More Than a Model: Meet Evan Strand

The models featured in our campaigns and on our site are more than just faces — they’re often pursuing careers across a wide range of fields. In our latest Maritime Collection, which just launched, one of those models was Evan Strand.

Strand is a multi-hyphenate creative: actor, singer, and dancer. He seems like he’s lived multiple lives — and he’s still finding ways to squeeze even more out of each day. We had the chance to chat with him about discovering the arts at a young age, how he channels different characters for his roles, what keeps him grounded in the creative grind, and who he’d love to portray in a biopic.

THE MARITIME COLLECTION

The Tie Bar: Can you share a bit about your background? What’s your first memory that really sparked your interest in the creative arts?

Evan Strand: I’ve been a professional ballet dancer most of my life. I started at seven and, despite trying every sport — soccer, baseball, wrestling — dance always won. Eventually, my dad said, “You’ve got to choose.” I chose dance.

By high school’s end, I had already built a strong career, performing with a progressive company alongside some of the world’s top dancers. Later, I tried switching companies, but it didn’t feel right. I explored firefighting, but that path didn’t stick either.

Then came Japan — 10 months with Tokyo Disney, learning Japanese, traveling, and falling in love with the culture. After returning, I performed in Firebird as Kashchei, and the audience reaction to my acting sparked something. People said, “You should act.” So I did.

I’ve now been acting for 14 years, still dancing when I can. It’s been a bridge into TV, film, modeling, and other creative projects. I recently played Sven in the U.S. national tour of Frozen, and performed with the Australian cast in Singapore. Acting is my main focus now — but I still dance, model, sing, and take voice lessons. It’s all connected.

TTB: You’ve modeled for our latest Maritime Collection. What creative side do you tap into for that, compared to acting, singing, or dancing?

ES: Modeling stands apart from my other art forms — acting, singing, dancing — because it’s less about personal expression and more about collaboration. If the final image works, even if I don’t totally connect with it, I’m OK with that. As long as I don’t hate it, I trust the vision of the photographer or director. It’s a “If you’re happy, I’m happy” mindset.

Modeling, to me, means being the canvas — not the subject. I know the spotlight is on the clothes or concept, not me. I just aim to support that vision the best I can.

TTB: You’ve performed in Grey’s Anatomy and Hairspray Live! — what’s something unique you try to bring to each character you portray?

ES: In my acting work, I’m focused on balancing what’s naturally me with what’s not. I draw on my strengths, but some characters require qualities I don’t fully have. So I look for what’s unfamiliar — traits outside myself — to fill in the gaps and fully bring the role to life.

TTB: When you’re not modeling or in costume, how would you describe your personal style? Have any characters you’ve played ever influenced your real-life style?

ES: My style really took shape after a manager sat me down and said, “Your wardrobe is terrible. We need to fix it.” No one around me growing up was into fashion, but I always had an eye for it — even if I was the guy noticing a woman’s Manolo Blahniks instead of, well, anything else.

That manager helped me overhaul nearly everything I owned and find my own sense of style. Now I love dressing well — sharp suits, great button-downs, and pieces that fit and flow just right, like what I wore in the Tie Bar shoot.

I’m inspired by the elegance of the ’40s and ’60s, less so the ’50s. Trendy denim looks don’t speak to me — I lean toward something more refined. Think sophisticated with a bold pop of color. Orange, for instance. My house is pure ’70s — loud, in the best way. In short: I go for timeless style with a little flair. Clean, elegant, and never boring.

TTB: I heard you love reupholstering furniture in your downtime. Why do you think it’s important to have hobbies or interests outside of your main work?

ES: The arts can be mentally volatile — sometimes the risk doesn’t pay off. You can pour your heart into something and still see nothing from it. That’s terrifying. It takes real will to face that fear and keep going.

So when people ask about pursuing acting, I always say: live your life. Let acting happen as you live. Don’t put everything on pause just in case something comes up.

It reminds me of a story my uncle told me. He met a guy in a bar who said, “We’re going to Antarctica in two days — we need one more. Want to come?” And the guy said yes. No hesitation. He figured, “Why not?”

My uncle’s advice? It’s okay to be a little cold, hungry, or tired. That’s part of the adventure. Go live.

Especially in acting — you can’t build real characters without living yourself. Audiences can tell when it’s fake. That’s why AI hasn’t quite cracked this field. You can’t fake lived experience. Not yet, anyway.

Hopefully never.

TTB: Any new and exciting projects you’re working on lately?

ES: Yeah, things are busy in a good way. I’ve got a few dance performances in June and a play running late July into August. On the personal side, my brother just had a baby, so my wife and I are visiting soon — really excited for that.

I’m also thinking about a couple of passion projects. One is The Chronicles of Amber — not sure if you’ve read it, but it’s a ’70s fantasy series that inspired Game of Thrones.

There’s talk of a TV adaptation, and honestly, I think I’d be a great fit for the lead. Right age, right look, right skills — it’s something I’d love to pursue. Just putting it out there.

TTB: Pursuing a creative career can be tough. What’s something you would tell your younger self now, looking back?

ES: I don’t think I’d change anything, and I wouldn’t discourage anyone — including myself — from doing this. If I had advice, it wouldn’t be about acting — it’d be to enjoy it and keep living.

I listened to my elders growing up. Many told me: travel. So I did — on my own dime — and I’ve lived a full, incredible life.

The hardest part? Picking yourself up, again and again. I’m getting more work now, which is great, but I’d love more financial stability.

Upholstery and furniture work is rewarding, but it’s still a grind. Lately, I’ve been drawn to something part-time — just a steady paycheck and a chance to turn my brain off for a while. I need a break. And rest matters. Maybe even more than the work. Right?

Like in athletics — you have to let it breathe.

 

TTB: If you could portray anyone in a biopic, who would you want to play — and why?

ES: I’d love to play Gene Kelly. Funny enough, I was actually set to do just that in a music video for JFG Productions, a friend’s company I’ve collaborated with before.

I even visited a prosthetics expert — turns out my face is 92% identical to his. Same jawline, cheekbones, and eyes. Aside from his slightly higher hairline, a small scar, and a chin dimple, we’re a close match. I hadn’t seen it before, but the resemblance is real. So yeah, a Gene Kelly biopic? Count me in.

SUMMER STYLE GUIDE