A man working behind a busy bar has swapped pulling pints for a fashion runway after being spotted by a modelling scout. Patrick Cummins was working his regular bar shift when he was scouted by a modelling agency.
The 25-year-old was sceptical about his encounter with D1 Model Management and only realised it was the real deal after several messages were exchanged via email. Since his unexpected foray into fashion, Patrick has walked the runway for the crème de la crème of high fashion society, including French luxury brand Celine.
Patrick's life before hitting the catwalk dressed in only the finest threads, was normal. He was a bar worker and musician who never dreamt of being a model, reports the Liverpool ECHO.
Despite the world of modelling being new to him, Patrick said he will 'roll with the punches'. Speaking to the ECHO, Patrick, who is originally from Ellesmere Port, said: "It was so surreal, it's not something I was working towards.
"It just sort of happened so I'm going with the punches, I guess. [The modelling scout] came up to me in Leaf and I was a bit sceptical but she gave me her email and stuff.
"We sent a few emails back and forth and then they decided to sign me. It never even crossed my mind to model before."
Patrick has always had a vested interest in creative expression. He wanted to be a musician, developing an interest in music as a young child before going on to make his own music alongside his band, The DSM IV.
He said: "We had loads of gigs last year. This year, we'll be putting our album out and there'll be tours and festivals off the back of that.
"Fingers crossed it all goes well and I can keep doing it. I've always been a keen musician, I've been playing since I was 13 and it's always been a dream, so it's great to see that starting to materialise."
The prospect of modelling was daunting at first for the musician. During his first on-set booking, he was "terrified".
Patrick said: "I didn't have any expectations. It was such an alien world for me to be walking into.
"I was terrified. Then you quickly get to learn that all the other models are feeling the exact same.
"I was given loads of advice and tips on how to walk. I never even thought about how I walked or that I might be walking wrong, so it took some learning to get it right. It doesn't help that they make you do it in two inch heels as well."
Of the reality of modelling, Patrick explained: "It's mental. It's really fun and it's great but it can be quite draining when you're on set for a full day. It's quite glamorous, and you're well looked after.
"Your hotels are paid for. You get whatever you want from Deliveroo for your meals."
Patrick has been able to rub shoulders with celebrities at swanky after-parties. He has met Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, "all the BTS lot", and Thomas Brodie-Sangster of Love Actually and The Queen's Gambit fame.
Patrick said: "It's surreal, isn't it? I don't know when or if I'm ever going to get to do these things again, so you've got to make the most of it and go over and chat with people."
His strong support network of family and friends keeps Patrick grounded. Both his mum and girlfriend help him shoot images for castings, and photos for his agency.
He said: "My parents have always said I should be a model, to be fair. They've always been really supportive.
"My mum and my girlfriend always take my pictures for me to send off to the agency. Everyone has been really supportive."
He added: "I'm just taking it as it comes. Hopefully I get a few more years and Fashion Weeks out of it but even if I never get to do any of it again, I've had a really good run."
