A Talk with Johann Kohlhoff

HOW DID YOU START MODELLING

I got introduced to modelling ten years ago (I was 15). I was scouted in the streets of Hamburg whilst on a school trip. Shortly after that, I first met PJ; he took my very first polaroids and added me to a new face division. He was the first person I met in the industry, and I still love working with him today.

WHAT WERE THE 5 BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR FIRST SHOW SEASON IN MILAN

1: Getting Confirmed for a show: It was a magical moment when I got confirmed for my first show; also that it was for Dolce & Gabbana – something I never thought was possible for me. In hindsight, I was told that if I worked hard and stuck to what I was doing – that maybe I could end up walking something cool. Basically, the whole experience is something that has motivated me a lot. I’m sure for years to come it will put a smile on my face when I think back on it.

2: The Passion and attention to detail: Everybody who works on the shows is 100% driven and passionate about their work. Designers, producers, Stylists, hair make-up, set designers, agents etc The goal is to leave an impression with their show and make it a unique experience. That’s why every tiny detail is thought out. I feel privileged to see the details first-hand – especially in the Alta Sartoria Show in Sicily. The whole setting was magical.

3: Meeting the Designers and other models: Personally, meeting Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and getting looked at and dressed by them at the fitting was a surreal experience. It’s quite bizarre when you realize that you were chosen to represent their brand. Probably there are many guys out there who would kill to do a job like that. I feel a great sense of gratitude that I got to work with them.

4: The food: It might be a contradiction – but the food before, during and after the shows was very good.

5: The Feeling after: It’s all over after a few minutes. But the feeling after walking the show lasts for a couple of days. Right when I got off the runway, I felt this rush of adrenaline surging through me. I felt invincible and proud.

TELL US ABOUT SAILING

Sailing is part of my identity. I’ve done it my whole life, and it is deeply rooted in my family’s soul. All of them either sail professionally or work in the sailing industry. My Olympic ambitions in sailing came to a halt in 2017 when I moved to Hamburg to focus on studying Business Psychology.

Even though I can’t invest the same amount of time that I used to – I still get on the water and have fun racing on all kinds of boats. I love it!

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL NEXT

At the moment, I’m super excited to be discovering London.

My dream destination for the near future would have to be New York City!