Backstage at Jil Sander Fall 2010

Hailing from Elmer Olsen, an internationally renowned modeling agency, launching successful careers like Casey Taylor, Alex Loomans, and Gordie Walker, Welton landed one of the most coveted new-comer spots as a Jil Sander exclusive in Milan. You would be surprised to hear that he is actually originally from Chester in England, he moved to Canada at 12 years old and resides in Kelowna, BC ever since. After much favour from Raf Simons, there is no doubt that this will be the face to watch.

Before you did the show did you know of what a big impact it would have on your career?

No, I had no idea. I knew that Jil Sander was a good show to do, and obviously being exclusive was awesome to get, but I only realised what it might do for my career once I started talking to others about it.

What did you think of the industry before and how does that compare to how it really is?

To be honest, Fashion never really occured to me at all until after I became a model. Before that I was just coming out of my young teenage grunge phase, haha. I mean when I first started modelling, I began to imagine what it would be like to do Fashion Week and such, and what I thought then was definitely not how it actually is. Some parts are a little less glamourous than I first imagined, but definitely as fun as I hoped it would be.

Could you ever see yourself doing something like Jil Sander or becoming a model before?

Not at all, never even crossed my mind that I could ever get into this industry until I was scouted by my wonderful mother agent, Tara, from Elmer Olsen Models.

What did you think of the show?

The music was amazing, definitely downloaded as soon as the show ended. As far as the clothing, definitely my kind of style. I thought the patchwork theme was very cool, especially on the coats and jackets.

Hundreds of models go to a Maida and Rami casting, did you have any idea that you would be chosen as an exclusive?

Haha, don’t forget Niclas (Huntelmann) and James (Smith) were also exclusive for the show. But no, I never thought up until they said yes that they would ever pick me, even after I got optioned for it.

How was it working with Raf Simons?

Working with Raf was an awesome experience, as was working with all of the Jil Sander crew. They’re all an awesome bunch of people, very down-to-earth and very genuine people. Working with Raf was great, simply because you could see everyday that he was passionate about ever decision, such a perfectionist, but at the same time he was a lot of fun, always game for a good laugh. I think the days would have been much longer if it were all work and no fun, gotta have a laugh every once in a while to keep you sane, haha.