Who the F*** Is Alton Mason?

We kick off 2021 by profiling a supermodel who is defining his generation, a star that is shining so vividly he is lighting the path for the new wave of creative talent as we enter a brighter new year and era.

Alton Mason was named as both the industry and reader’s choice for male Model of the Year in Models.com 2020 awards — the second year running he has dominated the prestigious annual honors list.

And at 23, he is no longer the new prince on the block, but the industry’s undoubted catwalk king. In an era when the model of the moment can come and go as quickly as fashion trends, Alton is here to stay.

Alton started his showbusiness career as a dancer, and got his first break as a backup dancer for hip-hop artist Diddy in the 2015 BET Awards. Soon after, he launched his modeling career when he was scouted via Instagram and became the face of Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 3 collection in 2016. Then came fashion powerhouses including Gucci, Lois Vuitton and Chanel — the latter who made him the first Black model to walk their runway in the brand’s 109-year history in 2018.

The IMG-repped model, of Jamaican-Ghanian heritage, is a multifaceted international star for our modern global era, where talent is no longer contained within specific cultural groups or pursuits. He’s lived in 11 countries already; born in Nebraska before traveling with his father Alton Mason Sr, who played professional basketball overseas, to countries including Belgium, Greece and Bosnia. The family then returned to the US and settled in Arizona, before Alton moved to Los Angeles to study dance age 17. As his wealth of recent magazine covers from around the world demonstrates, he’s now the hottest male supermodel on the planet. But he’s also a social media star and a talented musician, actor and visionary, whose artistry is set to illuminate a wealth of creative industries for many years to come — with his career is set to reach new heights after being cast as rock and roll legend Little Richard in Baz Lurhmann’s Elvis Presley biopic, ‘Elvis’, which is set for release next year.

And we are honored he is the first subject of our ‘Who The F*** Are You?’ profile of 2021, answering the 20 questions that get to the heart of who we are.

Who the f*** are you?

I am a Black man.

How are you feeling right now?

Blessed, loved, inspired, grateful.

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

Western Europe and Arizona. It was AMAZING!

What excites you?

Music.

What scares you?

Nothing. Faith over fear!

What is your proudest achievement?

Being the first Black model to walk for Chanel.

What is the hardest thing you have ever done?

Working at McDonald’s.

Who was your greatest mentor and what did they teach you?

My great grandmother, she taught me the love of God.

Who are your fictional and real-life heroes?

Black Panther and Alton Mason Sr.

What is your favorite item of clothing in your wardrobe?

My ‘Stitch’ furry onesie pajamas.

What music did you love aged 13 — and do you still love it now?

Soul and I absolutely still do.

What is the most inspiring book you have ever read?

The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks

What is a movie that left a lasting impression on you?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

What is your favorite word or saying?

That part.

What do you want people to say at your funeral?

He was humble, creative, authentic and loving.

And finally, a quickfire five favorites…

Car?

G-Wagon, all BLACK.

Sports team?

Lakers.

Meal?

Jollof rice, plantains and sweet potatoes.

Grooming product?

Raw African black soap.

Clothing label?

That’s difficult lol, I’m a fashion model, I love them all!