Scan Magazine

By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Courtesy of Marcus Schenkenberg

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With his signature washboard abs and dark features, Marcus Schenkenberg became one of the most successful Scandinavian exports in the modelling industry and the first bona fide male supermodel in the world. Schenkenberg, born to Dutch parents in Sweden, first made it big in the early 90s and is still riding high with an increasingly varied career. Since 2009, his name has become synonymous with a wide range of beauty, fashion and fitness products that continue to establish the man and the brand that is Marcus Schenkenberg. Scan Magazine caught up with him to talk about his career so far and his newest business endeavours.

Schenkenberg first moved to the USA in 1987 out of a desire to travel and gather more life experience. He had previously studied economics but was still lacking a definite direction in his life, when he stumbled upon modelling by chance – or rather roller-skated right into it. He was discovered in Venice Beach by photographer Barry King (while roller-skating), who as a result asked him to take part in a test shoot and helped him find his first modelling agency. Schenkenberg soon turned out to be the boy wonder of the modelling world, paving the way for male supermodels as a counterpart to the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, who have all appeared beside him in editorials and ad campaigns.

In his 20-year-long career, Schenkenberg has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Elle, and worked for designers such as Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, Donna Karan, Ungaro and Iceberg. So what could possibly be the highlight of such a prestigious career? “The 116 page Calvin Klein campaign with Bruce Weber was my big break, and the Versace campaign with Richard Avedon was probably my favourite campaign. Now my highlights are my own products, because they not only have my name, but they are also very innovative and good products,” Schenkenberg explains. “For my men’s cosmetic line I just received the BSB European Innovation Prize in Paris.”

Not just a handsome face

While Schenkenberg’s new line of products will not turn you into a male supermodel (as that unfortunately takes a lot of luck, good genes and tenacity), you can still train with him, smell like him, accessorize like him and achieve his youthful complexion. But most importantly, Schenkenberg talks about innovation, and there is definitely something fresh about his take on the celebrity product. From his award-winning cosmetic brand PLATINUM to his YOU ROCK Collection of men’s pearl jewellery, Schenkenberg wants to stand out and make high-quality products that he can properly appreciate. “It is great fun to make my own products. For me, it is very important [to be involved] from the very first idea to the conception, layouts and the production itself,” he says. “I have travelled so much and gotten so many great impressions and inspirations. Now, the time is right for me to give something back to all of my fans and show them my interpretation of a good product.” The future of the Marcus Schenkenberg brand is definitely looking bright with more products on the way, and the success story just seems to continue. So what is his secret? “I think I have been blessed with pretty good genes, and I always try to be professional and do my best. And I treat everyone with genuine respect.” Perhaps it is true what they say, and good things sometimes do come to good (and extremely handsome) people.

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Schenkenberg Titbits

• In 1992, Schenkenberg was named one the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World by People magazine.
• Marcus Schenkenberg, New Rules, a book featuring pictures and stories from his successful modelling career was published in 1997.
• He released a song called La chica Marita with EMI-Virgin records in 2000.
• He has famously dated Pamela Anderson and other well-known beauties such as Jessica Simpson.
• He is an active member of animal rights group PETA and also lends his support to the LR GLOBAL KIDS FUND.
• In 2009, Schenkenberg started his own line of products, which now includes cosmetics, perfume, jewellery and a workout DVD.

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Visit the Marcus Schenkenberg Shop at: www.marcusschenkenberg.eu