The Enigma of Willem Dafoe’s Modeling Style

Writing & Photography by Elisa Peters

Modeled by Hannah Tom

Closing the Miu Miu runway show at the end of Paris Fashion Week was the last place I expected to see Willem Dafoe — but that’s his charm. Dafoe, whom Unknown Vlog stumbled upon in the streets of Soho, surprisingly appeared in one of their “What are people wearing in New York City?” YouTube videos. In it, he describes what he is wearing: a Prada Sweater, blue jeans, and some shoes from Mexico.

From his perception online, Dafoe seems simultaneously down to earth yet eccentric. Early in his career, Dafoe trained with experimental and avant-garde theater troupes in New York City. Having portrayed diverse roles in both mainstream and arthouse films such as “American Psycho,” “Nemo,” Marvel’s “Spiderman” series, “The Florida Project,” the Vincent van Gogh biopic “At Eternity’s Gate,” “The Lighthouse,” numerous Wes Anderson films, and, more recently, “Poor Things,” the unorthodox and free-spirited way that he integrates acting into other aspects of his life makes sense. 

Having modeled for a plethora of editorial magazines throughout the years, Dafoe’s acting skills have translated into a performative style of modeling. Back in 2003, 

Dafoe turned a photoshoot for AnOther Magazine into an acting exercise. Instead of following the magazine’s vision for the photoshoot, Dafoe requested to wear the crew’s clothes instead, adopting each of their wardrobes as a means of embodying a character. In the shoot, he dresses in the clothes of the stylist, the makeup artist, the photographer, the publicist, and the model (himself). 

One of Dafoe’s most infamous photos, taken by Dusan Reljin for Interview Russia in 2012, shows the actor leaning forward at 90 degrees in an open leg stance. The photo was shot in black and white film, creating a dramatic effect. Over time, the drama of the photo morphed into irony as it became a meme on the internet. Another snapshot circulated on the internet when Dafoe was photographed holding rotten oranges with a cigarette in his mouth, props from his 2023 film “Inside.” It was a candid photo of Dafoe’s expressive personality and natural tendency to perform.

Not just any multidisciplinary artist can emulate the relatability and unique charisma Dafoe has online. He is fearlessly expressive. He is honest and seems comfortable during interviews. Likewise, his modeling style over the years proves to be nearly unreplicable, unique, and mysterious in execution. It’s a combination of Dafoe’s acting range, expressive face, sense of style, and open-minded personality that make him the legend he is today.