Jeremy Meeks has traded his bright orange jumpsuit for designer clothing. Meeks, better known as “Hot Felon” or “Hot Mugshot Guy,” went viral in 2014 for his attractive mugshot. Now, he’s made his runway debut as a model during New York Fashion Week—proving that anything can happen when the internet makes you famous.
According to Time magazine, Meeks modeled in the Philipp Plein show Monday night at the New York Public Library, taking the runway in front of an audience that included Madonna and Paris Hilton. He donned an all-black ensemble, which featured a long coat with a fur-lined hood.
Meeks’ mugshot went viral in 2014 after the Stockton Police Department shared the image on their Facebook page. A convicted felon, Meeks had been arrested for felony weapon charges. But it wasn’t his crime that caught the attention of social media, but his piercing blue eyes and chiseled jawline.
The image quickly went viral, which eventually led to Meeks signing a modeling contract, while still in jail, with White Cross Management. He was released from federal prison just days later and the modeling offers came pouring in—not surprising to those who followed his prison journey on Instagram.
Of course, this is not the first time somebody has gained fame for being good-looking. Social media has also helped others make somewhat of a name for themselves, including tea vendor Arshad Khan, “Alex from Target” and “Mr. Steal Your Grandma.” Plenty of others have become internet heroes based on what social media users deem worthy.
Take a look at how social media reacted to Meeks’ runway debut below:
Social Media Reacts to Jeremy Meeks’ New York Fashion Week Debut
It's crazy how lives change! Everyone deserves a second chance. Best of luck in his new career #Prisonbae #jeremymeeks #PhilippPlein https://t.co/yA5Y4meWAo
— Blake.L & Leila.BK (@Katia_BL_LBK) February 14, 2017
@celeb_voices You know what? I'm happy for him..The struggle is real our here. Hopefully he takes this opportunity and runs with it
— T.R. (@April1290sbaby) February 14, 2017
SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER!!!! JEREMY MEEKS WALKING PHILIPP PLEIN #NYFW pic.twitter.com/ueKokFfOvx
— Francisco (@isuxel) February 14, 2017
#JeremyMeeks is just an example that in this day in age you can be anything with the help of the internet thinking you're hot.
— IzzyDizzyDinosaur (@Izzybearr22) February 15, 2017
Jeremy meeks made it onto the NY fashion week runway, anything is possible guys
— Caitlin'♕ (@Basicxavier) February 15, 2017
The man either has what it takes to model or he doesn't. Once past debts are paid most everyone deserves a second chance #jeremymeeks #NYFW
— Shannon Hurd (@VOWSeditor) February 15, 2017
Can't believe Jeremy Meeks actually became a model and is on the runway for Philip Plein #NYFW
— Paul Maylor (@paul_maylor) February 14, 2017
What are your thoughts on “Hot Mugshot Guy” Jeremy Meeks making his New York Fashion week debut? Do you remember seeing his mugshot when it first went viral? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: Stockton Police Department