MODEL DAN WAINER MAKES THE BEST LOOK EVEN BETTER

The Diversity of Dan Wainer

  When you are involved in the world of Arts & Entertainment, the rule is versatility, unless you happen to fall under the “one name” brand (Picasso, Madonna, Deniro, etc.). Many modern day professionals in the arena cross over mediums such as film, music, advertising, and others. Models more than any other can practice their wares in a variety of platforms like print, video, & social media. Because many of these are nonspeaking or avoid dialogue, there is an inherently international appeal and utilization of the faces (and bodies) that allow the most successful models to work with a variety of clients. Brazilian Model Dan Wainer has appeared on the cover of Men’s Health magazine a number of times, he has portrayed James Bond (in Playboys’ tribute to the iconic 007), but very often appears to transmit his charisma to a number of different fashion based products. So often in advertising what is being sold is the idea that one could be the very vision of cool to which society aspires. Wainer is the striking yet warm vision of masculinity that captures the attention of both genders…all to the joy of the companies he works with. He’ll tell you that he’s just as happy being the face of a fragrance as being the legendary member of Her Majesty’s Secret Service, because it allows him to continue doing what he loves.

  As with most professions associated with entertainment and advertising, modeling has changed dramatically in the last few years. At seventeen, Dan was just preparing for his studies to embark on a law career. Once he was discovered, the allure and the diversity of experiences modeling presented, he was hooked. Soon he was doing fashion catalogue work and a show for the stylist Mario Queiroz at the fashion event called Rio Fashion Week. He swapped Legal courses for those focusing on body language and interpretation, if he was going to be a model it would be as an educated one. When he started his career, the industry used analog film. Customers paid according to the number of films that were to be developed and there was little room for mistakes on the part of the photographers or the models. Digital cameras and Photoshop treatments changed the market. Instagram and Facebook have become the biggest avenues for marketing and sales on the planet. All of this proves two things: 1) Dan’s career has blossomed at a time in which the very profession itself is constantly evolving and 2) it gives credence to the fact that he is among the most diverse of professionals in the modern industry. A study of his many various projects will attest to this fact.

  For the shooting of Ferracini (Italian shoes) producer Debora Bermudes contacted Wainer’s modeling agency asking for men's options for the campaign and was instantly struck by Dan’s versatility. Ferracini wanted to present their many different lines and needed a male model that could still hold a sense of identity but was malleable to the different looks without looking out of place. Flexibility was paramount on all fronts for this shoot which was originally intended to be outdoors but weather would not allow. Numerous poses displayed Dan in dress, casual, business causal, sport, and even a night on the town looks. Relaxed and self-assured is both Dan’s baseline and aesthetic, which worked to great effectiveness for this shoot and client.

  When it comes to perfume and cologne, what is being sold is often a dream of what could be or what you could be. Dan had worked with Poggio fashion before but the launch of their new perfume line required a slightly different tone. Discussing the approach with photographer Amaury Simões (known for his work with Mercedes Benz, Vogue Magazine, top models, actors, and singers) and owner of the Poggio brand Ricardo Amato, Dan was excited to be the first face for this perfume brand. Gaining much more than exposure, Wainer comments, “Amaury is such a great photographer, working with him is like going to school. He knows that I am a fan of photography and he always takes time to explain the me the technical side of things, what different effects are and what different gadgets do. More importantly, he gives me positioning tips that I am able to use on other jobs. Whenever I get the chance to work with him I listen because I respect his work and his career and I know that I’ll leave each experience being a better professional.”

  Diversity and adversity is something which Dan openly welcomes. Beyond being a character builder and experience generator to use in his work, he feels that it connects him to another famous face from his home country of Brazil. He admits, “Gisele Bundchen is such an inspiration. I don’t think it should matter if you are a man or a woman to be so in awe of her. I adore the story and dedication she has had throughout her career. She was rejected by the first agency that she interviewed with in São Paulo, went through bad times, and nowadays she is one of the biggest names in the fashion world. Her story transcends any career and speaks to what it is to embrace the human spirit and persist, to believe in yourself when others don’t. I’d be happy to be recognized in any small amount as that type of influence to others, whether they be a model or any professional in the world.”