If you haven’t heard of Hunter Clem, you might be familiar with some of the people he works with frequently, like Nicola Formichetti and Lady Gaga just to name a few. The Kentucky born, LA based model and photographer is no stranger to a fashion photoshoot (who recently assisted in our VMAN 46 cover shoot with Hollywood legend Ewan McGregor) but for the first time, Hunter goes center stage as the latest subject in our New Rulers portfolio. In a VMAN exclusive interview, Hunter gets candid about his early beginnings and what he hopes to accomplish in his burgeoning career

VMAN: For our readers who might not know you (yet!), how would you introduce yourself and what you do? 

Hunter Clem: Hello VMAN! My name is Hunter Clem and I am an artist.

VM: Tell us, Hunter—where are you from?  

HC: I am from Northern Kentucky meets Cincinnati, OH. I am now in Los Angeles, California!

VM: What was Hunter Clem like as a kid?

HC: Growing up with the internet, I would say Hunter as a kid is so happy he is working with Nicola and Damon right now—a dream come true! For these two artists to mentor and respect my ideas is something that Hunter as a kid never thought would happen, especially [being from] the suburbs of Kentucky. 

VM: What inspires you in life?

HC: I would say music and people. 

VM: What’s your personal relationship with fashion? 

HC: My parents really influenced my relationship with fashion. My dad was a musician and my mom was into fashion. For me, fashion and music exist together—they give each other a life, they give me a life. 

VM: Aside from being a style assistant for Nicola to modeling in Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs campaigns, we noticed that you’ve done a bit of photography and videography—is this something you’d like to pursue more?

HC: Working for Nicola has really allowed me to explore other outlets that are in the world of photo/video, such as styling and being in front of the camera. I want to continue learning from these experiences and translate that in my photography/video work! I am always inspired to pursue more and now more than ever, I feel empowered to do so thanks to Nicola! 

VM: What’s something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you?

HC: I don’t know if it would be a surprise to people but I like to collect vintage band tees—it is an addiction. 

VM: How did the onset of the global pandemic change your outlook on life and/or work?

HC: The pandemic brought a sense of awareness to my spirit. It made me want to become more optimistic. I moved to Los Angeles during the pandemic just last July, [and] in a way it was a blessing in disguise. 

VM: What’s the first thing you’re going to do once the pandemic comes to an end?

HC: Go hear live music. Any live show. Then give someone a hug at the show. 

VM: Where do you see yourself going in the next 5 years? What do you hope to accomplish? 

HC: I want to keep expressing myself through different projects and continue to collaborate with inspiring people. Getting even more involved with music is something I see happening in the future as well.