Unfortunately for Dennis Kiley '03, modeling wasn't an offered major. However, going from simply being a local to national heartthrob was an easier transition than the former Bowdoin rugby player may have believed. The unknown was discovered six months ago in a Park City, Utah gym and has now delved into a modeling career for fashion and cologne designer John Robert Holbrook.
A psychologist working with troubled teens in a wilderness immersion program, Kiley was at first skeptical of following in the footsteps of Fabio, Marky-Mark, and Derek Zoolander by entering into the male modeling world. His initial reaction to the offer of serving as the face of Holbrook's new fragrance, "Pharaoh," was one of shock, explained the designer in an interview with The Bangor Daily News.
Holbrook personally noticed Kiley for his "spiritual elegance," he told The Bangor Daily News. "It just beams right through his body. If I had to find a person who epitomizes my company, that's Dennis."
President Barry Mills also acknowledges Kiley's "It" factor.
"I think in Dennis's case genetics and a good deal of time in the fitness center have contributed to his success. If Ronald Reagan can be a president and Arnold Schwarzenegger can be a governor, we have every hope that Dennis can go far in his modeling career and thereafter when time takes its toll."
Holbrook has a great resume, with his fragrances having been worn by the likes of hottie Princes William and Harry, Bill Clinton, and the late JFK Jr., to name a few. Further, his ads have been labeled homoerotic, and the Pharaoh campaign is certainly no exception, with advertisements featuring the loincloth-clad alum relaxing on a sand dune. Holbrook addressed this accusation when speaking with The Bangor Daily News by explaining that his ads are "geared for women buying for men. Statistically, men don't buy cologne for themselves. Well, maybe metrosexuals do."
Though Kiley looks at this physical attention and pin-up status as an entirely new avenue, he was capturing the hearts of females long before his Pharaoh days. Although many might be embarrassed to admit it, Kiley was lusted after everywhere from H-L to Thorne and earned the nickname "Zeus" for obvious reasons.
Further, his current skimpy attire is not as foreign a he might coyly lead people to believe, for Kiley's exhibitionist tendencies can be traced back to "his blazing streak in a leopard print g-string at halftime of the Colby vs. Bowdoin football match in 2002," recalls current men's rugby player Nick Reid '05.
Kiley is still vividly remembered at Bowdoin, and the buzz of his current and future celebrity is exciting to many under the pines. When Pat from Moulton Dining Hall heard of the news she enthusiastically commented, "Oh, that's just great!"
Mills takes the following stance, "I say all the time that a liberal arts education prepares our students for jobs in all walks of life."
Reid offered the rugby team's opinion. "What is most interesting to all of us that knew Zeus well is his choice to take on such a career in modeling," he said. "Once a granola munching woodsman spending the majority of his graduation time building a log cabin in the backwoods of Maine with his brother, his new occupation seems somewhat interesting. The rich and famous now surround him more than the pines once did, and while his Johnny Damonesque nomadic hairstyle may live on I still wonder whether the real Dennis Kiley has all but disappeared. I hope not."
Reid also revealed that "many" of his fellow alums (at the forefront, his fellow Bowdoin rugby captain Dave Kirkland '03) are thinking of renaming him "The Pharaoh."
Debate over the nicknames aside, Kiley follows the multidimensional quality Bowdoin instills in each of us and won't settle for just being another pretty face...or body. He has apparently wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking, and plans to return to his intellectual side next year when he begins collaboration with Holbrook on a book about cultivating both a person's inside and out.
Although he doesn't have any trademarked looks yet, Kiley has a bright future ahead of him. Not only is his national magazine ad campaign set to begin in the upcoming months, but he also recently returned from a Hawaiian promotional tour, and has January's Sundance Film Festival on the horizon. To top it all off, the cologne and a poster of the sand-dune Kiley will be featured in this year's Oscars gift bags.
There is nowhere to go but up for Kiley and his career, and he might very well soon be treated like a true pharaoh.
Orient: What do you hope to come of your newfound modeling career?
Dennis Kiley: Modeling is a wonderful opportunity that is opening many doors for me, and providing me with unique life experiences. I am seeing another side of life I would not normally be exposed to that I can both learn from and enjoy. My intention is to take it all a day at a time, enjoy the ride and see where it may take me. If similar type opportunities further present themselves that's great, and yet I hope my greatest contribution to the world will not have been being a model.
If I do chose to work further in the industry I want to believe in the values and practices of the company I represent. When I was initially approached to model I was honored, and yet, prior to committing to John Robert Holbrook, it was important for me to first know his character and the integrity of his business. I have come to respect him enormously and am proud to be associated with his company.
O: What is the biggest change going from being a Bowdoin student under the pines to a model?
DK: I think the invaluable lessons I learned at Bowdoin are helping to keep me grounded. Bowdoin emphasizes cultural, social and academic values while modeling espouses more physical virtues. At school, I was in a sheltered and structured environment surrounded by thoughtful people who were interested in probing deeper into issues and ideas. Whereas now, I frequently find myself in surroundings where individuals are preoccupied with what is on the surface. We are how we present ourselves to the world, and I think it important to be mindful of that, and yet I am concerned for those who let this become their sole focus. I am trying to find balance and harmony in my life, and I think Bowdoin has given me a wonderful foundation to do so with whatever I may be doing.
O: What does/do your family/friends think of your new identity?
DK: I have received various reactions. Those who know me were shocked when they discovered what I was doing. On the surface, at least, modeling appears to be the antithesis of who I am, but people recognize what a tremendous opportunity it is. Despite the surprise, my family and friends are really excited for me. I appreciate the support they offer me; they help keep me centered and I am fortunate to be surrounded by such exceptional people.
O: What is the biggest perk of your job?
DK: In addition to the financial compensation, I am getting the opportunity to observe a celebrity lifestyle while traveling to various events (ex. Sundance Film Festival and the Oscars), and meeting fascinating people.
O: Are there any male model myths you would like to comment on or address?
DK: I am trying to avoid wholly defining or identifying myself with the superficial values associated with modeling. It is tempting to be swept into a world where physical and materialistic standards take precedence. Though I think it essential that we care for our physical bodies and health, I continue to believe it is the quality of what is inside an individual that is of greatest importance. One's soul and inner spirit is the source of the greatest beauty. I recently had the opportunity to further pursue my modeling career in LA, but am choosing to go to New Zealand instead for 6 months to explore and experience that natural treasure.
O: Who would be your dream female model?
DK: There are many beautiful women out there; I do not discriminate.