Van life means a simpler life. However, it doesn’t have to stop you from having a prosperous career. Philippe Leblond is a model for one of the top LA models agency and is enjoying a great career who brought him to travel from New York to Paris and from Milan to Tokyo! After living in fancy apartments in NYC and several major european cities, Philippe Leblond decided that #vanlife was the best life for him. We reached out to him to see how he manages this life on the road between an Armani fashion show and the NYC Fashion week.
What is your van and does it have a name?
It’s a Ford E350 Super Duty 2011 named “My House”.
What is your story and how did you end up living in your van?
Being a model with an international career, I’ve been traveling a lot in my life. I lived in Europe for a while and I often rented vans. Last year I had an apartment in NYC and almost died of claustrophobia living in that concrete jungle. I bought a van last year as a gift to myself for my 30th birthday. I decided to get rid of my place in NYC to live my dream, going wherever I want and I love it so much! When I first moved into my van, my friends thought I was crazy but then changed their minds when they saw the pictures from my trips. Many of my friends want to get a van and some already bought one!
Do you prefer the ocean or the mountains?
Good question! It’s funny because I was actually asking myself the same question last week while I was snowboarding in Mammoth. I definitely prefer mountains even if I love surfing in the ocean.
What are your favorite places to visit on the West Coast?
1. Lost Coast (Humboldt), CA
2. Grand Canyon, NV
3. Squamish, BC
4. Lake Isabella, CA
Follow Philippe Leblond on instagram: @philippe_leblond