Sep, 2022 | Exclusive, Fashion, News

A LION UNLEASHED

by Dan Victoria Gleason

Persevere to reach and sacrifice to reach.

With more than 6 million followers around the globe, Jean Carlo has become one of the most popular faces among young people today. Born and raised in Colombia, the young star has taken the industry by surprise and he ain’t stopping any time soon. Dressed in looks by Prada, Dior Men and Gucci for our October cover story, JC knows where he’s going: to infinity and beyond.

Read the full interview below.

Full credits:

Jean Carlo on the digital cover of Dapper Tapper October 2022.
Photographed by Carlos Ruiz
Fashion by Dan Victoria Gleason
Grooming by Bibi Glam
Producers: Daniel Saldaña and Hector Peñuñuri
EIC: Juan de la Concha

DT: You were born in Colombia and now you live in Mexico City. Those are definitely two very important places in your life. What does each place mean to you?

JC: To me, Colombia will always be part of my development. It’s curious because even though I’ve lived longer there, Mexico has become my home. Everything I’ve built so far started here. I don’t picture myself anywhere else right now.

DT: 6.6 million people follow you on Instagram. That’s insane. Aware of that, would you say you¡re responsible of being a role model? Why?

JC: There was a time that I felt like I was responsible for that. But to be honest, who am I to tell people how to act or who to be? I only try to add positive things into my life and into the lives of those who surround me.

DT: Throughout your career, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

JC: To stay positive. In life, nothing’s easy and it’s even harder if you don’t go after what you want. If you don’t fight for your dreams, you’ll end up fighting for someone else’s.

Jean Carlo wears shirt, sweater and pants, all by Dior Men’s. Shoes by Nike.

Jean Carlo wears shirt and sweater by Dior Men’s.

Jean Carlo wears shirt and sweater by Dior Men’s. Shades by Prada.

DT: You are part of one of the most important industries in the world. What’s the formula to stay relevant?

JC: I’d say to be transparent and to be yourself.

DT: What’s the best thing about your job?

JC: The places I’ve been able to visit and the people I’ve met.

DT: What are the names in fashion you admire the most?

JC: My whole life I have been a huge fan of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga. Since I was very little I dreamed of being able to buy their pieces. There’s also a lot of upcoming, independent, young designers that have caught my eye. When it comes to dressing up, being comfortable is the most important thing to me.