Next to his chess activities world's number one Magnus Carlsen has started a fashion model career. The 19-year-old Norwegian was contracted by international clothing brand G-Star. In a campain launched today in Berlin, Carlsen stars together with world famous actress Liv Tyler. Update: photos & more info.

The news was under embargo until today, when the official launch of G-Star's new campaign took place in Berlin, Germany. But a short while ago the Norwegian daily newspapers were the first to tell it to the world: Magnus Carlsen was contracted by G-Star as their latest male model. The Norwegian is starring with Hollywood actress Liv Tyler, famous for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and many other films. The photography for the campaign was done by star photographer Anton Corbijn.

"I think I look tough," Carlsen said to a journalist of NRK Sports, standing in front of a giant photo of himself. The contract with G-Star, already signed on February 1st but kept a secret until today, is for this year's autumn and winter collection and includes one of the world's largest fashion shows. Carlsen will probably go on the catwalk during the New York Fashion Week in September, as NRK reports.

Press Release

G-Star’s Fall/Winter 2010 advertising campaign

combines hollywood glamour with the chess world

Amsterdam, July 2010 - G-Star’s Fall/Winter 2010 advertising campaign, shot by celebrated photographer Anton Corbijn, combines the intelligence of Norwegian chess prodigy, Magnus Carlsen, with the beauty of model and actress, Liv Tyler.

This combination of contrasting and unexpected elements is one of G-Star’s key philosophies, displayed in runway shows, where destroyed denim pants are often paired with tailored jackets from the Correct Line range; and where iconic and fearless performers, such as Benicio Del Toro, interrupt proceedings to deliver spoken-word pieces in a form of ‘art-hijack.’

Already the world chess number one and described as a ‘Mozart of chess,’ Carlsen has the potential to become a similar level of icon. Becoming a Grandmaster at the age of 13 years and 148 days, Magnus is the youngest player in history to achieve the number one rank and his uncompromising approach to the game mirrors G-Star’s own hardcore design philosophy.

Hollywood actress Tyler perfectly embodies the modern G-Star woman’s combination of toughness with controlled sensuality. Her striking looks and assured, independent style have made her a globally recognized model and fashion icon. Liv returns for her second G-Star campaign, having previously presented the elegant Low-T capsule-collection.

The striking black and white images were captured by Anton Corbijn in a Miami shoot that represents his fourth major advertising campaign for G-Star.

G-STAR RAW. Just the Product.

On September 10th, 2010, G-Star travels to the Cooper Star Hotel in New York City to host a global chess competition: The Raw World Chess Challenge. Everyone in the world is invited to play Magnus Carlsen, the no. 1 chess player in the world, together at once, live on the internet. Three Chess Grandmasters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave from France, Hikaru Nakamura from the United States and Judit Polgár, will suggest a move each to the online registered public. The public can vote online for their favourite move to be played against Magnus. Here you can enter.

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Photo: Anton Corbijn / G-Star

Links

• Slik har du aldri sett Sjakk-Magnus! (NRK Sport)
• Sjakk-Magnus (19) blir moteikon med Liv Tyler (VG)
• G-Star official website