Fox Chapel Area High School grad on a modeling mission in New York City

When Chase Osthoff of Fox Chapel told his friends he was going to pursue a modeling career after high school, they thought he was joking.

His friends now know he was a man on a modeling mission.

“They’ve all been very supportive,” Osthoff said. “I’m absolutely planning to do this as my career.”

Osthoff, 21, is a 2020 Fox Chapel Area High School grad working as a professional model.

To date, his most high-profile modeling jobs have been with Ralph Lauren and Dicks Sporting Goods.

Styled by Ralph Lauren stylist Caroline Park, Osthoff recently modeled Ralph Lauren clothes at an exclusive event last month in New York City.

Courtesy of Chase Osthoff

Chase Osthoff, 21, of Fox Chapel was photographed in New York City for a Ralph Lauren modeing campaign.

Osthoff grew up in the Treesdale area in Gibsonia until the first grade, then moved to Sewickley and now lives at home with his family in Fox Chapel, working alongside his step-father Rob in the family businesses, Keystone Wireline and Keystone Well Services.

Osthoff is enrolled in online college courses at CCAC and plans to enroll online at Point Park University in spring of 2023.

His first modeling gig was striking a pose for Pittsburgh-based sports retail giant Dick’s Sporting Goods, when he was a toddler. He was with his sister and mother Dawn Kozel, a professional model for decades.

But that toddler model moment was unpaid.

“Deb Docherty from The Docherty Agency in Pittsburgh discovered me after my first test shoot I did with some friends for fun. It turned out much better than expected,” Osthoff said.

Osthoff is represented by Coven Management in New York City. Coven owner Duane White signed Osthoff last April after meeting him in person during a private party in the Pittsburgh areas.

“Immediately upon meeting him I knew he had that special, magic quality,” White said. “He’s quietly confident and his features are sharp and striking. His cat-like eyes, chiseled cheekbones and cleft chin along with his lion’s mane of hair remind me of The Doors’ Jim Morrison.”

White has more than 30 years working in the modeling industry and described Osthoff’s modeling prospects as having “no limits.”

“He has a dangerous and mysterious quality that will be immediately appealing to high-end clients,” White said. “And he’s confident, but not in an arrogant way. It’s a quiet confidence.”

Osthoff landed his first paid modeling job with Xhibition in Cleveland.

“The aspect I enjoy most would be meeting all the new people I would have never had the opportunity to meet if it weren’t for modeling,” Osthoff said. “Plus, seeing all the latest styles and clothing before they’re released is pretty cool.”

Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review

Chase Osthoff, 21, of Fox Chapel, has worked as a professional fashion model in New York City for more than two years. The Fox Chapel Area High School grad poses for a portrait on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in Fox Chapel.

Osthoff, 6-foot-3, noshes on lots of protein and said he’s trying to improve on what he described as a “very inconsistent workout regimen.”

“I’ve been looking into new and healthy diets, he said.

For Osthoff, the toughest aspect of modeling professionally is the constant travel and making sure he maintains a natural look before the camera.

New York City is his go-to destination for most of his modeling jobs, and he’s hoping to find an apartment in the Chelsea area.

“I would like to stay for more extended periods of time and possible move there full-time,” Osthoff said.

Courtesy of Coven Management

Chase Osthoff of Fox Chapel is represented by Coven Management in New York City.

Friend and professional photographer Karl Simone of New York City has worked with Osthoff twice.

“He’s attentive, eager to learn and succeed without having an attitude,” Simone said.

Osthoff isn’t the only model in the family.

Osthoff’s mother said she’s proud of her son and described him as a kind soul.

“It touches me when I see his little acts of kindness he spreads in the world,” said Kozel, noting Chase has the ability to connect with people he works with in such a profound way he usually ends up socializing with them after a long day of shooting.”

Kozel said her son’s ability to be elegant on film has come naturally to him.

“He was born for this,” she said.

“I remind him that you make it at the top in any business by being on time, friendly, cooperative and always giving your all and never letting it get to your head,” Kozel said. “It’s a privilege to be in the business.”