Jonathan Rhys Meyers for Versace

“He still thinks he's ugly, or at least that's what he tells the girls.” The lead-in comment, published in an article on Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ fan website, suggests that the 29-year-old Irish heartthrob is a modest character whose personal view on life hasn’t changed much since starring in Mission: Impossible 3. As the article develops, the journalist reveals another, less discreet side indicating that the county Cork boy, who was brought up in a tiny council flat, turned down a Prada advert some years ago. “It wasn't enough money!” Rhys Meyers admits, and continues that money is a “hugely important” issue for him these days.

As Vogue presents Rhys Meyers as the new face of Versace today, one can only assume that he must have given the whole actor-turns-model appearance a second thought. Photographed by Mario Testino in a New York studio in April, the portfolio of images will run worldwide in select fashion and lifestyle magazines from August onwards.