Fully bearded and heavily tattooed, Ricki Hall is one of the world’s most sought-after male models. Born in Wolverhampton, Hall was still working in his father’s motorbike shop when he got scouted in London. Now signed to Nevs Model Agency, he is one of the most influential forces in male fashion — he has over 100,000 followers on Instagram and an army of admirers who are ardently passionate about his beard.

Do you think that the stereotypical image of the effeminate, emaciated male-model is becoming outdated?
Of course, there are so many more interesting and peculiar looking models around now. I love that! The fact that tattoos and beards are massive right now is brilliant, although my look isn’t as original anymore, but that can only be a good thing if people are adapting to it.

Do you think that your masculine image has engaged a wider spectrum of men with the world of fashion?
100%. I have men on Twitter and Instagram constantly asking me for advice on fashion and beards. These are just normal guys who go to the pub and watch the football on weekends, but are stepping up their game a little bit, and just want an extra edge. It’s a beautiful thing.

Talk us through your style secrets…
Dr Martens, Fred Perry and my good friend John Lancaster-JLSA icons — he is my designer and tailor. In the summer, I just wear skinny jeans — mostly Nudie, Cheap Monday or Monkee Genes — and a white vest or tee, with some brogues. I dress so down in summer but as soon as it turns autumn/winter I slip the suits and overcoats on.

Do you think that you are defined by your beard?
Yes! I was one of the first models who had a beard; I got noticed a while back. Now, as I said before, a lot of people have jumped on it. It’s cool that people are getting into beards and growing one, but when people see me they think I’m just following the trend.  It can be quite annoying at times.

Do people ever react in a weird or fanatic manner to your beard?
Oh god yeah! People want to rub their armpits on it, people draw my beard and some people have made little cushions and models of me and my beard- God knows what they do with them.  All you have to do is look on my twitter and you will see the most peculiar questions about my beard. I enjoy it though, better than the normal “how long does it take to grow a beard?”

What is the process behind your tattoos?
I design my tattoos on the backs of cigarette packets and napkins, or even on the tube on my little note pad. Then I give them to my tattooist, Zibi Dombek, and he makes them good and then we book me in.

What has been your most memorable shoot?
Aw shit, I shoot a lot so trying to remember is pretty hard. I had an amazing one with Men’s Health, which is out this month (October issue) actually, for their Autumn/Winter supplement. I had to hold an old army parachute and have wind machines blowing it up, and I had to hold onto the ropes whilst it was flying behind me. We had the stunt man from the film Prince of Persia constantly looking after me so I didn’t die. Also I did a great music video with Jake Gyllenhaal; he’s one of my favourite actors so it was pretty intense to act with him.

If you had to choose modelling or motor biking, what would it be?
Swine! What a question. I don’t think I can answer that, sorry!