DO keep your eyes on Bruck Tekle

Actually, it’s hard not to! The Eritrean model is melting hearts from NYC to CT. Here’s why.

Born in Germany to Eritrean parents, all Bruck wanted was to become a basketball player. Michael Jordan was his hero, and when he arrived in New York in 2006 he wanted to pursue a scholarship in the sport. Modelling was far from his mind, but when his dream was crushed friends suggested he pursue it. After building a portfolio, he started doing freelance work to get the ball rolling. A year later, he walked into Images NYC with a friend and, well, the rest is history. The 35-year-old’s work has ranged from the stylish pages of US GQ to the runways of NYFW and campaigns for Nike, Black Lapel and Gowater. Your dream behind-the-scenes fashion show to visit? Victoria’s Secret! Your favourite designer? YSL gives you instant swag without trying, for both genders. Your worst household chore? Cleaning windows is a pain in the butt. Your favourite Eritrean dish? Dorho zebhie: a chicken stew with boiled eggs, served with thin injera bread. There are a lot of Eritrean restaurants around the world but no one makes it better than my mom. Your style? Contemporary. I enjoy dressing down but I can look clean cut when the situation calls for it. Style advice from your mom or dad? My dad likes to look expensive. People would always say, “Your dad is one sharp dude.” My mom is stylish but knows when to tone it down. So I follow in her footsteps. It’s not always necessary to be OTT. Your style hero? Jim Moore, the creative director of US GQ. This man is fashion! Your crush? When I saw Jessica Alba in Dark Angel, I was smitten. Where do you plan to be in five years? Plans can change, as long as I’m progressing, that’s success.