Andrew McLaren: A Life Worn Across the World

Vanity Fair Fashion Digital Q&A with Andrew McLaren

1. How has living and working across multiple countries shaped the way you see the world today?

Traveling to over 80 countries has taught me countless lessons. It broadened my horizons and inspired me to look beyond third-party information, which is often biased or wrong. People are people—we all bleed red, we all die at some point. It’s humbling to consider us on a tiny planet spinning in orbit together. I firmly believe there’s more to life than mere survival and paying bills. That’s why I bought land in Puerto Rico that grows thousands of mangoes and avocados: to preserve nature and ensure my family’s basic needs are met.

2. Your career in global security required constant awareness and restraint—how has that influenced your personal presence?

Security work taught me that the human brain is our strongest weapon. You must navigate the human terrain, think critically, and trust your intuition. Establishing trusted networks, anticipating multiple courses of action, and communicating silently with a team are all essential. But the basics remain vital: show up early, dress well, be polite but confident, and treat people with respect. Enthusiasm and openness to foreign cultures make every interaction richer.

3. What drew you to Colombia for the additional photos?

Colombia has fascinated me for most of my life. I worked with Colombians in Iraq in 2006, and as a kid, I loved Romancing the Stone, which showcased the jungles, mountains, and Caribbean coast. Colombia is visually striking, culturally rich, and full of warmth. Shooting there felt like a natural extension of my life philosophy: be present, respect culture, and use your platform to support meaningful causes. I recently opened a café in Cali and donate part of the profits to protecting the Amazon Rainforest, a cause I’ve championed for years.

4. The cover image with the Russian model at the Russian restaurant in NYC—is there a deeper meaning behind it?

Absolutely. She’s kind, intelligent, and embodies the idea that citizens of different countries can connect even if governments clash. Beyond the gold and diamonds, the shoot is about world peace, strength, and fearlessness. Gold is rare and beautiful—so don’t be afraid to embrace difference, explore the unknown, and see beyond artificial divisions.

5. How do your travels and experiences influence your approach to fashion?

Fashion for me is about comfort, color, and confidence. I care less about validation from others and more about expressing my lived experience. Many items I wore in the ’90s, like baggy pants and Doc Martens, are back in vogue. My style blends the vibrancy of the New Jack Swing era with a modern understanding of authenticity. Clothes tell a story—they should reflect who you are, not what you think others expect.

6. After spending so much of your life between cultures, what does “home” mean to you now?

Home is anywhere my daughter Zoe is. She’s my best friend and a constant source of joy. Whether we’re in Puerto Rico, Orlando, or New York City, our family adventures define what home feels like: laughter, love, creativity, and shared memories. She’s a brilliant artist and humanitarian, and being with her reminds me that connection and presence outweigh geography.

From the Russian restaurant in NYC to the vibrant streets of Colombia, McLaren’s digital cover and accompanying images tell a story of global citizenship, cultivated style, and a life lived with intention. His travels, philosophy, and family form the backdrop of a presence that is both grounded and cosmopolitan.

For McLaren, fashion is never an endpoint—it’s a reflection of curiosity, wisdom, and courage. In every frame, every location, and every encounter, he carries the rare beauty of someone who has truly been everywhere and learned to carry it with grace.

Location: https://www.instagram.com/russiansamovar