Butler grew up in Oxford
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For an ascending supermodel, Butler led a relatively calm and grounded life. Born in Oxford to parents Tim and Christine—whom he describes as “ordinary academic folks”—he spent most of his high school years playing rugby. Originally, he planned to study sports science at university with the goal of becoming a physiotherapist. Modelling, at that point, had never even crossed his mind.
Butler once lived in Italy
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At the age of 5, Butler relocated to Italy with his parents and attended an elite private school in Verona, where he learned to speak Italian fluently. It seems Butler was always on the move as a kid, developing into a skilled skier and even competing in the Italian national youth finals. However, his time in Italy came to an end when his family moved back to Oxford when he was 11.
Butler was scouted at 16 years old
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Butler was discovered by former model Mackie Alcantara while working with his uncle in an airplane hangar. As the story goes, Butler was driving a forklift when Alcantara approached him and suggested he speak to a modelling agency. Thinking it was a joke, Butler initially drove away — but Alcantara was persistent. Eventually, he convinced Butler to attend a casting, where he was signed on the spot at just 16 years old. The rest, as they say, is history.
Butler had his big break in 2020
While Butler was signed at 16, it took quite a few years for him to reach the rising model status he enjoys today. Like most teenagers, he made his fair share of mistakes — like showing up to a Burberry shoot with a black eye from playing rugby or getting a regrettable haircut in Paris because of a crush on a girl. (Who hasn’t been there?)
As he gradually built his profile through commercial campaigns for brands like Zara, Mango, and Marks & Spencer, his persistence paid off. His big break came in 2020, when Demna cast him for Balenciaga’s highly anticipated return to couture. From that moment on, the days of Zara and Mango were behind him. Now, it’s all about Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Loewe, Louis Vuitton—the list goes on. He was even named Model of the Year by models.com in 2023, joining the ranks of Alton Mason and Lucky Blue Smith.
Butler wants to do more than modeling
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While Butler has already achieved a great deal as one of the hottest names in male modelling today, the 27-year-old has no plans of slowing down. In a profile with British GQ this March, he revealed that he’s considering pursuing a business degree or even writing a book with his brother. He’s also open to exploring acting or fashion design. Who knows? In the next few years, we might see him in some place unexpected.
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Lead image: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
