Britain's First It Boy Emmanuel Ray special appearance on London Undergr...

Britain's First It Boy Emmanuel Ray special appearance on London Underground Live Show

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Juliet Stephens and Patrick Monahan interview Britain's First It Boy Emmanuel Ray on London Underground Live TV Show. Produced by Westminster University students for Kick Ass Productions. Make up & hair by Rosie Crocker. Emmanuel Ray sports a cute page boy cut, Nara Camicie shirt and Nico Didonna jeans.

Emmanuel Ray style!

Emmanuel Ray in shirt and jeans by Nico Didonna. Vintage clutch by Russel & Bromley. Smart casual look with curly hair and designer stubble. This photo was clicked by Karyn Louise at Millennium Hotel Mayfair, when Emmanuel hosted a private gathering for his colleagues and friends. Emmanuel Ray manages to pull off a variety of different looks. He looks great in anything he wears, like this flamboyant outfit below which he wore to Socialite Evenings at 108 Marylebone Lane. Seen below is also Fashion TV's UK Country Head Amanda Rudin. Emmanuel Ray mixes colours well and uses simple and sometimes attention-grabbing accesories to add a touch of flamboyance or retro glam!

 Emmanuel Ray with Fashion TV's Amanda Rudin

The following picture shows Emmanuel Ray in a pair of ripped jeans which were tailor made for him in the mid 90s. He boasts about how he can still get into them! Well, you would, wouldn't you? Note how he sets off the colour with a hint of blue on his black shirt, in the form of a butterfly. Pictured with him here is Showbiz journalist. The pair have been seen together a number of times and Eve was Emmanuel's date to the Indian Film Festival at Riverside Studios London. They make a good couple, but Emmanuel insisted they are acquaintances, in a recent interview. Shame!  

By Chris Montgomery, this photo captures Emmanuel Ray and pop rock singer Tiger Lilly in a nice mood.

 

 Smart, moody and stylish! A shot of Emmanuel Ray from his modeling days. Having quit modeling in the early naughties, it is amazing how he hasn't changed one  bit and still looks the same, if not younger!

..and here's some guy candy to end this post! This picture of Emmanuel Ray would have been shot around the same time as the one above. Note the dark smooth skin (must've been waxed .. ouch! I have seen him with chest hair!) and the tone in the body. Photographer unknown.

 

Emmanuel Ray party pics with guests

Emmanuel Ray and Joan Collins front row, at London Fashion Week 25th anniversary

Emmanuel Ray welcomes Mayor of London Boris Johnson at London Fashion Week 25th anniversary

 The It Boy and the Shut Up Boy! Emmanuel Ray and Harry Derbidge at Cafe de Paris.

 

Emmanuel Ray with Leslie Jordan at his comedy show.

The It Boy with the It Girl! Emmanuel Ray and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson at Paramount Bar, London.

Emmanuel Ray's popular photos by award winning photographers

This photo of Emmanuel Ray was clicked by celebrity photographer Spencer Murphy, who also won the National Portrait Gallery award. The image was shot at Greatest British Eccentric Annual award ceremony, Mayfair Arts Club London.

 

The image below was clicked by Cannes award winning photographer & cinematographer Gido Karow. It is the perfect capture of Emmanuel Ray's youthful appearance. Shot in 2009 when Emmanuel Ray was 28, he looks about 16 in this picture!

 

The classic vintage style shot of Emmanuel Ray below, was created by BAFTA nominee Matthew Gough.

 

Shot  in 2006 by award winning journalist and photographer Dr Kenneth Koh, this picture of Emanuel Ray has its own following and is reminiscent of the charm and elegance of a bygone era. 

Fabulous arty shots of Emmanuel Ray by Robert Player

Photographer Robert Player shot these amazing photos of Emmanuel Ray a few years back (more below). This costume is one of the most popular outfits worn by Emmanuel, mainly during his stint as Master of Ceremonies for the prestigious Eccentric Club, of which the patron is HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Inspired by the grandeur and opulence of the early Victorian era, the pleasures of the Orient and the royal courts of South Asia (all of which the colours, accessories etc bear echoes to), these pictures were created in Robert Player's studio. Note passages from the Song of Solomon in the background, on the image above and below.

These images were not published anywhere until my friend and photo journalist Marco Tiscali discovered them on the Icons Italy web magazine which is no longer live. He saved these pictures. Please note we do not intend any copyright infringement and only took the liberty of copying photographs that were already in the public domain. We are showing them here for you viewing pleasure!

 

Britain's First 'It' Boy Comes to Stonewall Live Radio USA! Thursday, April 14th 4 PM EST

Emmanuel Ray is a London based "It" boy and Socialite, living the British equivalent of The American Dream! His column and book both titled "Diary of an It Boy" is being tipped as London's answer to "Sex In The City". 

Born and raised in extreme poverty during Sri Lanka's civil war, the young Emmanuel lived in slums and shanty towns and moved around with his family without a proper home. He dreamed about becoming a Fashionisto, while watching television programs such as Caryn Franklin's "The Clothes Show" and "Style with Elsa Klensch", while performing domestic duties in a house in a better neighborhood. 

His story of going from being a troubled child growing up in the slums of war-torn Sri Lanka to becoming a London Socialite and style guru is the subject of a documentary film being made by British film director Nirpal Bhogal.

Catch Emmanuel Ray's 30 minute-long special interview on April 14th, 2011 @ 4 PM EST, 9PM London Time Stonewall Live.

Diary of an It Boy by Emmanuel Ray, in Laissez Faire the new London tabloid

It Boy and socialite Emmanuel Ray's fabulous new column Diary of an It Boy now appears monthly in Laissez Faire, London's new free tabloid that focuses entirely on fashion, arts, culture and entertainment.

Born and raised in a poor background in war-torn Sri Lanka, the former model and dancer dreamed about becoming a Fashionisto after watching television programmes such as Caryn Franklin's: The Clothes Show and Style with Elsa Klensch, while performing domestic duties in a house in a well-to-do neighbourhood. He left Sri Lanka in the late 90s.

Now living the British equivalent of the American Dream, Emmanuel's work is London's answer to Sex & The City and contains interesting characters, celebrity cameos, humour, love and sex, London life and of course the trials and tribulations encountered by an up & coming entertainer.

Now in it's third episode, Emmanuel is including informative and detailed versions of the column in his first book, also titled Diary of an It Boy, represented by literary agent Britt Pfluger at Hardy & Knox. The book also contains flash backs to Emmanuel's difficult past, growing up a troubled child amidst terrorism and war, and living in the slums and shanty towns on the outskirts of Colombo.

"I used to be ashamed of my past but it was TV Presenter Lorraine Kelly who encouraged me to share my story, with pride," says Emmanuel Ray. "I am proof that anyone can achieve anything in life, with hard work, perseverance and faith in themselves."

In the summer of 2009, BBC's entertainment correspondent Paul Conway named Emmanuel Ray, Britain's First It Boy. Fashion TV's UK Country Head Amanda Rudin recommended him as the best person to report from fashion shows and events. He is also known as the Godfather of the Fashion Industry (Emily Johnston, Hello Magazine) for the support he offers up & coming talent and struggling artists in the industry.

Eve Yasmine from Superstar Magazine named him The Networking Guru, and he is also known as The Working Socialite, for making a career out of partying, hosting events, raising funds for various charities and just being fabulous.

Emmanuel Ray has been interviewed by various media including BBC One, BBC Asia Network, RTE Ireland, Fashion TV, World Fashion Channel and Brit Asia TV.

A documentary film and a reality series about his life are currently under discussion.

Emmanuel Ray artistic nudes and body photography

An iconic image of Emmanuel Ray from "The Exotic Dancer" series, shot by Welsh photographer and artist Chris Parkin. The images were also used on "The Body Project" in an art exhibition. This particular image has its own cult following and has also appeared in websites & blogs around the world. This image was shot just before the car accident that left Emmanuel Ray in a coma for 2 months. He gave up Dance for good.

Another beautiful body shot of Emmanuel Ray. Photographer unknown. 

 Emmanuel Ray remains the only make model shot nude by veteran British photographer Keith Curtis. This picture has appeared on various publications and on the internet. Appreciated for it's artistic quality, this photo was also featured on Hollywood gossip website Dirt.com

Fashionisto & socialite Emmanuel Ray named Britain's First It Boy!

A boy who grew up in extreme poverty during Sri Lanka's civil war has gone on to become Britain's First Ever It Boy! 

When BBC Entertainment Correspondont Paul Conway named Emmanuel Ray Britain's First Ever It Boy, the interest that began to generate saw the former Model and Dancer become London's Hot New Socialite! The fabulous Fashion Commentator & Presenter is also referred to as The Working Socialite - for successfully merging various jobs such as Business Networking, Hosting Events etc. 

Flamboyant, sexy and with a style that evokes the charm and elegance of a bygone era...Emmanuel Ray has come a long way from being a little boy who sold snacks on the beach, and being spotted by a photographer who paved the way to catwalks and lens magicians! From charity fund raisers to social causes, helping up and coming talent in fashion and entertainment to putting the spot light on struggling artist, from battling with alcohol and drugs to suicide attempts, failed marriages, and finally succeeding and achieving his goal, Emmanuel Ray has done it all. Sassy teen journalist Eve-Yasmine talks to the man who went from the slums of Sri Lanka to the salons in Mayfair! Read full interview on Superstar Magazine.

Interesting Facts about Emmanuel Ray gathered from the internet

Born and raised in in Sri Lanka, Emmanuel Ray grew up in extreme poverty during the civil war, moving from one place to another with his parents and siblings, without a permanent home. He became a Dancer at the age of 6 and performed at various events and festivals, while selling snacks on the beach and working in shops. At the age 15, a professional photographer spotted him on the beach and paved the way to a modeling career. Emmanuel went on to secure a number of photo shoots, ranging from high fashion to art and traveled extensively.

His confident strut on the catwalk, cheeky smile, and the ability to wear daring clothes that most other Asian male models in the nineties weren't comfortable in, got him instant attention. He continued dance and was known for his sensual and erotic performances reminiscent of a bygone era, mixing traditional South Asian styles with exotic Arabian routines, fetishism and fantasy. During the latter part of his modeling career, he worked on promotions for various high profile brands including Estee Lauder, Armani, Gucci, PRADA, Roberto Cavalli, MAC, Givenchy, Guerlain and Volkswagen.

He moved between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. He worked as a Life Model and also dabbled in Alternative Modeling before his career came to an end. He took a break from it all in the early naughties due to personal problems. He reappeared on the scene as a Fashion Commentator and Presenter in 2009.

Now based in London, working as a Fashion Commentator, TV Presenter, Events Host, Socialite and It Boy, Charity Fundraiser and Human Rights Activist. He is often referred to as The Working Socialite, and was referred to as Britain's First It Boy by BBC Entertainment Correspondent Paul Conway. Known for his relaxed and laid back attitude, sharp sense of style and his funny and flirtatious style of presenting, Emmanuel Ray carved a niche for himself and achieved success within a year of starting off as a Presenter & Host in London, UK.

With no formal training in broadcasting, and a slight stutter which he had developed during his childhood, Emmanuel Ray had difficulty finding representation. He met BAFTA award-winning TV Producer & Celebrity Booker Simon Wilson from Express Broadcast at a media networking event in November 2008. Impressed by his 60 second pitch at the mic, Simon took him on his book and offered to train him, officially becoming his agent in March 2009. Emmanuel's career progressed rapidly and he went on to cover a variety of events including London Fashion Week, Clothes Show Live, Ideal Home Show and various other fashion shows, celebrity parties, launch events and art exhibitions and showbiz parties. His flamboyant style, sharp wit and extroverted personality got him instantly noticed.

Emmanuel Ray regularly dispenses invaluable style advice on national radio and worldwide lifestyle channels as well as voicing his honest and sometimes critical view on a variety of topics such as fashion, celebrity, social causes, community issues etc. As a Fashion and Entertainment Presenter and Host, he puts the spot light on up & coming talent in the industry, and offers opportunities to many young people and struggling artists. His willingness to stand up for, defend and help those who're being used, abused or taken advantage of in the industry, prompted Hello Magazine columnist Emily Johnston to aptly name him the Godfather of the Fashion Industry.

Emmanuel Ray and Simon Wilson parted ways in the summer of 2010, but Emmanuel continued to play host at Simon's Black Book Media events at BBC TV Centre London and in Millennium Hotel, Mayfair for s short time. From 2009 until early 2010, Emmanuel was Master of Ceremonies of the prestigious Eccentric Club of which the patron is HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

At London Fashion Week's 25th anniversary in September 2009, Emmanuel Ray welcomed Mayor of London Boris Johnson at Somerset House, where the event took place. He was also photographed with Joan Collins in the front row at Caroline Charles' fashion show. He was photographed constantly at events during Fashion Week, at various celebrity parties, and the clothes and accessories he wore were repeatedly talked about in various fashion blogs.

Emmanuel Ray is regularly interviewed by the press and talks on many topics ranging from fashion & style to business and the importance of networking, London's glittering social scene, beauty and style on a budget, hints and tips on how to become successful in the creative sectors and also shares his personal story with his audience. He has been interviewed by the BBC, RTE Ireland, Sky, Vogue Taiwan, World Fashion Channel, Fashion TV, Brit Asia TV and various other online channels, websites and newspapers. He has received press coverage in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

At events and shows he has hosted and presented at, Emmanuel Ray has raised funds for various charities including Samaritans, SOS Children's Villages, Save the Children, Look Ahead Housing & Care, Shelter, Portugal Prints, The Arts Club's Charitable Trust and the Derbyshire Hep C Charity. He has worked with churches to help the poor and has tutored children of refugees displaced by the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Emmanuel Ray is currently involved in the Ministry for Peace campaign and attends meetings at the House of Commons, British Parliament. In Sri Lanka, he spoke out against the war and presented at events hosted by the Ceyon Worker's Congress. In South India he spoke out against the ill treatment and abuse of the hijras but was forced to stop when the hijras refused to co operate, after being threatened by gangs and thugs who controlled them. Emmanuel has also worked with troubled male and trans-gendered sex workers in London. His proposed campaign for fair wages and proper living conditions for expat workers in manual labour, in the Arabian Gulf, never progressed due to lack of support. While campaigning for peace and human rights, Emmanuel has been threatened numerous times, arrested, attacked and has also been shot at twice. Yet he continues to lend his voice to causes he believes in and feels passionate about.

Emmanuel appeared on the September issue of My Kali Mag, a Middle East-based gay lifestyle magazine that was forced to stop print publication and go online, due to death threats, obstacles and various other problems encountered by it's editorial team. Emmanuel's cover feature and interview generated a lot of interest and some of the serious issues he discussed such as religion, homophobia, hypocrisy etc were edited out of the interview due to negative feedback.

He also appeared on Brit Asia TV's Broken Silence programme and expressed his views on the attitudes towards homosexuality and the solutions to problems faced by the gay community in ethnic minorities. In his interview on the Arts Group magazine, he shed light on the problems faced by up & coming talent in the creative sectors and how they can succeed in the competitive environment.

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