America's seguinte topo, início Model Winner Nyle DiMarco's First-Ever Magazine Spread Is Here | NYLON 

has sent its last winner down the runway: Nyle DiMarco, a 26-year-old Queens, New York, native (who happens to be deaf) won our hearts along with the crown. While DiMarco has only been modeling since 2014, he is quickly taking over social media and the world. With over 620,000 followers on

Instagram and modeling contracts in the works, we doubt you’ve seen the last of him. But piercing blue eyes and washboard abs aside, what do we really know about DiMarco? We made it our mission to learn more.

My friends and photographers encouraged me to get into modeling when I was 18. I was in college at the time and I was focused on getting a degree. After college I was encouraged again, so I decided to give it a shot!

What obstacles have you overcome as a member of the fashion industry who is deaf?

I think being deaf is an obstacle I’ve overcome. I’m now in the industry and there are many photographers and agents realizing that deaf people can [do what others can].

To prove that working with deaf people is not difficult. During the shoot, it doesn’t require language—only body language, which is universal.

If you could be the face of any brand or campaign, which would it be?

Funniest experience as a model: Bumping into Randy Jackson. He congratulated me for winning

Current wallpaper on your phone: Foxy, my dog.

Three favorite things in your wardrobe: Jeans, T-shirt, and a pair of boots.

First thing you do when you wake up: Drink a cup of water.

Favorite snack: Yogurt with fresh fruit.

One question that you hate being asked: “Can you drive?” (after finding out I’m deaf)

Click through the gallery to see DiMarco\'s spread in the February 2016 issue of NYLON

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\'ANTM\' Winner Nyle DiMarco\'s First-Ever Magazine Spread Is Here - get to know the champ in the latest issue of nylon by : chris lukas