The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How Nigel Barker Moved from Model to Image Maker

By Cator Sparks January 4, 2017

This week we chat with Nigel Barker, former model turned photographer, on his career and personal style.

I started my career right out of high school almost unwittingly when I entered a televised modeling competition in the late 1980’s. After seven years as a model, traveling internationally and working with some of the greatest photographers in the world, I made the transition from one side of the lens to the other, moving to New York City in 1996 and opening Studio NB.

After a lot of hard work and a few lucky breaks I had my first gallery exhibition in New York, which led to my first big editorial story in Paper Magazine, followed by Interview Magazine, and the rest is history. Or rather I was lucky enough to create history with Tyra Banks on her show America’s Next Top Model. What started as a one episode gig ended up being a decade long escapade lasting 17 seasons and a hit show syndicated in over a 100 countries.

Next, I hosted The Face alongside Naomi Campbell, followed by my new show Top Photographer on YouTube/AdoramaTV. All this has enabled me to broaden my horizons with my own furniture line called the NB1 Collection at Art Van Furniture and books including my The New York Times best seller “Models Of Influence” as well as my new position as Artistic Director of the hip menswear line Flag & Anthem.

Obviously my greatest achievements are my marriage of 17 years to Crissy AKA @ChinTwins and my two children: Jack, 11 and Jasmine, 8.

As for my personal style:

Jeans: The Westborough from Flag & Anthem
Shirts: Classic white or blue button down collar shirts
Underwear: Second Skin boxers by Tommy John
Suits: At 6’4” I need bespoke suits and my favorites are tailored by Duncan Quinn
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops
Accessories: Shinola black Blizzard watch
Outerwear: Christiansburg Puffer from Flag & Anthem
Favorite cologne: Eau Natural AKA nothing
Favorite app: Camera +
Favorite piece of technology: Canon 5D Mark IV
Next style/gear purchase: Drone

Editors' Recommendations

How Nordstrom’s Personal Styler Is Helping Men Transition Back to Fashion

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

Fashion & Style

Vacheron Constantin says this is the world’s most complicated watch

Intricate doesn't begin to describe this Vacheron Constantin watch

close up on The Berkley Grand Complication

Although watches tend can come in various colors and designs, they are timeless and elegant. These sleek accessories have earned their spot in all wardrobes as they make for the perfect touch to any look and make for a wonderful collection to start. However, when it comes to the overall make and model of watches, it’s rare to see them stray from the typical design. That notion is being tested and challenged by Vacheron Constantin, who has designed the world’s most complicated watch.

Although it seems like a tall task, Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication is unlike any timepiece you’ve seen yet. True to its word, this watch contains intricacies that you won’t find anywhere else, truly giving it the moniker of the world’s most complicated watch. With stellar craftsmanship and unique details, this watch is about to become a stellar item for any watch collector.
What to expect from Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication

Fashion & Style

The pre-owned luxury watch market is down, but prices for these 2 Rolexes are up

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi

According to the Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index, which tracks the 50 most traded luxury watches, the pre-owned luxury watch market moved down around 0.1% last month, marking the sign of a patient market that wants more. This isn't necessarily surprising —the index has fallen 8.7% in the past year. But there are a couple of Rolex watches that are bucking the trend: the Rolex Starbucks and the Rolex Pepsi, which gained 3.2% and 3.3%, respectively.

The overall stagnation of the watch market can have various factors, including anticipation for newer releases. External factors like economic and geopolitical conflicts have also affected the way consumers choose to purchase watches. Prices soared during the pandemic, so a leveling out at some point was expected.
What are the ‘Starbucks’ and ‘Pepsi’ watches from Rolex?

Fashion & Style

The 7 best Canada Goose vests for men in 2024

best canada goose vests for men vest

When it comes to expanding your wardrobe, it is important to step out of your comfort zone. For some men, that might mean opting for pieces of clothing that they normally wouldn't purchase and for others, that could mean trying out a new brand or type of apparel. If you're a guy that is in search of something new to add to your closet, there is nothing easier and more versatile than a new vest. Before you stop reading, let us explain to you why vests are an easy to wear item.

A vest is the perfect added layer to a hoodie, long sleeve shirt, button down or sweater. If you don't want to wear a long and heavy coat but still want to stay warm, a vest is the ideal choice. These kinds of vests will offer you insulation and style at the same time. What more could you want? For those who want to try out a vest for the first time or add another vest to your collection, there is no better brand to check out than Canada Goose. Known for their warm, luxurious and stylish outerwear, this beloved brand is one of the most-sought after on the market.