Bermudian Cochise Burgess is making a name for himself on the Toronto fashion scene.

Huffington Post Canada called the 26-year-old “probably one of the coolest models” to walk the Toronto Men’s Fashion Week runway last month — no small praise for someone who’s been modelling for less than a year.

He tells us more about the surprising media attention and what’s next to come ...

How did you start modelling?

A: I basically started modelling while in university at Ontario College of Art & Design. I had a few friends that were in the photography programme that wanted to use me for test shots and their blogs. Even when I was younger everyone always told me I should go into modelling, but I never took it seriously [until then]. I started getting more into fashion, was dressing up in nice clothes and was around cameras a lot. I always liked the photos they took and got great feedback.

Q: How did you get your big break?

A: One day I was just randomly shopping at a store on Queen West. I took pictures in the clothes that I had purchased and tagged the store on my Instagram and the next time I went into the shop the owner asked how would I feel about doing a photoshoot for her. The store was called Parloque. Today it’s increasingly hard to stand out, so when you’re noticed for your style and the way you dress, it’s a big compliment. I did a photoshoot for her online website and she also featured me on the website as an artist after doing an interview with me. She wanted to put the spotlight on people working and living around the Queen West area.

Q: Did any other opportunities come from that?

A: Yes. After that a few other people reached out to me through Instagram and I wound up doing a photoshoot with this clothing line called Nrth. It’s a Canadian brand. Then earlier this year a photographer who works at my day job reminded me that they were holding castings for [Toronto Men’s Fashion Week]. Unfortunately I was going to be out of the country for the casting date so she did me a huge favour and sent some test shots in for me. I got preselected for six shows, which basically means the designer wants to see you again. It’s definitely not a guarantee that you’ll walk for them. There’s always a need for replacements so they tend to ask you to come to more fittings because some people don’t show. In the end I walked for six designers: Candace Daniela, Hendrixroe, Hip & Bone, Joao Paulo Guedes, L’MOMO and Tuck Shop Trading Co.

Q: What was that like?

A: It was very exciting, but [when it comes to casting] you have to keep in mind that everything is subjective. I’d like to say that my look is unique; that has its positives and negatives. Some designers love you, others don’t. You have to take it how it is. Some designers only want blonde models with blue eyes. A few people have reached out to me since Fashion Week that would like to shoot with me, so I’m happy about that.

Q: What did you think about Huffington Post Canada’s comments?

A: While at one of the TOM* parties leading up to the shows [which ran February 22-March 1] I got a message from a friend saying congrats on the Huff Post nod. I was so confused. I asked them to send the link to the article. I was shocked at first and really happy. I didn’t get one of the designers that I was pre-booked to see that day, so I was a bit irritated, but that kind of made up for that disappointment. Once I was able to show my friends and see how proud they were of me I forgot all about that. It’s something that I really appreciated.

Q: What’s up next?

A: I’m going to go to a casting for [Fashion Art Toronto] on March 13 and hopefully good things come out of that. A big goal this year would also be to walk in New York Fashion Week in September. This is just the beginning for me. I don’t have an agent right now, I’m freelance, so most of my work comes from my Instagram or e-mail. But hopefully sometime soon I’ll find one. Instagram has been really instrumental to my career. That’s actually what I use it for mostly these days. Before it was posting pictures of my everyday life, but now it’s more like a business because I try to keep a good aesthetic so it’s not pictures of me doing stupid stuff.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I’d say my personal style is vintage mixed with urban street wear. I like to play around and mix and match things, have fun. Growing up my mom [Valerie Burgess] always used to make sure that I was dressed nice. She always said that I’m a reflection of her, so I always had to look good. I can remember going into town with her on Saturdays and she’d always take me to Stefanel. My mom used to be very much into the fashion scene and also modelled in Bermuda. So although I’ve only been doing this seriously for about a year, I feel I’ve always been in front of a camera.

Q: Why did you decide to stay in Canada?

A: I came out here to attend university and really started to enjoy living out here, so I decided to apply for my work permit. I began working for The Drake General Store handling the restocks for the stores and wholesale shipments. I also have modelled for their website as well. Since moving to Toronto I feel that I’ve grown up a lot and learnt not to judge people because they may be different from you. It’s also taught me that you have to do things for yourself, nothing is handed to you, and to be grateful about where I came from.

Q: What would be your advice to aspiring models?

A: My advice to anyone trying to get into this industry would be don’t be discouraged because it’s a job that’s based on looks. And just because you’re not picked for that particular look doesn’t mean you are any less valuable than the other person. My friends are very good at keeping me motivated and always support me and tell me just try my best and if I don’t get the job just try again. It’s not that big of a deal if I don’t get booked. I try to keep things in perspective, as there is more to life than this.

• Read the Huffington Post Canada article here: www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/02/23/tomfw-models_n_9300640.html