In the realm of fashion, fresh faces are constantly emerging, breathing life into campaigns with their unique features and charm. When it comes to Christian Hogue, the debate rages on whether it’s his piercing blue eyes or his laid-back Aquarius vibe that steals the show. Personally, I have a soft spot for Aquarius energy, but as a smitten Libra, I may be partial.
Originally from Medford, Oregon, Hogue, 32, never imagined he would find himself in the world of modeling. Initially uninterested in pursuing a career in the industry, he reluctantly gave his mother’s number to a persistent agent, much to her frustration. However, Hogue saw the potential for this unexpected opportunity to support his family and decided to take the plunge. After signing with IMD Models and Talent, he made the move to New York City, and the rest, as they say, is now just a chapter in his unfolding story.
Since then, his versatility as a model has allowed him to seamlessly transition between high fashion editorials, fitness features, commercial campaigns, and everything in between. He has collaborated with numerous high-profile brands worldwide, including Vera Wang, Tom Ford, Diesel, Versace, Tee Jays, Mackage, Rodorff, Tommy Hilfiger, and others. Yet, after nearly 17 years in the industry, his most pivotal breakthrough came when he became the face of Davidoff Cool Water Parfum.
Growing up in a family with very limited income and witnessing the challenges that came along with it, could you recount a particular memory when you discovered joy and appreciation in a modest moment, despite financial constraints?
During the summer time, my mom did her best to ensure we got out of the house and did a lot of fun activities instead of sitting in front of the TV. We had this old yellow Tahiti that had, I swear, over 20 different patches on it from all the holes and using it over the years. It doesn’t cost any money to fill that thing with air and she would put me and my little brother in it. I was old enough to raft us down the river and she would follow us in the car. It was something we did hundreds of times. It didn’t cost much. It was a very cheap thing, but it brought a lot of joy. It’s a core memory for me. I find it to be a blessing, to value everything you have and not take anything for granted. I learned to love the good times without the extra things people might believe they need.
With your experiences and understanding of valuing everything you have, have you observed any particular instances in Hollywood that may have challenged your views on wealth and success?
I think after being around a lot of wealth and seeing different people’s lifestyles, I realized that a lot of times I was a lot happier than they were. I think it’s because I was able to enjoy more of the small things and didn’t need a lot to have a full life. I’ve just been to many big houses and seen the expensive cars and all the materialistic things. I’ve definitely lived that lifestyle. I’ve had plenty of opportunities and flown in plenty of jets. I’ve been in it and I know what it feels like, but I don’t think any of it compares to rafting down that river with my brother in that messed up yellow Tahiti.
Your mother and grandmother played a crucial role as your strongest advocates, especially during your transition to New York to pursue modeling. Can you elaborate further on theimpact they had on your life and the bonds you shared with them?
My grandmother is my angel. That woman is a saint. She has never not supported me. She’s always been someone I could tell everything to. She has always been such a pillar to lean on emotionally. Then there’s my mom, and she is probably the toughest woman I know. She is a badass woman, definitely was the harder side of my upbringing that gave me my resolve. My grandmother gave me the soft, caring side, and my mom gave me the tough love, but it was balanced. Also, I didn’t want to pursue modeling. I got scouted when I was around 15 in my hometown. I was very small-minded living in a tiny little town. It just wasn’t for me. I didn’t think I was good looking whatsoever, but I gave the scout my mom’s number and she would not stop calling her. She drove my mom so crazy that she told me if I didn’t call the scout back, she was going to go down there and rip her a new one. So, I said I’d do it. I was really tentative, but once I initially got work and realized that the money could be life-changing, something real, something that could support my family more than what I was currently doing, I thought I’d take the chance. I was working at a retirement community. Imagine serving a woman who is 85 years old who yells at you about where her food is. I’m like, “You’ve already eaten it. It’s all over your face.” And then she tells you you’re lying. It was fun. Anyway, I moved to NY out of necessity and ended up falling in love with modeling later on in life.
What aspects of modeling won you over?
I fell in love with the freedom. I mean, when you’re a model, you get to travel the world and that was something I never thought would happen to me. I just did not have that. Traveling the world was a gift and it’s one of my favorite things that came along with modeling. Being able to travel, experience different cultures, and make lifelong friends through that has been the biggest plus side for me.
“I’ve definitely lived that lifestyle. I’ve had plenty of opportunities and flown in plenty of jets. I’ve been in it and I know what it feels like, but I don’t think any of it compares to rafting down that river with my brother in that messed up yellow Tahiti.”
Your brother is also a model, but he’s completely different from you in every aspect, described as having a more fluid and feminine energy with long hair. Given the unique sibling dynamic, have you two ever felt competitive with one other?
My brother is one handsome guy. He’s not feminine, but he can look feminine sometimes because he looks like an elf, like a blonde Legolas. He’s got pale skin, crystal blue eyes, long blonde hair, just great features. I think he got an unfair start in modeling as he started during Covid. He didn’t really get the bull run he deserved. I’m pretty confident in my style of who I am and how I express myself, but I am inspired by how he shoots and how he looks. As far as competition, it’s mostly brotherly love competition. We’re in completely different realms. If you put us next to each other, there is no way we could book the same job. I think there’s definitely competition for him and pressure from the family because they always ask him why he can’t do what I’m doing. I feel bad because he can do it, he just sort of got the crap end of the stick when he started.
What specific standards do you abide by to upkeep your physical and mental well-being? Are there particular actions or foods that you prioritize or avoid for boosting your strength and vitality?
Well, just like anyone who is into health, I watch what I eat. I’m not out eating fast food every day or eating out every day. I cook most of my meals. I don’t drink. I take plenty of vitamins and I exercise five days a week. I keep myself outside as much as possible. I can’t stay inside. It drives me absolutely insane. I’m always hiking, biking, or sitting outside and reading. Whatever it is, I’m doing things that don’t involve sitting on my butt most of the day. Your health is one of the first things that people notice about you. Subconsciously, most people will see a healthy fit person and automatically think they have discipline, drive, and are self-sufficient. I hold myself to a higher standard in order to stay the best version of myself, mentally and physically. From there, I can build the path I’m striving for.
The David Coolwater Campaign stands out as one of your most memorable modeling projects. Could you share some insights into how you landed this campaign? What was the casting process like?
I signed with Elite Paris and within the first month I got an email saying they needed me to do a certain number of videos explaining my fitness prowess, walking around smiling, and showing off my tattoos. It was three separate videos of me swimming, running, jumping, and doing a sit-down interview. It’s funny because my best friend Maverick recorded all the videos for me. If I didn’t have Maverick, I don’t think I would have booked these jobs because he went above and beyond with these videos. He gets a good amount of credit here. It was a vigorous process. There were a lot of people they were casting and it took almost a month and a half before they told me I booked it. I was sending video after video as they went from 50 guys to 20 guys and so on. They kept me on my feet the whole time. It was intense because it was such a big campaign and the payout was massive. It was life-changing. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing clients, photographers, and other very talented models. I’m so grateful for that. But the day I booked the Davidoff Cool Water campaign, my world changed. It felt like I was working for this opportunity my entire career and I was finally able to be the face of a major worldwide cologne brand that proceeded to carry for five years now. It was mine alone and I could not be more proud and grateful of the team who got me here.
In what ways do you think the fashion industry perpetuates unrealistic standards of male attractiveness, and how do you personally cope with these pressures?
The fitness side that I was more involved with demands that you stay a sample size while maintaining a low body fat and lean muscle, year after year. This isn’t something I enjoyed or agreed with. I got into many arguments with my agents over the years as I packed on more size for my own desires. This standard portrayed a side of fitness that is unattainable for most, especially if your life doesn’t revolve around this style of work. It took time for me to become confident in my character while in this industry. I was always comparing myself to others, trying to emulate their design or character until I truly found my own. Comparison is the thief of joy. Once you start trying to fit in and be like everyone else, you lose the best parts of what makes you special.
“Masculinity to me means having confidence in my own character and not trying to pander to the crowd. I am very proud that my character has been the same and consistent throughout. I don’t ever see that changing for anybody.”
What’s your take on masculinity? Has it ever affected your approach to modeling or self-expression?
I think the more creative shoots and work that I did throughout the years slowly allowed me to let go of the habit of trying to force every photo to be super sexy and strong. I learned to be open to showing other sides of myself to the camera even if I had doubt that it might not be portrayed well. You just learn to trust your team alongside the concept. You will be surprised at what you can achieve by taking a step back and not taking yourself so seriously. Masculinity to me means having confidence in my own character and not trying to pander to the crowd. I’ve seen a lot of friends in modeling who have changed who they are, trying to match what they think they should be for other people. I am very proud that my character has been the same and consistent throughout. I don’t ever see that changing for anybody.
You often enjoy taking breaks and escaping into nature without any distractions to reconnect with yourself in a unique way. Can you tell me where you typically go and what activities you engage in during these moments of solitude?
Usually, I go on a hike with my boy Butters, my dog. He refills my battery with his fluffy butt and happy face. I try to go to places where I don’t have service so that it’s not even near my mind. I take it in and enjoy. Sometimes, I’ll go camping and just be out there for a couple of days and I won’t tell anybody. I’ll just disappear. I think it’s really refreshing that you come back and feel so rejuvenated. I don’t know how other people don’t want to do that. My favorite spot is this place in Oregon called Northern Umpqua Falls. All along that river there are so many spots to stop, swim, fish, and just chill in the sun. You’re surrounded by the woods. Oregon has always been my number one place to go in the summer time because it brings me back to my roots.
In industries like entertainment and modeling, harassment cases and power dynamics are unfortunately common, particularly towards women. However, I’m interested in hearing about your experiences as a man. Have you ever been subject to advances from men or women? If so, did you ever lose work as a result?
I’ve been flirted with by women, but never had situations where I’ve felt uncomfortable by them. Men though, for sure. I’ve had pretty intense advances, inappropriate stuff, bribes, things of that nature. I think it’s sad that it’s a normal thing in this industry. This is where I go back to the whole masculinity thing. I’ve never let that happen to me. I am very proud that I’ve stuck to my guns and not succumbed to that sort of thing. Some of the biggest photographers I’ve ever worked with were some of those people who made the advances multiple times. And yes, I have gotten blackballed plenty of times. Then, sometimes you’ll tell your agent what happened and they just sweep it under the rug. You think out of all people, your agents are the ones who are supposed to be on your side, but a lot of times they just tell you it’s part of the industry. I’m like, wow okay, I’m really alone out here.
“It took time for me to become confident in my character while in this industry. I was always comparing myself to others, trying to emulate their design or character until I truly found my own. Comparison is the thief of joy. Once you start trying to fit in and be like everyone else, you lose the best parts of what makes you special.”
I think I would like to create something. I’ve always been interested in creating brands. I was really interested in starting a skincare brand or under eye patches for men. I was interested in starting a wine company, an athletic sock company with grips on the bottom so you don’t have to wear shoes in the gym. I just have a bunch of ideas that I want to test and play with. It’s like being a kid again. I want to create scented candles, you know? At the end of the day though, the whole goal is to live on a ranch, away from everybody. I’d have a workshop where I can just spew out things until I find the right thing.
