In our new ‘Natural Born Influencers’ series, we interview young creative talents who are taking the world by storm, presented by Oakley. Shayne Tino wears the Oakley Latch Machinist Collection sunglasses and Oakley apparel, available at Oakley O stores and online.

We have a little bit of working history and a lot of great memories with Shayne Tino: It was a few years back that we shot his first ever modelling campaign. Back then, he’d been scouted from working in retail and thrust in front of the camera, and he hasn’t looked back since.

In many ways, Shayne exemplifies what it means to be a young entrepreneur with his infallible work ethic. When he’s not modelling, he’s working on his own clothing label, while on the musical side of things he’s DJing, producing and throwing his own parties. Now, he can be found everywhere from clubs to catalogues, and he’s also modelled some of our own LWA in-house garments, too!

We spoke to Shayne about the juggling act that is his everyday life and some of his future aspirations. Here it is:

Tell us a bit about yourself, where you’re from, what’s your background?

My name is Shayne Tino and I am 21 years old. I am currently living in Melbourne, Australia. I was born in Zimbabwe and I moved to New Zealand when I was 8. I came to Australia about four years ago.

Which came first: Modelling, DJing or fashion design?

I started DJing when I was 18 and I moved to Melbourne a year later. I was working in retail and DJing at the same time. Then the store I was working for scouted me to be a model. Fashion design always something I’ve wanted to do, but I’ve been waiting for the right time to start my label which will hopefully come together by the end of the year.

What do you enjoy the most out of the three things you do?

I feel like all three of these elements support each other. Music and fashion has always complimented each other. I’m very lucky to be able to model because it gives me an insight of how brands work and what it’s like behind the scenes of a fashion house. But to be honest, it’s a crazy feeling playing music in front of a huge crowd and they’re singing a song word for word back to you.

You’ve mentioned to us in the past that you did a course in fashion design, when should we expect your brand to launch?

I still have a lot in the works. I’m still looking at the right suppliers, but also working on some other collaborations with some other brands so it’s hard to tell, but I would love to launch by high summer.

What has inspired you in fashion and what should we expect the first range to look like?

Yeezy Yeezy Yeezy just jumped over Jumpman! Hahaha I love Kanye West. I think he has a huge influence in the fashion industry right now. The big departments like H&M, Zara and TopShop just to name a few are all copying Kanye West. No hate though. The man is killing it, musically and fashion wise.

Tell us a bit about your DJing and what you wish to achieve in music?

I’ve been working on launching a club night that showcases my music style. This will open around July/August. Like every other DJ, it’s very obvious that my main goal is to tour around the world playing music I love, and more importantly, my original music. My main goal right now is to work on original content and hopefully have something out in the Australian charts by this summer.

Who are some of your music influences?

I’m influenced by Diplo, Dillon Francis, Martin Garrix and Tchami. I love deep house, I love future house and I’m just very excited for house. It’s become commercial in the last few years. It’s so good to see the pioneers headlining festivals.

You mentioned you’ve been flat out in your studio in South Melbourne, what should we expect from your first single?

I’m working with a few vocalists; so far it’s sounding like melodic vocal happy house. I just love summer music.

What has been your most memorable modelling job so far this year?

I shot in the woods for Factorie winter 16. We camped away for a few days. The location was based in the snow mountains. We were stuck on a mountain, six models, one      pub and no internet connection. So basically we drank a lot of alcohol. The campaign also turned out amazing.

Which campaigns should we expect to see you in this Spring/Summer?

Myer SS16 launch, Neverland Store, Cotton On and Sushi Radio. Hopefully I’ll shoot a few more but too early to tell.

Would you say being a model has motivated you to get into design?

Yeah, it’s exciting seeing new product and new samples come to life. It makes me want to do my own brand.