Meet John Connolly, London’s newest face to hit the modeling scene. Signed to Next Models Management in the UK, Connolly has become a sought-after figure. Now, he’s sitting down with VMAN to discuss his roots, life discoveries, what he hopes to see in the fashion industry’s future, and more.

Read VMAN’s exclusive interview to get to know the model on the rise,  below:

VMAN: Where are you from?

JOHN CONNOLLY: Glasgow, Scotland (North Kilttown)

VM: What’s your zodiac sign?

JC: Gemini.

VM: What are you most passionate about?

JC: Meeting new people.

VM: What words do you live by?

JC: Live. Laugh. Love. Lol.

VM: Why did you choose modeling as your career?

JC: To see how I would deal with situations that are mainly focused on my body and face.

VM: If you weren’t a model what would your occupation be?

JC: I’m not sure. I like to do all sorts, back home I was working as a picture framer and a t-shirt printer. Open to learning new skills!

VM: What’s the last thing that made you laugh?

JC: I watched the ’90s Jim Henson sitcom Dinosaurs with my friend Davey. It’s a great satire, we laughed a lot and the baby dino in it is very me.

VM: What is freedom to you?

JC: Being able to travel at will.

VM: If you could travel to the past for one day where would you go?

JC: I wouldn’t go anywhere. I am set in the present for the right reasons. I don’t have any regrets from the past or things I would like to do differently.

VM: What’s one thing you would change about your industry?

JC: It seems like an obvious one, but less fast fashion, more sustainability within the industry.

VM: If you could be a character in a movie who would it be?

JC: Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Beach” before it all goes terribly wrong.

VM: What is your most treasured possession?

JC: As cliché as this sounds, it’s my skateboard. My grandfather introduced me to skating so it means a lot.

VM: What is your favorite indulgence?

JC: Dopamine hits (preferably from real-life experiences not from Instagram likes).

VM: What is the most profound discovery you’ve made about yourself this past year?

JC: I can tattoo myself, even if they aren’t great.

VM: What are you hopeful for in 2022?

JC: For vegan cheese to be better. I’m a vegetarian (for now).