Jon-Paul Phillips for Esquire France at La Posta Vecchia

Ford Models’ Jon-Paul Phillips brings rugged elegance to the pages of Esquire France’s July 2026 issue, photographed by Zeb Daemen at the magnificent La Posta Vecchia.

The historic Italian villa provides a suitably cinematic backdrop for Phillips, whose distinctive appeal combines English refinement, Mediterranean heritage and the natural confidence of a lifelong outdoorsman.

Artistry Runs in the Family

Born and raised on England’s northeast coast near the Scottish border, Jon-Paul is of English, Mexican and French descent. His remarkable family history is deeply rooted in the arts.

He is the great-grandson of celebrated Mexican painter and muralist Diego Rivera. His grandmother, actress Marika Rivera, appeared in films including Federico Fellini’s Casanova, Fiddler on the Roof, The Girl on a Motorcycle and the five-time Academy Award-nominated Darling. His grandfather, Jean-Paul Brusset, was an artist, set designer and frequent collaborator of Jean Cocteau.

That creative lineage feels entirely at home in an editorial shaped by classical architecture, European history and contemporary masculine style.

A Life on the Water

Away from the camera, Phillips spends much of his time in or near the ocean. An avid waterman, he is a lifelong surfer, sailor and accomplished diver. On land, his interests are just as active: skateboarding, rugby and kickboxing all form part of his routine.

His commitment to the sea also extends to conservation. Phillips is a patron of Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity working with communities to protect oceans, beaches and marine life.

Appropriately, he lives aboard his boat, currently moored on the River Thames in London.

Music, Movement and Personal Style

With both parents having worked in the music industry, Phillips grew up surrounded by vinyl records. Music remains one of his great passions, particularly rare soul and disco, along with dancing and DJing.

That mix of artistry, athleticism and lived-in sophistication makes Jon-Paul Phillips an especially compelling presence. At just over six feet tall, with striking blue eyes and a life story spanning art, cinema, music and the sea, he embodies the worldly spirit of this elegant Esquire France feature.

La Posta Vecchia ☀️ @_Jon_Paul_Phillips for @EsquireFr Summer 2026

Photographer @ZebDaemen
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief @BrunoDanto
Fashion Editor @RobertRabensteiner
Groomer @MattiaPongolini
Photographer Assistant @LouisKerckhof
Stylist Assistant @Ruben_Blattner
Production @MagmaProductionsIt