I’ve worked with hundreds of models in my time. And it’s no lie – some of them can be very dull. Leon Nieuwoudt, however, is everything but! I’ve had the privilege of shooting with him a couple of times and it’s impossible to get a bad shot of him. It’s equally impossible to get bored. It comes as no surprise then that he’s been modelling for 15 years – his charm, humour and enthusiasm make him one of those models you want to work with – again and again!
Over a cyber coffee and chocolate croissant I got to know a bit more about the man behind the good looks.
Tell us a bit about how, when, why?
I’m a Shmodel. I have been since 1999. I travel, I shmodel… It’s awesome.
(Kult Model Agency – Hamburg, Germany) (Outlaws in Cape Town)
I’m also a wanna be “rock-star” I have a band in Miami called “THUNDER DAGGER”, we suck.
I also have a band in Germany, (Hamburg), called “All Ze Pudding”, we suck a little less. We are actually recording two songs this month (Killer Weed / Eat a Dick) and filming music videos for them…so that’s a thing. It’s fun. I write the songs, try and sing them and play guitar…it’s been my passion since forever man.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE…
Bar?
There is this bar in Hamburg Germany (where I live, mostly) called “the Bedford”. It’s in the Shanze (my neighborhood) and so, walking distance from my apartment. We call it the Corner…because it’s on a corner and although it’s my favorite bar I don’t really buy a lot of drinks there. I buy beers from the kiosk down the road and chill with my boys in front of the spot. We use the bathroom there and Jorge the bartender gives us free shots of tequila every now and again…and again and again.
Car?
I have never owned my own car, but if I do end up getting one some day…well, I like the ’71 Dodge Challenger. The thing with these old muscle cars is you gotta know how to tinker with them, ’cause they’re old and use old school parts and I don’t know that much about cars. So I’ll take the 2009 Dodge challenger in Black with a service plan and great insurance.
Watch?
I have a gold Casio that goes well with my vintage shirts… but i just use the watch on my phone really.
Accessories?
Hats
Favourite tool?
My dick? Fixes problems…causes problems.
Coffee?
Black (with a chocolate croissant)
Essential?
Wallet. Guys – don’t leave home without it. Girls… you’ve got boobs, you’ll be fine.
Jacket?
Black leather biker jacket that I use almost every day. Picked it up at a flea market a few years ago for 40 Euro.
Shoes?
I wear Chucks on the regular, but I got a nice little collection of boots and high-tops and snazzy kicks…depends on what Im wearing really.
Style icon?
Ragnar from the show Vikings.
Suit?
I got a light grey fitted Hugo for weddings and funerals…otherwise I just mix ‘n match my smoking jackets and vintage shirts.
Pants?
I love pants. I got pink pants, purple pants, rust, 50 shades of grey, black, tan. Pants are important.
Book?
I read. I read a lot. I read between 2 – 4 books a month. My mom and dad are big readers and got me into it. I read everything. I aspire to write one day (well I’m actually writing my first “novel” at the moment, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves)
Movie?
I love “Cemetery Man” with Rupert Everett…obscure zombie movie.
Also “Dazed & Confused” I’ve seen it probably 100 times. I watch everything though.
I love going to the Cinema. Alone, or with my dad… cause I don’t want to talk to you, I want to experience the magic (and my dad is not a big talker)
Holiday destination?
Some warm island where I don’t understand the local tongue and I can just zone people out… read and get drunk in the sun.
City?
Cape Town
Hotel?
Hostel Carona in Mallorca, Spain
Jeans?
Acne – max cash (black)
Shirt?
Vintage button-up
Style tip?
Don’t over-do it with the accessories.
Grooming tip?
Don’t use too much product. (Any amount of gel is too much btw)
Fragrance?
YSL – L’Homme
Barber?
I shave myself
Space?
Is the place.
Home décor item?
Couch
Pet aversion?
Dogs
Politician and why?
Can someone just slap Julias?
Any OCD compulsions?
Creature of habit. I always use the same locker at the gym. Same shower.
Low down on your worst cringe moment?
Old photos of me trying to look cool!!!
Clandestine confession?
I’m Batman.
Party trick?
I’m Batman.
Liken yourself to a cartoon character.
Archer! Archer is the tits!
Most envious of?
Archer.
Best at?
Wanting to be a rock star!
Worst at?
Singing
Would you rather drink sour milk or go to the opera?
Opera..duh, sour milk is sif.
Have you ever had a secret desire to be a dancer? And what kind of dancer would you be?
Yeah, still do…I like any kind of dancing. I like to dance but I’m, you know…white.
Can you sew on a button?
Yes. I have a small clothing label in Hamburg called “NOTSOGUD” clothing. I sew. I got a sewing machine and errthang.
Favourite dish to serve?
I make a mean omelette.
Dirty little secret?
I’m from space… shhh.
First job?
Working for my dad during vacations, selling cameras and developing film.
How often do you go for back wax?
No need – thankfully
How do you get rid of errant nose hair?
Yes, I got a little machine.
Are you a fan of the budgie-smuggler?
“speedos” are for boats and clubs- you know how I roll 😉
If you could be a woman who would you be?
Wonder Woman …she has an invisible plane.
Favourite movie line?
“We all go a little mad sometimes” Norman Bates – Psycho!
Have you ever used sex to further your career?
You see me on any campaign Billboards? Haha, no.
Who would you choose to be stuck with on a deserted island?
Someone funny and who’s good at catching and cooking things.
Have you ever had a stalker?
Not really
What kind of movie star would you be?
The rich kind. The kind that owns an island and shit like that.
What turns you on?
Nice hair, white teeth.
Favourite saying right now?
Snazzy!
