Few Staples graduates have resumes as interesting as Derek and Drew Riker.
The ’88 alums shed careers in corporate America to become supermodels. They posed with Cindy Crawford, for the lenses of Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts, and for clients like Abercrombie & Fitch, Armani and Revlon.
The twins made a close run on “The Amazing Race.” Derek — for whom Ben Stiller named his famous character Derek Zoolander — married Miss Illinois USA.
Now the Rikers have moved to the other side of the camera. They’re well-known photographers, specializing in fashion, beauty and celebrities.
Recently, they’ve branched out to political activism. Inspired by stories of their many gay friends, they’ve thrown their straight weight behind New York state’s push for same-sex marriage.
Derek and Drew took all the photos for the web site of One Day Equals, last week’s day-long lobbying effort in Albany. Their shots link the cause to other freedom movements, such as the Revolutionary War, French Revolution and fall of the Berlin Wall.
In New York’s capital, the Rikers met with some of the state’s leading legislators. “It’s a conscience issue,” Derek said simply.
“Lots of people had very personal stories,” he added. “From knowing people like Herb Ritts, right down to today, we see how the lack of marriage rights affects their lives.”
The Rikers are not stopping until a New York bill is passed. Their next project is a gallery event. They’ll sell their work, and donate all proceeds to the same-sex marriage cause.
Derek and Drew Riker captured diverse views of the gay-marriage debate.