Chad White: ‘I just want more success for Bench’
It’s model Chad White’s first time in Manila, and he’s toying with the idea of missing his flight back to New York City to check out more of the Philippines — “My friend is from Palawan and he offered to take me there” — but no such luck.
White, who’s originally from Portland, Oregon, and on his 10th year of modeling for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and now Bench Body, is a seasoned pro known for his work ethic, and after a mere two nights in Manila, is due back at his home base, NYC, then on to San Francisco for work. “It’s hard but it’s worth it,” he says. “I love Asia, I like the culture. You guys are very Zen.”
What was your reaction to getting signed to Bench Body?
When I showed up in New York, initially meeting the team, everyone was so nice, and friendly and accommodating, and I’m not used to that. I mean, people are nice to me, don’t get me wrong, but (Bench) take care of you and they want to know if you’re okay, and it makes me proud. I just want more success for them.
How would you describe your style?
If you think of James Dean on a motorcycle, kind of rough. It’s really nice to be clean-cut and wear a tuxedo and shave, but I’m more of like rugged, comfort, blackon-black, jeans and a leather jacket. That’s my go-to.
Are you more a boxer or briefs kind of guy?
It depends. Boxer briefs are more my day-to-day, but if I’m going out, wearing something nice like a suit, it’s more of a slimmer cut, the smaller underwear.
Aside from James Dean, who are your other style icons?
When I was growing up I looked up to Tyson Beckford just because of who he is; he’s so successful and still so humble. I love Tyson. Now he’s one of my good friends, and so I told him, “You know, I looked up to you for a long time.” He thinks it’s funny.
Any memories from favorite shoots or campaigns?
I flew to Koh Samui in Thailand, and I remember I always wanted a monkey my entire life. I asked my parents for a monkey for Christmas. I was going to catch my flight out after the job, and I looked over, there was a monkey. So I walked over to take a picture of it — it was two feet tall — I turned on my phone and it was gone, it had jumped into a tree. And — this is amazing — as I’m filming it, it jumps on me and lands on my shoulder. So at this point I’m like, do I panic or do I take a selfie? And I took a selfie. ( Laughs)
Do you have pets?
I have a dog, a Siberian Husky named Batman. He doesn’t like traveling in a plane so he stays in New York with my best friend and he goes to doggie daycare, which he loves. It’s like school for him with all his friends.
What are some of your grooming essentials?
I lined it all up in my bathroom just last night: I have to have aftershave with me always, an electric Remington razor, two toothbrushes and anti-perspirant in every single bag I own.
So how long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Oh, not long, 10 minutes. ( Rubbing his head) I have hardly any hair
anymore.
How do you keep fit?
I do cardio in the morning, and then I lift weights at night, or I do CrossFit, but then I have to run to get rid of the muscles so I can fit into clothes.
What makes a woman beautiful to you?
I would say how much a woman loves herself comes through the eyes, like, if you love yourself, then you give off this great energy, and I can’t not be attracted to you. I think I learned that from my mom because she’s so happy and in her eyes you always see that sparkle where they’re always happy to see you, no matter what. And first and foremost, that’s beautiful to me.
Are you fond of taking selfies?
No, I so dislike selfies. Because it seems to me like, hey, I love myself. Just seems egotistic but I have to do them. I take 20 pictures and I’m like, whatever.
What’s your favorite form of social media?
It would have to be Instagram. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
Finish the sentence: I feel most confident or look my best when…
I wake up, go on a run, and then my day is good.