If having a single recognizable name in the modeling industry–Cindy, Naomi, Gisele–is a sign that you’ve made it big, then a new face on the male modeling scene already has a leg up on the competition. Melton, a 21-year-old repped by DNA, has been a model less than a year, but has already posed for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, shooting their look book in Milan. We got a tip that he was an up-and-comer to watch, so we met him–and wow, are we glad we did.

The chiseled and charming Melton went to high school in Manhattan (really), Kansas after a childhood spent traveling as an army brat. After high school he attended Kansas State University, where he played football for a year, mostly keeping the bench warm–though he did say that he once got “knocked down” on national TV. Football is how he got the moniker Melton; his full name is Charles Melton, but you know how guys do that thing of calling everyone by their last names? Yep, so now he’s just Melton.

During his sophomore year he went to an open casting call with his sights set on acting–that’s a long-term goal of his. However, he got scouted immediately for modeling, and the rest is history. He did the D&G look book and shot a the cover of Prestige with the designers. Melton walked his very first runway shows this past week at NYFW, getting booked for Parke & Ronen and VLOV.

His family is supportive of his unusual career. His mom carries around a portfolio of all his work. “She shows it to her friends at church,” he told me. And he recently took several weeks off to be with his dad, who was unwell (he’s since recovered). He does take a bit of teasing though. When his dad found out he booked Parke & Ronen, a label known for their revealing swimwear, he had some advice for his son. “My dad was giving me a hard time,” he told me. “[He said], ‘If you wear a speedo be sure they stuff it…and don’t eat any bread!’”

We caught up with Melton before his NYFW got started, and he very graciously agreed to keep a photo journal for us. (It didn’t take a lot of arm-twisting. He is constantly snapping.) Click through for a fascinating look at what fashion week is like for a newbie male model, in his own words.

From getting a mani in your underwear to interesting food choices, all is revealed.