T

he Emerald Coast is known for it’s crystal 

clear waters and sugar white sand beaches, 

but did you know it’s also where a super 

model grew up? Robert “Bobby” Kressin 

grew up in a military family, constantly moving before 

they decided to call the Emerald Coast home. “We sunk 

our roots deep in the sand and quickly became a part 

of the community,” said Bobby. “We always lived on 

or near a beach but this place was special. The bubble 

that sealed the area was filled with charm, impeccable 

beaches, and people that are kind and genuine.” Right 

after graduating from Niceville High School, Bobby 

was extended the opportunity to work at Manhattan’s 

most prestigious photography studio and gallery. Not 

knowing a soul in New York City and never having 

visited, Bobby made the bold move and began the 

grueling climb in the art scene. While working, many 

photographers asked him to model and Bobby’s answer 

was always, no way! “I didn’t see myself as a model, 

until one day I was given the prospect to model in 

Milano, Italy,” said Bobby. “Needless to say, I took 

the offer, not realizing the gate that I had just opened 

and the path that I had cleared for me upon saying, 

‘Yea, sure’.” Part of 

being a model is having 

a personal style, and 

Bobby says his is on the 

border of classic and 

not trying; “I pretty 

much throw clothes on 

and hope for the best. 

Luckily I own a bunch of 

clothes from the brands I 

work with and they keep 

me looking fresh. Know 

who you are and own it.” 

He’s constantly changing 

up his look by cutting 

off his hair, growing 

massive beards, and then 

shaving it all off again. 

Bobby advises new 

models to not take 

themselves too seriously 

and not get frustrated 

when you don’t book 

every job. A 

month after 

arriving in 

Milan he had 

not booked a 

job. Just when 

he was giving 

up hope, Bobby 

decided to crash 

a casting for 

the legendary Prada. Taking a leap of faith paid off… 

he booked the job and has been working on and off with 

the fashion house ever since. The door was swung open 

wide for Bobby and his career as a model took off.  His 

favorite part about being a model is the ability to live 

all around the world. He doesn’t just travel; he becomes 

fully emerged in a city for months at a time. “I learn 

languages, develop a taste for my favorite restaurants, 

and gain some really remarkable relationships with 

people. I guess you can say I’m like a cat. I have many 

lives, mine are just all over the place, and I love it!” 

described Bobby. His favorite part about being a model 

is also the hardest part; traveling takes him away from 

the family he loves. His parents and two of his sisters 

still live in Niceville and he adores coming back to visit 

whenever the opportunity arises.  

Becoming a successful model doesn’t happen without 

perseverance. Bobby offers the following sage advice 

to those looking to pursue this passion, “The fashion 

industry prides itself for diversity and uniqueness. 

Don’t try to be something you are not. Everyone is 

unique whether it is because of his or her style, looks, 

or personality. Don’t try to be like the other models. 

Lastly, be more than a model. Be educated. Be creative. 

Be kind. Discover many hobbies and have a plan for 

your future.”

 story by

 

Courtney Murray

  

|  photos by

 

Xxxx

Fashion & Style  Profile Robert “Bobby” Kressin

The Journey from Sandy Shores 

to the Runway

photo by

 Getty Images

photo by

 Manuel Scrima

photo by

 Kamera Addikt

40 profile - Bobby Kressin.indd   1

5/25/18   3:32 PM