Louwrens
Height: 6'
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
This young South African Native with his angelic locks has captivated Ralph Leroy’s Campaign 2011! His beauty exudes an innocence and romantic beauty unlike any other model out there! In the ultra competitive field of male modeling, it takes a special young man to stand out from the crowd.
Name: Louwrens Christiaan Stassen
Hometown: Pretoria
Birth sign: Libra
Background: Born and raised in South Africa until I was 13 years of age. Stepped foot in Canada for the first time on Oct 8 2000 (thanks giving). Went to school at Earl of March S.S. in Kanata and is currently at the University of Ottawa for my B.A.Sc in Mechanical Engineering and Computing Technology.
Modeling Since Age: 16
How discovered: Tried out for an acting role at Angie's, but was told I best be a model. LOL
Who or what has influenced you? Definately my Mom since she's the one who heard about the tryouts for Angie's over the radio and said I should go. In general, the way I am as a person is directly handed down to me by both my parents who are by far the best parents EVER... and I'm not bias!
What sets you apart from other people in your profession? I personally can't say, but Ralph Leroy told me once that he was very impressed with me when I was the only model to help him set up and pack up all his belongings for the Angie's Models and Talent show this year at the Canadian War Museum. Ralph Leroy also told Vincent Chine this story at the face search of Ralph's 2011 campaign, and mentioned that personality is a major factor when it comes to deciding who to work with. So my guess is people think I'm a nice guy, yet another tribute to my parents.
Where do you find inspiration? As a devoted Christian, I believe God has blessed everyone with talent and the ability to be best that we can be. It would be a disappointment to God if I were to ignore his blessing and not appreciate what He has given me.
Awkward Modeling Moment: When I saw a VERY young girl model wear something her mother definitely should not have let her wear. :S
Most Embarrassing Runway Mishap: Luckily those moments have been few, but one I do remember was when I tried to showcase a pocket of a sweater on the run way to realize after a while that there was no pocket. Nothing major but people must have been wondering what on earth I was doing with my hand.
Most Bizarre Modeling Experience:
Favourite modeling experience so far? Getting my face cleaned for makeup in London England just before a runway show. This Lady knew what she was doing!! Whenever she finished cleaning some ones face... a very disappointed "aww" came out every single time!!
Favourite things: I do not really get attached to THINGS, they are just THINGS after all. But if I were to really think about it, it always ends up being something I built or customized. So in a sense I have an attachment to these things only because of the self satisfaction I got from the work I put in. These things would be: My computer which I built in high school and is still buzzing along like a champ!, My paintball gun which has been chopped, cut, and rebuilt into a 30 balls per second monster machine!, My radio controlled 1/8 scale truck, still in the works though... It's my guinea pig for the things I learn in University. When I graduate it will definitely become one heck of a race winning Frankenstein. I'm not a nerd I swear!
Favourite music, band: I love love love house, it is my staple background music. Favs in that category would be Sander van Doorn and Tiësto. My most favourite band I like to listen to is MUSE, hands down! when I go to the gym I tend to listen to house or bands like Linkin Park. When I want to be relaxed and chilled out, I listen to Downhere, Uh Huh Her, Metric, MUSE... etc.
Favorite designers/models: What I wear are the regular stuff like Guess, Jack n Jones etc. As for specific designer, without a shadow of a doubt Adrian Newey! The cars he design seems unbeatable ever year! O you mean fashion? Well the only designer I really got to know is Ralph Leroy, and if you do get to know him you would know he's an amazing person. Always there to help and give advice, and to me that's more important than the styles they produce. When its crunch time, he might come across as rude to some people but that's only because you're not doing your job! Plus his name and career is at stake, so those complainers needs to grow a back bone and get your head out of the clouds!!
Favourite foods: Diet pills and coffee... LOL!!!(what a waste of life) I eat my steaks and sauteed mushrooms too!!! hmm mmm good!!.... If there's no nutritional benefit, I don't eat it! so nothing fried, almost no candy or chocolates, no cakes (except cheese cake once in a blue moon)... just use your head! and make the HEALTHY choice!! Not too much and not too LITTLE... it's the key to be healthy, look good, and most importantly FEEL good too!
Hobbies: My body aches for activity!! If I don't do something active in three days my body lets me know and it doesn't feel good! As a result I love mountain biking, playing squash or tennis, I play paintball whenever I have the chance, go rock climbing but I go to the gym when ever I can't do the real thing. Less physically intensive are... well that part of my life is consumed with engineering... so design, draw, sketch, model, built, test, analyze, modify, retest, reanalyze....rinse and repeat. The end result, though, gives me a sense of self satisfaction like no other!
How would you describe your style? I'd have to say near the classier side of trendy. I like neat and fresh. I DO NOT understand ripped jeans.... Might as well not shave or brush your teeth.
Movie you want to see next: SO MANY... so little time :( I would have to say Law Abiding citizen, and only because I own it and STILL haven't seen it... sad I know.
Most Embarrassing song on your iPod: I don't have a particular song I'm embarrassed of... some guys might look at me weird when they see that I have Uh Huh Her and Metric on my iPhone, but what can I say... Those ladies have very attractive singing voices!
Dreams and Goals: My goal is to create my own car brand... maybe one day you'll see people driving a Stassen!! My dream is for South Africa to get back on it's feet and be a safe place to live again... and to be able to help its continental neighbours.
Best advice you have ever been given? Get to know God.
About Angie’s - your agency/booker: Angie's has a very homie feel to it. Angie is super nice and is always there to encourage you. She's also someone you don't feel afraid to talk to, about anything. Lou is Jamaican, so he's cool by default.
