Photography - Ferran Casanova 

Styling - Cristian Betancurt 

Models - Claudio Breitscheidel & Mike Breitscheidel

This is the third time that photographer Ferran Casanova has photographed the very handsome male model Claudio Breitscheidel. However, this shoot is extra special as it is the first time that he has been photographed with his younger brother Mike. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to find out more about Claudio and his work in the modelling world.

Can you tell us about your personal background?

I was born in a small town in Southern Germany to Polish immigrant parents who were just starting their lives together. But my arrival came with some challenges—I was born with a heart condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which caused my heart to race uncontrollably at times. My parents were understandably worried, and after receiving treatment at a specialized clinic, I recovered. That experience, especially for my parents, meant they were always a little more protective of me.

Growing up, that situation really shaped my mindset. It gave me this drive to make the most out of life and not follow the conventional path. I’ve never worked a typical 9-to-5 job; instead, I’ve spent my life building my own way, whether through architecture, modeling, or content creation. 

Even then, I wanted to carry myself with a positive and well-groomed attitude, something I owe, in part, to my younger brother, Mike. I remember when he showed up one day with braids. Mike was always ahead of the curve, experimenting with fashion in ways that really made me rethink my own approach. Despite being seven years younger, he’s had a profound influence on my sense of style. 

What led to you entering the modeling industry?

When I was 16, I was eager to 'grow up,' and part of that meant throwing myself into fitness. Looking back, my entry into modeling happened really fast. I remember one afternoon after university, I was on the treadmill at the gym, and an ad for a modeling agency flashed on the screen above me. I had never seriously considered modeling before, but something about that moment made me curious. Later that day, I decided to take a chance and apply. To my surprise, I got a response the very next day, and within a week, I was sitting in their office, signing a contract.

Two weeks later, I found myself walking in Fashion Week. It all happened so quickly, and I know this isn’t the usual way people break into the industry, but I’ve always been a believer in taking risks. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible, and that’s something I live by.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is rooted in simplicity and versatility—clean lines, minimal colors. It’s not about standing out; it’s about feeling right in what I wear. Comfort breeds confidence.

Mike? He’s different. He brings something fresh, something a bit unpredictable. Streetwear, casual, but always with that edge. We grew up with the same influences—hip hop, street culture—but now, we’ve taken our own paths.

Where he stays effortless, I’ve added a bit more structure, more refinement. But we always push each other.

Have you ever been given any good advice about modeling?

The best advice? Stay authentic. In a world that’s all about appearances, it’s easy to forget that. But it’s not just about looking the part—it’s about connecting, telling your story without losing yourself. That’s what makes people remember you.

Can you share a modeling project that has been especially impactful for you?

There was this shoot in Hawaii—private beach, the kind of place that almost doesn’t feel real. Sea turtles, seals, and nothing but nature all around. It was one of those rare moments where everything clicks, and you realize how lucky you are to be there, doing what you do. A reminder of what’s possible when work takes you to places like that.

What do you find most challenging about being a model?

One of the biggest challenges in modeling is the unpredictability of the industry. While you can earn good money, it’s not always steady or guaranteed. You have to think ahead and plan how to sustain yourself long-term, whether that’s by building your personal brand, collaborating with brands, or even launching your own products. It’s important to stay mindful of the financial aspect and ensure you’re setting yourself up for stability in a career that can sometimes feel uncertain.

It’s not the photoshoots or the travel that get to you—it’s the in-between moments. The quiet uncertainty. One day you’re shooting and feel on top, the next, nothing. You start to wonder if the calls will ever come again. I’ve had times where modeling wasn’t enough to live. Giving up or seeking security was never an option. 

Is there anything else that you would like to do, aside from modeling?

Modeling is a big part of what I do, but I’ve always been interested in building something with more depth. My focus has been on creating a personal brand on social media that reflects values like integrity, discipline, and motivation—showing what it means to stand by your goals and make the most out of life.

And there’s something else in the works, something a little different that I’ve been quietly developing. I can’t reveal much yet, but it’s a product designed to offer value to almost anyone. 

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to step away from the fast-paced and often superficial nature of work and connect with the people who keep me grounded. My grandmother, for example, is someone I call often. She’s full of stories, and the older I get, the more I realize how much I have to learn from her. We joke around, but there’s always something deeper in our conversations. It’s those moments that remind me what really matters.

We actually saw each other recently at a family wedding after months apart, and I can’t get over how we ended up dancing to 2Pac on the dance floor. She just has this energy that surprises me every time, and it’s moments like that which really stay with you.

What are you working on now and next?

Let’s say I just move to another country. Spain. Moving to Spain feels like opening a new door, but what’s on the other side is still unfolding.