Up Close with Elliot Meeten

Who’s Elliot? Tell us about your journey (thus far.)

I was born in 1995 in Brighton & Hove. I went to a small Christian primary school from ages 5–12 before attending a large Catholic secondary school until I was 16. I always liked school — I was a bit mischievous but pretty academic, and I went on to college before starting university at 18, where I studied BSc Geography.

Around this time, I was scouted and signed with my first modelling agency. I started university as a boy (physically), but I’d say I graduated as a man — at least from a looks perspective. Modelling quickly became my full-time job and I was fortunate to land magazine covers for Vogue Hommes, L’Officiel, Gay Times, and MMScene, as well as campaigns for Armani, Dsquared, Balmain Hair, and Dolce & Gabbana.

My career pivoted slightly when Covid hit and the industry came to a standstill. I couldn’t travel, so I leaned into another passion of mine: fitness. I became a CrossFit coach and eventually one of just 100 Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainers in the UK. Alongside modelling and coaching at a CrossFit gym, I launched my own hybrid fitness brand, EMPOWERED, in 2023. It offers bespoke coaching and workout plans for busy people who want to look, move, and feel their best using the same methodology that’s helped me achieve a high level of both appearance and performance.

This summer I moved to London to grow my personal brand and advance my career. When I’m not modelling, coaching, or training, you’ll probably find me on the golf course, dancing at a rave, or throwing down at a CrossFit competition for fun.

Who is your favourite actor?

Ralph Fiennes — I love the diversity of the roles he’s played. I’ve also got to mention Leonardo DiCaprio; every film he’s in, he completely immerses himself in the character.

What is your idea of happiness?

Dancing at a music festival with my closest friends while the sun’s shining. No stress, just great vibes. That feeling is unbeatable.

Which living person do you most admire?

Sir David Attenborough — for opening our eyes to the natural world, giving us an appreciation for it, and dedicating his life to conservation.

What is the accomplishment you’re proudest of?

I have a few: earning my First Class Honours degree in 2017, becoming a Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer in 2022, snatching 100kg for the first time in 2023, and appearing on the cover of Vogue Hommes. The Vogue cover was more a case of right place, right time, but the others required years of consistency and discipline.

What is it that you most dislike?

Laziness. Life’s too short not to throw yourself at things.

Where would you like to live?

Right now, I love living in London. I can’t imagine being anywhere else at the moment, but I know I won’t stay here forever. I’d like a winter escape somewhere warm — maybe Ibiza or Australia.

What is your favourite movie?

Schindler’s List. It’s emotional, powerful, and based on true events. It really brings that period of history to life.

Are you single?

I’m off the market — my long-term girlfriend and I recently got back together, and we’re excited about the future. Don’t worry though, I’ll let the pictures do the flirting for me.

Running Short: Charlie by Matthew Zink • Jockstrap: Charlie by Matthew Zink.

Who is your favourite singer? What is your favourite song?

From a lyrical point of view, I’d say Ed Sheeran, and I also grew up listening to a lot of Michael Jackson. But most of my playlists are electronic dance music. My favourite DJ/producer is Eric Prydz, and my favourite track has to be Love Flight by Jeremy Olander — progressive, euphoric, and always puts me in a good mood.

Which sports do you enjoy practicing?

Sport has always been a big part of my life. I played football and golf growing up — golf especially, which I took pretty seriously and played to a good standard. Nowadays I compete in CrossFit, which I love because it’s so multifaceted. You have to be strong, fast, skilled, and adaptable — not just good at one thing. I also coach competitive CrossFit athletes, which is rewarding in its own right.

What is your favorite place to make love? And the most unusual?

Call me classic, but I prefer a bed — nothing beats the comfort (and possibilities). The most unusual place? I once did in the grounds of a castle during Covid when people weren’t allowed inside each other’s houses.

What do you like most and what do you hate most about modeling?

What I dislike: you’re not fully in control of your own career. You can stay in shape, keep your skin and hair healthy, but trends shift quickly and what’s “in” one season might not be the next. What I love: travelling, meeting new people, and the satisfaction of seeing the final work in magazines or on billboards. It’s always surreal walking past your own campaign.

Would you change anything about your body?

Honestly, no. I’m happy with how I look. I work hard for it, and it works hard for me. Sometimes I’d like to be a bit more muscular, but I know that wouldn’t be ideal for modelling since I might not fit clothes as well.

Your favourite cuisine?

Easy — Italian. Pizza and pasta all day. I eat pasta most days because it’s great fuel, tastes amazing, and is endlessly versatile.

Who is the fashion model you look up to the most?

David Gandy. Like me, he’s British, and I really admire the longevity he’s had in the industry and the iconic fragrance campaigns he fronted. That’s the kind of career I’d love to emulate.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t own anything hugely sentimental, so probably my laptop. It’s full of memories — photos, videos, plus all my unfinished work, ideas, and projects. Losing that would be painful.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I’m a bit of a WWII history geek (hence Schindler’s List being my favorite film). I also dabble in DJing — nothing serious, but enough to make sure I’m always in charge of the AUX at a party.

Instagram: @elliotmeeten