Sexy, smart, and athletic, Richard Elms attracts attention wherever he goes. This modest island boy has become one of modeling's biggest stars.

Some island-hopping and some odd-jobbing later, Elms made his first visit to New York on a three-week tourist visa. It was 1992, and with just one week of his trip left, he went to a concert at Thompson's Square Park where he was spotted by a model booker. Within two days, Elms was booked for a Versace campaign shot by Bruce Weber.

Living in Manhattan, Richard was called back to meet Madonna for her upcoming video. As soon as she saw him, she pointed directly at him and said, "He's the one I want." His steamy co-starring role in Madonna's "Secret" video, gave him instant international attention. Represented by IM New York, Richard is distinctive, not only for his exotic good looks but for his simple and gracious attitude.

In his career, he's modeled in numerous major advertising campaigns: Versace, Fila, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, cK One, Ralph Lauren, and has done runway work for Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Thierry Mugler and Kenzo. There was a time when you couldn't seem to get away from Richard Elms-every New York City street corner billboard and bus was carrying the award-winning GUESS? ads of Richard in a leather bomber jacket.

His future plans include opening his own restaurant in his homeland of Barbados and possibly pursuing an acting career.