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Denek Kania lifts the lid on life as a gay model in the fashion industry

The model, who is dating Moschino director Jeremy Scott, stars in a special shoot for Attitude's September Style issue.

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Denek Kania lifts the lid on what it’s like to be an openly gay model.

Many people have the belief that the fashion industry is inclusive to the LGBTQ community with the likes out and proud designers including Dean and Dan Caten, Edward Enninful and Tom Ford dominating the industry.

However, for many aspiring LGBTQ models, they have been forced to hide their sexuality in order to make it successful in the industry.

But openly gay Denek Kania – who is dating Moschino director Jeremy Scott – tells Attitude’s September Style issue, available to download and buy now, how the industry is changing.

Denek Kania shot exclusively for Attitude’s September Style issue by Kosmas Pavlos

While covering one of Attitude’s September Style issues, he says: “I have never had any bad experiences. My agent and the team at Soul Artist management have been supportive of me since day one.

“It’s time of great inclusivity and we have even seen great strides for openly trans models such as Teddy Quinlivan.”

After starting his career at Moschino, Denek has gone on to have a successful career and rubs shoulders with the likes of Katy Perry and Violet Chachki.

Denek Kania shot exclusively for Attitude’s September Style issue by Kosmas Pavlos

“Well, Katy is so sweet and has always been so kind to me, and I spent time with her prior to the Met [Gala] so I was more familiar with her as she is one of Jeremy’s best friends,” he says.

“And Violet walked the second Moschino show that I did, and I’ve spent time with her at the shows and out at parties so we have become friends.

“I think she’s so talented. But I have to admit I was star-struck when I met Cardi B and Travis Scott, both are two of my favourite rappers.”

Read the full interview with Denek in Attitude’s September Style issue – which also features Yungblud on a second cover – available to download and to order globally now.

Buy now and take advantage of our best-ever subscription offers: three issues for £3 in print, 13 issues for £19.99 to download to any device.