Young, Gifted, & Black: Stacey Edward

Something happens when Stacey Edward is in front of the camera. The room transforms, and all eyes are on the 24 year old, who with the stature of a quarterback, the swagger of Andre 3000, and the complexion of Malcolm and Huey – is a male model of substance. Having only been signed to an agency for under a year, he’s already booked campaigns with Air Jordan and Redken – and has appeared in editorials nationally and internationally. His future is as bright as the freckles on his entire body, but the model never forgets his past and the shoulders on which he stands. Meet Stacey Edward, young, gifted, and black:

1. As a model, you’re essentially a walking, talking (sometimes), hanger. But what’s your personal aesthetic?

Photographed by Joel Finnigen, Styled by James R. Sanders, MUA Kinshasa Hunter

Growing up my biggest influence regarding style was Will Smith during his Fresh Prince days and more recently I have been more into Jerry Seinfeld’s look. You’ll almost always catch me in all black (which is considered cliché in fashion) but I do that to draw more attention to my hair and freckles. I tend to differentiate myself amongst others with putting more focus on my footwear. Growing up I was huge sneaker head, I was heavy into retro Jordan’s and older Nike basketball kicks. Now I try to incorporate that into my style by incorporating footwear from the 90s and early 2000s. I’m also very into the weathered grungy look – every kick tells a story.

2. You’ve only been signed to an agency for under a year thus far and you’ve been able to book more than a few successful campaigns. What’s the one that you’re most proud of, and why?

Photographed by Joel Finnigen, Styled by James R. Sanders, MUA Kinshasa Hunter

The campaign I am most proud of is the Air Jordan “Be like Mike” campaign because it was a historic collaboration with Air Jordan and Gatorade – and also it’s Jordan! What young black Millennial wouldn’t want that opportunity? It was crazy because growing up I never would’ve thought it would be a possibility. I’m extremely grateful and honored that they felt my look was right to head their campaign and launch my modeling career.

3. Your look is so unique. Growing up, what did that mean for you in terms of belonging?

Photographed by Joel Finnigen, Styled by James R. Sanders, MUA Kinshasa Hunter

It was somewhat hard. Of course, I was picked on because kids are cruel and there was no one who looked like me. It was hardly anyone I could relate to because neither of my parents had red hair, freckles, nor were they as fair skin as I am. I’ve grown to be secure with myself and now I am trying to capitalize on my look.

4. You graduated at the top of your class in college. With a strong academic background and working in an industry (currently) that’s obsessed with beauty and youth, what’s your overarching dream career?

Photographed by Joel Finnigen, Styled by James R. Sanders, MUA Kinshasa Hunter

It’s crazy because I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry (fashion, film, music, and sports) and ultimately consult for brand, public figures, and politicians. My original plan upon finishing undergrad was to attend law school so I could command a higher return on investment from my clients with a JD and provide legal counsel. Not that those plans have been scrapped, but the recent success and other entrepreneurial projects that I am working on have put those plans on hold.

5. We’ve all heard it before – you have to be twice as talented and work twice as hard, only to get half of what others get. As a black male model in an industry that still struggles with inclusivity, what’s been your biggest challenge thus far?

Photographed by Joel Finnigen, Styled by James R. Sanders, MUA Kinshasa Hunter

We all know how it is. This country was built on identity politics and unfortunately, I don’t see it changing in my time. I strive for greatness every day. I’ll always be a black man and I’ll always have to succumb to the transgressions we deal with daily. But that’s not just in fashion, it’s in everyday life. You can’t make anyone feel you. Either they will, or they won’t. I try to conduct myself in the most professional manner to alleviate any predetermined stereotypes, but I’ll never let ignorance stop me.

Follow Stacey on Instagram @staceyedward_

Photographed by Joel Finnigen, Styled by James R. Sanders, MUA Kinshasa Hunter