Model Behaviour: Gage Gomez — The Rakish Gent

Blazer, Vest, Trousers & Boots - Dolce & Gabbana, Tie - Giorgio Armani, Eyewear - Stylist’s Own

Photography - Nico Daniels

Talent - Gage Gomez

Words - Katya Austin

Styling - Emily Drake

Styling Assist. - Aoife Keenan

Hair - Dylan Silver

Grooming - Jonathan Logan

Producer - Theingi Thann

Jumpsuit - Landeros, Boots - Dolce & Gabbana

In an era where masculinity is in a constant state of renegotiation, photographer Nico Daniels embraces the flux. His work creates a world in which masculinity can live in contradiction - simultaneously strong and delicate, intimate and composed, disciplined and playful. For this project, he turns his lens toward Gage Gomez, a creator and fighter who is no stranger to duality.

Together, they explore the quiet tension between who men are expected to be and who they’re becoming. Nico Daniels is one of six photographers selected for WME’s highly prestigious fashion photography program. His series The New American Man documents the realities of life and identity for young men from the depths of rural Texas to the bright lights of New York City. His portraits offer a glimpse into how the language of clothing is used by men to communicate their internal world. Whether they’re wearing camo and khakis or scarves and pearls, masculinity exists in multitudes.

Gage Gomez built his platform by sharing his journey to medical school. A creator whose impact extends beyond modeling, he is a longtime advocate of personal growth, wellness, and philosophical inquiry into the self. Recently, he’s turned his ambitions towards becoming an MMA fighter, spending much of his time training both physically and mentally. He too embraces the multitudes of masculinity, one that is in constant evolution, resisting a singular definition. I sat down with Gage to discuss his reflections on fashion and his collaboration with Nico.

Blazer & Trousers - Jack Sivan, Denim Jacket & Tie - Cole Frederickson

What is your relationship to fashion?

Personally, I feel like my relationship with fashion is the external version of whatever internal chapter I’m in. I treat it like a language. Professionally I'm just really grateful that I get to work with these brands, from the legacy high fashion houses to helping friends shoot their streetwear lines.

Nico Daniel’ s work focuses a lot on the relationship between masculinity, sexuality, and fashion. How do you feel you fit into his world?

I think Nico is interested in masculinity that isn't rigid. That space where confidence and vulnerability can exist together, it feels similar to me.

Do you think men are expected to dress in certain ways?

Of course, it's not as prominent anymore, but definitely within certain professional careers uniforms are still standard. Outside of that, a lot of people are starting to widen the bandwidth for what's considered acceptable for men.

What happens if you go against the grain?

You find out whether people actually respect you or just the version of you they built in their heads. Going against the grain is the quickest way to meet your real audience.

Shirt - Giorgio Armani, Necklace - Stylist’s Own, Trousers - Max Esmail

Do you prefer to have creative input on shoots or are you comfortable falling into the role of model as vessel?

I like collaboration, but I’m comfortable stepping back when the vision is clear. The best shoots happen when everyone trusts the process instead of competing for control.

What’ s your favorite look from this shoot with Niko Daniels?

The ones at the train station that look like they were Photoshopped were really fun. We had to time every train to make sure we weren’t getting in trouble for setting up those platforms, get the pictures, and then run off. It reminded me of growing up skating in a spot and only having one or two tries to hit it before getting kicked out.

What do you love about fashion?

My favorite thing about it is that it rewards curiosity and self expression over conformity.

Hat - JJ Hats, Coat - Max Esmail, Jumpsuit - Landeros, Boots - Dolce & Gabbana, Suitcase - Vintage

How is your personal style different from the looks you wear for photoshoots?

My day-to-day uniform is usually just straight jeans, a pair of black Air Force ones, a T-shirt with a long sleeve layered over it and then a hoodie or a jacket when it’s cold. No jewelry, just a small gold cross chain.

Who are the men—real or fictional—whose style has shaped your tastes the most?

At the moment I don’t dress like the people whose style I admire, but I want to one day. Alain Delon (Le Samouraï, Purple Noon); minimal, trench coats, sharp tailoring, no excess. This is basically the blueprint for modern restrained masculinity in my opinion. Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley); loosened collars, flowy and upscaled but still casual. Hedi Slimane (early Dior Homme), Raf Simons early collections, anything Jonathan Anderson.

Do you think style is something a man builds over time, or something he’ s born with?

Fashion is very much the product of the environment which is ever changing alongside with a person.

If your style had a philosophy, what would it be in a sentence?

Wear things that align with what version of yourself you want to be, which can be ever changing, and make sure you’re comfortable.

Can you expand on the idea of “fashion as armor”?

“Fashion as armor” isn’t about hiding in a shell, it’s about what that peace of mind brings to you. When something fits well, it reinforces how you stand, move, and enter a room.

Which fashion era do you wish you could’ve experienced?

I like the one we are in now. But if I had to choose a different era, I would say let’s go back to the Roman times so we can all wear togas, seems very freeing.

What was the story of your first suit?

I believe it was my communion and I felt amazing. It was too big, I was basically swimming in the suit. Maybe that’s why I always like my clothes a little looser.