Hartland man receives once-in-a-lifetime modeling break thanks to Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid
HARTLAND -- He's being called the "homeless hottie" by some. The "Romeo of Venice Beach" by some tabloids. But the 20-year-old man from Hartland says he's just pursuing his dream.
John Economou
John Economou's modeling portfolio is enough to make any girl take a second look -- and a third. A model since childhood, a Madison modeling agency told his mom:
"They said he was very much like Ashton Kutcher," said Jill Economou.
That's why a little more than six months ago, the one time UWM student headed for the bright lights of Los Angeles. He ended up living and sleeping on Venice Beach.
Venice Beach
"He's homeless by choice or 'un-housed,' as he likes to put it. He's using his savings to work out there," said Jill.
Jill Economou
One random day on the beach there was a random meeting. John noticed two young women having a picnic near him. There were body guards, and an entourage but when seagulls started attacking their food, John ran to shoo them away.
It turns out the pair were non other than top models Kendall Jenner and GiGi Hadid.
Kendall Jenner & Gigi Hadid
After chatting for a while, John told them he was a model from Milwaukee, living the hippie lifestyle.
John Economou just got discovered -- the Hollywood way. By chance, by luck, and according to his mom, hard work. Jenner and Hadid arranged for a top modeling agency to sign him.
"He's gaining notoriety that's for sure. I won't go into all the things that are happening. Suffice to say things are starting to roll for him now," said Jill.
John Economou
The story is getting worldwide attention and so is John. FOX6 News caught up with him through FaceTime.
John Economou via FaceTime
"It went to London, and France, and Germany, and Paris and Hungary. Everyone from around the world is messaging me. It's blowing up. I like it," said John Economou.
"The agency offered him a place to stay. He chose not to. He has friends out there where he could crash on their couches, but I think that's all going to change really quickly," said Jill.
John's mom says many in their family have been models and in fact have gone to California to pursue their dreams.Nothing quite like this has happened before and they realize it's a one-in-a-million type of break.