MR. BALTHIER CORFI

Do you drink coffee or tea?

Coffee, all the time.

Bath or Shower?

Shower, unless I have a guest lol.

Friday or Sunday?

Sundays. Fridays are for amateurs.

What inspired you to become a fashion photographer?

My mother used to be a seamstress when I was growing up and I was always very into looking at her pattern catalogs with pictures of beautiful women in beautiful clothes and I always wondered, where in the world is this happening? I was raised in a very small town in the south of Mexico, and these images were the only access I had to that world. Probably that’s where everything started. There’s also another experience that made me decide to pursue photography: when I went to college to study Industrial Design, I was super excited about a photography class in my program... first day in the class and the professor had a power trip and I was not going to have it, we got in an argument after class and she expelled me. I had to prove I was good at something I didn’t even had the chance to try so I picked up a camera and started taking photos. I never looked back, I wish her well tho... I hope she’s doing the best she can. A few years later I popped up in NYC. The rest is history. Lol.

How do you feel the industry has changed since your early days?

I love the fact that the industry has become more accepting about different types of beauty, I mean... I’m not 6’2”, and I’m on the cover of a cool magazine. Unthinkable 10 years ago when I started! Thanks by the way. I had a blast!

What are the signs that a model will have longevity in his career?

It’s a mix between the right attitude, a somewhat timeless and classic look and discipline. Also make the right connections. Talk to the right people.

How does it feel for you to be in front of the camera?

When you said I was going to be naked, I was “I’m in”. I’m always naked. For a cover? No brainer. So I told my best friend TJ, to help me with the shoot, we have taken pictures of each other naked many times before, mostly in ridiculous situations, but we is used to it LMAO, so it was not a new experience.

What’s your favorite part of your body?

Lately my ass. Lmao. And my nose, since I used to hate it when I was a teen.

How do you feel about male frontal nudity in fashion?

It’s great to be admired for how you look without clothes on. I think it’s amazing. I don’t get when people say “nudity is ok, if its’ tasteful”, oh please... the human body is a work of art, the way you look at it... that’s your choice.

Your main flaw?

I’m feisty.

Boxers or Briefs?

Commando. It’s an adventure. I love adventures.

How would you describe your personal style?

I used to be very a strict suit and tie kind of guy. Now
I have become more relaxed. That being said, I feel a man looks his best naked and/or in a suit, personal opinion. Being in a suit makes me feel incredibly powerful and confident. Same with being naked.

MR. BALTHIER CORFI

Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?

Of course. It’s necessary. When you feel sexy, you project confidence. When you project confidence, you are more likely to close a deal.

What do you think of Hollywood’s latest obsesseion with the penis in shows like Minx?

Finally. Thank you.

Do you own sock garters?

Haha. Yes.

How do they make you feel when you are wearing them?

Oh, I see where this is going... I used them for the first time during a shoot for Saint Perry in California, where the video of “Work Bitch” by Britney was shot. I told Perry Ebagua, the designer, and Wojciech Christopher Nowak, our stylist (I adore both of them, we had so much fun) that I wanted to use sock garters, so we put Lucas, Charlie, Jhan, Yuma and Joshua in underwear, leather boots, socks and garters... And next thing I know is, I started to wear them myself. Adds a spicy touch to the rigidness of a suit.

How did you feel wearing heels? Gave us a Helmut Newton moment?

Oh god. I suck at walking in heels. But it definitely makes you feel a mix between pain and power. I wanted to add a bit of subversion since people have never seen me in heels. I understand how a person can feel ready to walk over anyone when wearing them. Heels, as suits, are all about power.

What scares you? And what makes you angry?

I’m not scared of anything. I don’t want to sound like a dick, but fear paralyzes you. I see no use in being paralyzed. You can be cautious but not fearful. Disloyalty makes me the most angry and upset.

Do you read books? If so, what was the last one?

I am always reading science books, the last book, book I read was The Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston. Because you know, pandemics. Lol.

Is there a quote that speaks to you?

“A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else” I have no patience for anything so, I need to keep reminding myself that quote.

Dogs or cats?

Whatever is furry I love. Dogs, cats, alpacas, men. I have lately been a lot into red pandas and capybaras. So cute and fluffy. I’m such a child.

What qualities do you seek in your male friends?

Just be loyal, dude.

What’s something you could eat for a week straight?

Oysters and beer.

Who do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?

My friend Ken Downing. He just became the Creative Director of Halston. I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do for such an iconic brand. So many surprises coming soon!

What accomplishment are you most proud of at the moment?

I had my first WWD cover in September last year right during NYFW working with Ken Downing (THE MAN) and American Dream. I cried a bit when I saw it. Then another feature later, in January. Then one more coming soon. It’s WWD, it’s a benchmark for any photographer’s career.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

I do not consider an activist myself but whenever there’s a protest or a rally about fighting for minority rights, equality, womens’ rights... you’ll probably find me there.

A place to lose yourself?

A pool. The beach.

What would your perfect night be like?

Let’s grab dinner, then drinks on a rooftop, then take me to Empanada Mama. Yes I know, two dinners. Judge me.

What do you wear to sleep?

Do you know what’s between myself and my bed sheets? Nothing... I can’t wear clothes in bed. Sometimes I wear shorts when I go to sleep and I wake up naked. WTF.