Photography: Kate McMahon
Model: Niall Walker
Styling: Graham Peacock
Assisted by Rory McMillan

Niall Walker is a model. He’s worked for Celine, Rick Owens, walked a long list of runways and traveled the world. He’s also incredibly funny — not a given in his profession — interesting and sharp. He has it. How does he pull it off? We headed out of the city for some countryside fresh air and got to know him a little better with a game of 21 Questions.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

I press snooze. I have my alarm set for 18 minutes earlier than it needs to be, allowing for 2 presses of snooze —  it’s supposed to trick my 6am-self into thinking I’ve had a long lie (it doesn’t work).

What’s the best city in the world?

For me, Paris. It has the perfect balance of metropolitan and laid back. People on the street generally want nothing to do with you, which is nice. 

What’s your favourite song?

Picking a definitive favourite feels illegal, All Is Full Of Love by Bjork still holds merit after heavy rotation, the intro feels like a reset button being pressed on each listen. I love her, she feels like an estranged aunt at this point. Kudos to Bjork. I will love that song forever.

Who makes you laugh?

My gran is really funny, she knows she can get away with her antics, something I look forward to in later life. 

What do you watch at night?

I used to listen to true crime podcasts to get to sleep, however I am weaning myself off of the true crime because I read that associating violence with relaxation is damaging to your brain. Of late I have been watching Real Housewives, which is less violent, for the most part. 

What’s your favourite drink?

Moscow Mule! Perfect in summer, great in winter, translates from bar to club seamlessly. Only ever be ordered as “vodka ginger beer” to avoid getting stung by cocktail prices, definitely not a cocktail.

What are you reading?

I started re-reading Sons and Lovers recently. I had initially started reading a year or so ago but life got in the way and I never finished. I won’t let you down this time, D.H Lawrence sweetie.

What’s your ideal date?

July 2nd, exactly halfway through my year of realising things.

Do you care about your screen time?

Not really, if the Instagram reels are on fire, then the instagram reels are on fire. I’m quick to forgive myself.

What’s your least favourite trait in others?

I think the worst trait one can possess is being fickle. There is nothing I respect less than someone who plays both sides of the fence. It automatically makes me distrust and will always leave me questioning said person’s character.

Are you a good liar?

I’d say no, my facial expressions are prone to giving me away. The older I get the less I find myself in situations where I have to lie. I remember being told by a classmate in primary school that for every lie you tell you spend an extra 5 mins in hell — food for thought.

What’s something everyone should do at least once?

So I haven’t actually done this, but for the longest I have been wanting to go on a night out with friends in alter ego: full wig transformation and all. I would really love. I think everyone should embrace. I will get back to you with photographic evidence when we have.

What’s the best thing about Glasgow?

The people. Obvious answer, we make the most of it — weather’s rubbish but legs will still be out. There’s very few airs and graces, snobbiness is generally frowned upon.  Glaswegians approach life with a sense of humour, which I think is our greatest asset. People really do make Glasgow.

What movie should everyone watch?

I really don’t have the concentration to watch movies, I rarely ever watch from start to finish. I do love Shrek 2 though.

Who do you admire the most?

My mum is a saint. Very level headed, never swears, always looks for the positive in situations. She is the blueprint for world peace.

What’s overrated right now?

TikTok lingo is way overused: bestie, slay, etc all feel pretty disingenuous. 

What’s underrated right now?

I think Eartheater deserves a lot more credit than she gets. Dropping masterpiece after masterpiece in short succession, I think she will be remembered one day as being one of the greats of our generation.

Who do you want to have dinner with?

Tiffany New York Pollard, without a doubt. 

What should everyone stop feeling bad about?

Everyone should stop feeling bad about themselves! Life is too short.

Is anything new anymore?

I know the expected answer is,  nothing is new, art is regurgitated etc. But I do actually think yes, in the age of AI a lot feels new. 

What can’t you live without?

Music. Life would be so dull without it. I think feelings would be harder to vocalise, and I don’t think I would feel them as intensely as I do, had we no music. It truly brings people together. I associate a lot of memories with music. When I hear The Strokes I’m in Paris, when I hear Joni Mitchell I’m in Milan, when I hear the Foo Fighters I am in my own personal hell. An infinite conversation starter. I’m a firm believer that it does in fact make the world go round.