Ivan de Pineda, the Latino supermodel

Ivan de Pineda is the epitome of a hot Latino supermodel. Not only is he a celebrity in Argentina, his native country, he is also ranked among the 10 most important international male models and is one of the most in demand male models in the world. He is very talentes – he even dabbled in television, once hosting a magazine show, Versus, with top model Valeria Mazza. He had to give it up because of his hectic modeling commitments which take him to the different fashion capitals of the world: New York, Paris, Milan and London. He has modeled for Jean Paul Gaultier, Romeo Gigli, Trussardi and Valentino. Today, he is based in Paris.

Yes, this Argentinian model looks familiar. He is best remembered for his Versace campaigns. He also did one for Yves Saint Laurent with British Patrician model Stella Tennant and with Lonneke Enkel for Versus. He recently did campaigns for Donna Karan, Kenzo, Missoni, Moschino, Diesel and Verri. He is a standout with his unique features: Piercing emerald green eyes, crooked nose, prominent cheek bones and bowed lips.

Ivan started modeling at the young age of 17, attracting top designers with his unique look. With his sexy advertising campaign for Diesel, major designers took notice of him. Besides his looks, his success can be attributed to his ability to project different personalities on camera. Personally, he is a very friendly and cool guy. Here, in between fashion shows during the Pasarela Cibels, Madrid Fashion Week, Philippine STAR gets to know Ivan up close and personal:

PHILIPPINE STAR: When did you get discovered?

IVAN DE PINEDA: About eight years ago, I was a teenager and Versace was in Argentina doing a campaign and they did a casting. Someone called me just to go there. I showed up in my high school uniform with tie and jacket and they liked me so I started working for them.

How were you like then?

I was really young, only 17, with long hair and very skinny.

What kind of clothes do you think men should have in their wardrobe?

The simpler, the better. Men should not be all dressed up thinking of every single detail. Just take a pair of blue jeans, shirts, sneakers, leather shoes, smart shirts. I think that’s the look. Shirts in blue, olive green, white and sometimes black. I am not so much into black myself. Orange, baby blue and dark blue in the summertime. I love those colors.

Would you wear feminine colors?

I think that some colors are really good for guys but I won’t wear apple green.

Do you wear sandals?

Yes, especially when the weather is 35 degrees. They are really comfortable. You don’t want to get smelly feet in summertime. Hahaha!

How can a skinny guy look more buffed up?

You can have an elegant look and you can really play with that. Wear smart shirts, leather shoes and smart jackets.

What is your definition of a smart shirt?

Smart shirts are those with a nice collar and a good fit between the shoulders. They are always long-sleeved. I can’t stand short-sleeved shirts.

What kind of trousers do you recommend?

Blue jeans and cargos are good for summertime.

What kind of girls do you find attractive?

I don’t know... I don’t really have stereotypes on the kind of girls that I like, but I like sexy girls and girls who don’t make a fuss about what they are wearing.

Do you only date models?

No, I’ve never dated a model. I don’t want to get home and talk about the same thing – about work and every single thing.

How can a girl win your heart?

Be simple and sweet.

What’s a typical day for you?

Wake up, take a shower and go for a run, do my shows, go back home, take a shower, go out, have fun. Enjoy life.

What do you do in your spare time?

I read a lot and study history.

So you are still studying?

I do self-study ... I am doing short courses on the history of art.

What are your future plans?

No idea ... Let’s see what happens in the next few years.