TRAVIS SMITH
What’s your first thought when you wake up?
Wow, I’m so grateful to be alive.
Do you sing in the shower? If so, what was the last song?
I do not sing in the shower, I do meditate sometimes.
Coffee or Tea?
I am a huge coffee guy.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up on the island of Kauai I grew up with two other brothers, both professional surfers. And Kauai was a dream. It was like the movie jungle book.
Did you grow up surfing, as one might do in Hawaii?
Yes, I grew up every day being in the ocean, I surf I bodyboard, I bodysurf. I do everything in the ocean.
Your face (and body) are known globally, how were you chosen to model?
When I was pretty young, I got discovered in Hawaii. I did a few small shoots and decided to take a leap over to New York City and sign with an agency. In the first week I booked a campaign with Versus Versace with Karlie Kloss I knew nothing about modeling. I hardly even knew how to button up shirt. Growing up in Kauai I didn’t wear shoes, I didn’t wear pants and I never wear a button up shirt. It was very foreign for me to be a model in New York City but it was also an amazing experience that I’ll never forget.
How was it working with Kate Moss on the Versace Campaign?
Working alongside Kate Moss was an experience. I’ll never forget. Working with Versace as always at the peak of fashion and it’s so amazing to see how it all works at that level. Everyone is super nice and it is amazing to be able to witness everything that unfolds.
Looking back, any humbling moments from your first time on the runway?
Doing a big show like Versace is one of the most nerve-racking things I’ve ever done in my life definitely just need a ton of confidence and a lot of energy after you do the show you feel like you were on top of the world one time doing a show I was so nervous I kept on hanging out in the waiting room, drinking espresso shots and I drank five espresso shots, which is way too many and it kind of freaked me out even more, but I did the show and I killed it and I was stoked lol.
A male model you admire?
Marlon Teixeira.
As an entrepreneurial spirit, what made you start The Sunrise Shack?
Growing up my whole life I’ve always had a good understanding of what makes me feel good. Healthy food makes me feel good, and I feel like people eat a lot of unhealthy food and it can be hard sometimes to find healthy food and that was the original idea and why we started the Sunrise Shack. We wanted to have more healthy options in the town and from there, it just took off.
How do you stay fit these days?
I surf, bodyboard, play pickleball and do ju jitsu.
What would be your superpower?
Resilience.
TRAVIS SMITH
What music is on repeat on your phone right now?
It’s hard to say. I love jungle house music lol.
What’s an article of clothing every man should own?
None at all ;)
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say I’m a happy person. I’m calm and excited for life. I get obsessed with something and learn all about it. It can be hard to think about anything else when that happens to me, lol.
What does your grooming/skincare regimen look like?
I believe in nature. The sun and the ocean is all I need.
Do you have a favorite cologne you wear?
I do not.
What makes you very happy?
Nature.
What do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?
Someone that goes enter something that is exciting. Like building a huge company. Riding a massive wave or breaking a record.
What social issue are you most passionate about?
The world can be a messy place. I don’t focus on it too much. I just do my best to try to make a positive change. We impact thousands of people everyday with the Sunrise Shack.
What accomplishment are you most proud of at the moment?
It’s hard to say one. I am so blessed. I did well with modeling. I’ve done well with my athletic career as a professional bodyboarder. And I have an amazing business that makes a big positive impact on the world.
A quote that speaks to you?
Memento Mori.
Motorcycle or car?
Tesla.
A favorite show or movie you can’t stop watching?
300.
Do you get bored easily?
No.
Cat or dog?
My fiancé and I have 5 cats. I love both. Cats are a lot easier if you want to travel.
What’s your favorite city in the world and why?
NYC. I love how it’s a melting pot of all the places on the planet in one city. The people are amazing. The food is amazing.
If you had a choice, where would you choose to spend your last day on Earth?
In Hawai’i.
What makes a perfect man?
To be truthful to your self, and others, to have high expectations of yourself, and to believe that we as humans are more capable of than we will ever believe. That we can put our minds to anything and make them come to life.
In this Story:
1-4. Travis Smith wears sweater polo TODD SNYDER, swim shorts VILEBREQUIN 5-8. Travis wears classic corded cotton polo RAG & BONE, White linen trousers STEFANO RICCI 9-10. Travis wears shorts BODE, Shorts RVCA 11-14. Travis wears trousers RALPH LAUREN, rope belt FRANK + EILEEN
DIGITAL COVER
Photographer SANTIAGO BISSO, Stylist JADE ALEXIS, Model TRAVIS SMITH at VISION LOS ANGELES, Shot on Location in Oahu’s North Shore Hawaii