Fashion

Ben Stiller & Derek Zoolander Are Becoming One

by Melodi Erdogan

In perfect supermodel fashion, Derek Zoolander posed for Mario Testino's Towel Series as the photographer's 100th muse. After 14 years away from the industry, this photograph may be Derek Zoolander's chance of re-claiming his "Sexiest Model Alive" title once again, and maybe even possibly saving the world again with his "blue steel" looks. But is Zoolander really making a comeback? Or will the fashion industry quickly forget about him all over again?

OK, so we all know Derek Zoolander is just Ben Stiller dressed up in thick headbands and leather. That being said, as the Zoolander sequel release draws closer and closer, it seems as though the fictional character is making a serious comeback. Testino is a world-renowned fashion photographer who has worked with countless big names in fashion, as well as photographed some of the industry's most popular models. For his "Towel Series," Testino has models, editors, celebrities, and even Anna Wintour, strip down and wear only a towel while posing for a back-to-basics, black and white photograph. For Derek Zoolander to join those ranks is a big deal in and of itself, and to be Testino's 100th photograph for the series — arguably a landmark achievement — makes it all the more special.

Stiller/Zoolander (really, the two are morphing into one) knocked this out of the park. His stance is commanding and sexy, and his Blue Steel look (or is it Le Tigre? Or maybe Magnum?) could stop a flying dagger in thin air. Also, can we talk about how his biker vest and signature headband are also made out of towel material? Like, come on. If this photograph doesn't prove that Derek Zoolander is actually becoming the most popular male model in the world I don't know what is.

But this isn't the first time Stiller's alter ego pushed the boundaries of reality stepped off the big screen into the IRL fashion industry. In fact, it's happened quite a few times before, including on social media and the runway.

1. He Walked The Valentino Runway

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

If there's one thing the fashion set wasn't expecting at Valentino's Fall/Winter 2015 presentation, it was Zoolander and his right-hand man, Hansel (AKA Owen Wilson) walking down the runway in custom Valentino designs. Obviously, the Paris Fashion Week show went viral, since it confirmed the rumors that the Zoolander sequel was indeed happening.

2. He Hung With Anna Wintour Backstage

At that same event, Zoolander and Hansel found themselves posing alongside none other than Anna Wintour herself. If taking a photograph with the world's most recognizable fashion editor doesn't make you a modeling star, I don't know what does.

3. He Took A Signature Selfie

These days, selfies are just as important as professional photos. Clearly, Zoolander knows how to stay relevant. Blue Steel never gets old, does it?

4. He Took A Celeb Selfie

Let's be real — who you're taking selfies with is just as important. Considering Justin Bieber's a pretty big deal, he's the perfect partner-in-crime for Zoolander.

5. He Had A Public Photoshoot

If there was ever a location to take a photo shoot, it would be in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris, France. With some Valentino models in tow, Hansel and Zoolander posed in front of the monument.

6. He Attended A Red Carpet Event

MATT CAMPBELL/AFP/Getty Images

Like every other celebrity out there, Zoolander attends red carpets events and looks totally fabulous at them. Aren't those sunglasses and metallic suit jacket just drop-dead-gorgeous?

7. Using A Selfie-Stick

Because every respectable model needs a selfie stick, am I right?

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