ROUGH YOUNG THING : NEJC JUS

As the ongoing collaboration with Oxygen Model Management unfolds, ROUGH ONLINE captures Nejc Jus, the model with body, form and stature. The young model talks to ROUGH about his definition of what 'young' is and more. One can certainly say there is more than meets the eye when it comes to this Oxygen Model. Indulge yourself. Photography is executed by Issa Yazi with styling and art direction by Cuba Charles using pieces from Diadora, Burberry, Nino's London and more. Grooming suing Clinique for men control oil moisturizer.

ROUGH ONLINE: How would you best describe yourself?

NEJC:  Adventurous, friendly, goal-driven, spontaneous, extrovert and sometimes naive. I am passionate about things that I do in my life, which includes modelling, dance, fashion and travel. I like socializing and going out with my friends – sometimes even too much I love to travel and explore hidden gems of our wonderful planet, I have been to 66 countries so far and still counting. Oh yes, and I am originally from Slovenia, a tiny country on the sunny side of the Alps.

ROUGH ONLINE:  What drives you as an individual in your everyday life and as a model?

NEJC:  I need new challenges in whatever I do, be it my office job, dancing or modelling. I succeed when I am surrounded by creative and driven people - and I have to say that London is certainly filled with such creative souls. I like to work in situations that I haven’t been in before, these make life much more interesting. What drives me the most in modelling is creativity, aesthetics and the “unknown”. I like to do shoots that I haven’t done before, I like to experiment with new photographers and designers. And then comes the “unknown”, you never know how the photos will turn out.

ROUGH ONLINE:  Tell us about your professional dance career?

NEJC:  I have been dancing, teaching and performing for nearly 25 years and have specialized in Ballroom and Latin-American dancing. During this time, I have participated in numerous dance competitions across Europe and became a Slovenian national champion in juvenile and junior categories. Following my move to the UK, I entered the same sex dance circuit where I competed and performed with my dance partner. We were the UK Latin-American same-sex champions for three consecutive years, held the European showdance champions’ trophy and were 3rd place European Latin champions. We were featured on the BBC Newsnight, BBC Strictly It Takes Two, NTV (Russia), and we were at the forefront of the same-sex dance movement. I also recently performed in Royal Opera House in London in La Traviata and Semiramide. From my own experience, I can say that dance is certainly the best therapy for body and soul. Forget about the expensive counselling. Dancing really helps me to relieve stress, anger and negative emotions.

ROUGH ONLINE:  Where do you see yourself in five years? Would you still be modelling you think?

NEJC:  I never like to look so far into the future. Things never turn out the way they were meant to and I have experienced this myself. I always say “expect the unexpected”, which is the beauty of life. I am currently working full time in Travel and Tourism, I dance and model in my free time. As I like doing different things at the same, I would like to continue with all of them. I would like to continue evolving as an individual, improve my skills in all facets of life, and of course travel to new amazing places around the world.

ROUGH YOUNG THING:  What is your own definition of “Young” as you are part of the “ROUGH YOUNG THING”?

NEJC:  “Young” is not about the look, and it’s not bound by the age. It’s the way you feel in your skin and about your attitude to life and people around you. “Young” means “keeping it fresh”. I have friends of different ages, who constantly challenge the norms and keep on doing amazing things in their lives. They keep on inspiring me. Also living in this great city brings out “Young” in all of us on every footstep.

Photography: ISSA YAZJI
Styling & Art Direction: CUBA CHARLES
Model: NEJC JUS @ OXYGEN MODEL MANAGEMENT
Grooming: CLINIQUE FOR MEN OIL CONTROL MOISTURISER  
Brands: DIADORA, NINO'S LONDON, BURBERRY