooming and Wardrobe Stylist: J-Mad Styling
Photo Asst: Leon Christian
Model: Derrick Smith www.twitter.com/thederricksmith
Words: Tionne Myles, Editorial Director

Kilt/Belt  ALT.KILT Custom Urbanwear Kilts www.altkilt.com
Boots Via Spiga Macy’s NYC
Turtleneck Shirt  Zara Man
Hosiery H&M
Faux Fur Hat H&M

Kilt/Belt  ALT.KILT Custom Urbanwear Kilts www.altkilt.com
Boots Via Spiga Macy’s NYC
Blazer H&M
Turtleneck Shirt Zara Man
Hosiery H&M
Faux Fur Hat H&M

Kilt/Belt  ALT.KILT Custom Urbanwear Kilts www.altkilt.com
Boots Via Spiga Macy’s NYC
V-neck Shirt  Gucci
Scarf (wrapped around) Gucci
Hosiery H&M
Faux Fur Hat H&M

LEFT:
Kilt/Belt  ALT.KILT Custom Urbanwear Kilts www.altkilt.com
Scarf H&M

RIGHT:
Kilt/Belt  ALT.KILT Custom Urbanwear Kilts www.altkilt.com
Boots Via Spiga Macy’s NYC
V-neck Sweater J Crew
Hosiery H&M
Faux Fur Hat H&MKilt/Belt  ALT.KILT Custom Urbanwear Kilts www.altkilt.com
Boots Via Spiga Macy’s NYC
Shirt Michael Kors (turned backwards)
Hosiery H&M
Scarf H&M
Faux Fur Hat  H&M

It’s never good to judge a book by its cover. Who knows what the filler may consist of, or how it could be the missing part of something you’ve felt incomplete with. From the ever passé “You’re different from what I thought you would be…” to the good old fashioned way of getting to know someone before you categorize them in the “no thanks” section, either way we look at it, you’ve got to jump into the thick of it before you can brand it with a definition. 

Now I would like to present Derrick Smith The Bronx is in the building, Stand Up!

Stats: Height:6'4
Weight:196
Shoe size: 12
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Brown
Ethnicity: Jamaican/English
Experience:  3 Years
Agent:   None 

Favorite Quote: “If You Give Me A Fish I'll Eat Today But If You Teach Me How To Fish I'll Eat Forever.” - Beanie Sigel 

Hero(es): 50 Cent and everyone who’s overcome the odds and made a positive spin on a negative circumstance. 

Who exactly is Derrick Smith?
A Proud Father. Great friend. 
 
What made you decide to be a model ?
My love of fashion. One of the best ways to be involved while not being a stylist or designer is to be an actual model, so that’s where I fit in [laughing].  

What are your intentions with modeling?
I would love to accomplish much more as a model/actor, such as billboards and big movie roles. Also, I am interested in becoming an entrepreneuer, and I dream to provide my daughter and family with the best life possible. 

Are you currently signed to an agency? (If not) What agency are you interested in working with & why?
I'm not currently signed to an agency. I would love to be signed with an agency that can help me take my talents to a bigger stage and market. I also want them to see my vision which is to not only be a model, but to have a voice in the community.  

As a model, what would be your ideal photo shoot?
Levi’s or Armani to name a couple. Some kind of abandoned building theme (couple scene). I see them on NYC subways all the time and I would love to be a part of that! 

Who is your favorite Designer/Photographer/Magazine/Model, etc?
*My favorite designer is Ralph Lauren.
*My favorite  photographers are Scharad Lightbourne (Bahamas) and Jerris Madison.
* Vogue Magazine, by far, is my favorite. I'm a high fashion model and the content they have in their issues are amazing to me. Tyrese Gibson is one of my favorite models for his ability to make the transition from model, to singer, to actor.  

What is your honest take on the current modeling industry?
It’s very competitive.  Lots of talent. I love it because it raises the bar and keeps everyone on their toes. I'm happy with what I’m seeing. I also wish everyone much success because there’s room for all of us to do great things.  

What charities are you involved in?
I did a clothing drive where I went on Twitter and people would text and donate clothes. I brought them to the shelters all across the five boroughs (Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island) and plan on doing a lot of other things on my list.  

Describe your first shooting experience?
The work was great, but it was very stressful. I thought I was doing a bad job, but I had  lots of fun, and I made the most of it.  

What do you feel assisted your development & growth in life?
Struggling and seeing so many others make mistakes in life helped me grow. When you reach an extremely low point in your life and its uncomfortable, you’re not going to want to go back there. Those experiences should help you grow and move forward.  

How would you describe your drive & inspiration for your work? What would Derrick do? 
My drive comes from being hungry. I’m grateful for everything in my life, but in life, you can’t base your success on what you’ve done in the past. It is what you have done lately. So I do my best to keep that attitude and stay hungry, humble, and determined to reach my goals.  

- 

Sometimes there’s much more to a beautiful body & face…sometimes there is so much, we get involved and light up with a vast amount of support for the power within the individual. One great aspect about one Derrick Smith, is his very much alive vibrant desire to become a greater individual. The obvious is... we’re not going to the extreme of worshiping the cover of the book, it’s just modeling (and models of our own stories, we all are). 

Tionne, Inc., All Rights Reserved : Editorial Director, Obvious Magazine