OHLALA BOYS!

PARIS BLOGGERS ALEK AND STEPH TAKE ON WEHO

By Brad Oliphant

Aleksandar and Stephane

Over two million people each month log onto OhLaLaMag.com, the internationally acclaimed blog magazine about fabulous people, style, culture, entertainment, and travel. What began in early 2003 as a journal for founders Aleksandar Tomovic and Stephane Marquet, has grown into a multimedia empire with seven spin-off niche blogs including HotinHollywood.tv, Manchic.com and Outnext.com.

But there’s more to Aleksandar and Stephane - the OhLaLa boys, as they are affectionately known – than their popular blogs.   Since moving their company headquarters from Paris to California, the stylish pair have given fans something else to say Ohlala! about: their photography of gorgeous men.

How did you become the OhLaLa boys?

Alek: In 2003, we had an idea to launch a blog called OhLaLaParis. It was before most people even knew what blogs were.  It started as a travel diary for our friends where we would share stories and photos from our daily adventures.

Steph:  Then the blog became more popular with people we didn’t know.  All of a sudden, we were getting recognized on the street and being written about in Paris newspapers.  But the US media were the first to start calling us the OhLaLa Boys. We like it.

Were you surprised by the success of OhLaLaParis.com?

Alek: We were stunned by the success and five years later, we still are! It’s incredible.

Why did you change the name of the blog to OhLaLaMag.com?

Steph: The blog's identity is simply evolving with us.  Since we spend most of our time traveling out of Paris, it was no longer accurate to keep the name to one location.

Alek: Our subjects are international; our readers are too.  We changed the name to reflect that.  

In addition to OhLaLaMag, you produce several other blogs including OutinHollywood.tv and ManChic.com.

Steph: We have a wide range of interests – from design to fashion to movies.  It would be too much to combine everything into one blog.  Outnext.com focuses on design, architecture, decoration and gadgets. ManChic.com is the ultimate male fashion guide and HotInHollywood.tv is about the amazing city of Los Angeles!

How do you find the time to produce all of the blogs?

Steph: We’ve found the secret to extending the 24 hour day.  Traveling between Paris and LA adds nine hours!  It’s great!

Alek: Seriously, we spend an unhealthy amount of time in front of our computers, but it’s worth it.  We love what we do and we love being our own bosses.  We don’t have to answer to anybody except each other.   

In the past few months, you have also become recognized for your photography. 

Steph: I have actually been a photographer for over ten years.  But only recently have I begun to explore it as a new business.

What is the ultimate mission in your work?

Alek: We are trying to discover the meaning of real beauty.

Would you classify yourselves as label queens?

Alek: Not really. We live in a world that is overcrowded with labels, and we have nothing against it, but we think that the most important thing is individuality and uniqueness.

You photograph your models in D&G and Louis Vuitton.  Can guys look just as good in Levis and The Gap?

Steph: I actually love Levis and some seasons, The Gap actually produces some interesting items!

Alek: What clothing does Steph look best in? 

Alek: Steph looks great in anything or nothing!  I think he looks best in jeans and v-neck t-shirt.

Steph: What clothing does Steph look best in? 

Steph: Armani, but then who doesn’t look their best in Armani?

What three tips would you offer to the well groomed guy?

Steph: Keep it natural. If you have body hair, don't try to get rid of it.  If you have grey hair, don't color it. The worst thing I see on guys are over-waxed eyebrows. I think Julian McMahon from Nip Tuck is a good example of really hot looking guy who should leave the wax aside. When a model arrives and apologizes for not shaving or trimming his hair, I always say the same thing:  “Perfect!  Don't touch anything!”

Alek: I don’t like clothing that is oversized. It’s important that clothes fit. 

Can unattractive men make themselves attractive?

Steph: Definitely.  Attitude is most important, Self confidence is essential, as long as it doesn’t fall into arrogance. We have a friend who is really good looking but never gets noticed because he doesn’t feel good about his looks.   You have to work the room.

What attracted you to shoot our cover model, Brett?

Steph: Brett Novek is a really talented actor and has more than just looks. He is an amazing person.  We had a lot of fun working with him.

How was the shoot?

Alek: It takes some time for a photographer to create a connection with a model. The first photos rarely turn out to be the best ones, but with Brett, he was perfect from the first image.

Who are some of the best male models working today?

Steph: Chad White is doing a great job.  He is a hard worker and has a great look, plus he’s funny!  Gaylen is an up-and-coming model.  I think this will be his year.

Is there anyone you would love to shoot?

Steph: I have to admit that I love shooting unknown models as much as famous people; but we met Channing Tatum and man, I would love to shoot him!

Alek: I would love to do a photo session with Madonna. I know that is so gay of me, but I think the older she gets, the more beautiful she is.

How do you select the designers that you feature in your shoots?

Steph: It depends on the magazine you shoot for. Some won't show this or that brand, and some want to show a specific brand. So most of the time, it is not up to us.

What trends will be big this summer?

Alek: The colors will be white, light grey, beige, gold and silver.

Steph:  Bikinis will be hot for men this summer.  Every great designer is introducing new sleek bikinis.

Where do you see men’s style going in the next year?

Steph: Next winter will be all about designer Johm Galliano.  His fashions are really innovative - casual yet classy.

Will you be featuring him in your newest online venture, Bellomag.com?

Alek:  Without a doubt.  Bellomag.com’s tagline is “The Alphabet for Modern Men”.  It covers fashion, cars, gadgets, accessories, grooming - and subscriptions are free! 

Is paper going the way of the cd?  Do you think style magazines will soon go digital?

Alek:  Digital is the way to go.  It is more convenient and ecologically friendlier.

Steph:  But we still buy the paper magazines, at least for now.

What’s next for the OhLaLa empire?

Steph:  We have something really ambitious planned, but we can’t unveil it yet.

Alek:  Let's just say that our jet lag will not be over soon.

What’s next for Alek and Steph?

Alek:  We are working on a photography book and an exhibition. 

Steph:  And get used to seeing more and more of us here in California.  We love it here!  The sunsets are our great inspiration.

For additional info on the OhLaLa Boys, visit alekandsteph.com.