Before we get deep-down on this, let’s begin with the basics. Could you introduce yourself to us?
Hey! My name is Adriano Romanini, I am 22-years-old and I come from Collecchio, a small town in the province of Parma, Italy. I work as a model and I am enrolled in the master’s degree course in marketing in Milan.
How did you venture in the fashion industry?
All very casual. My sister, an architecture student in Milan, had been seen by a talent scout and introduced her to the world of commerce and fashion. Through that contact, I too began to do some work. After a few months and a bit of work, I was contacted by my current Crew Model Management agency.
What does fashion mean to you?
An extraordinary way to promote beauty in the world. For us models the privilege of being a fundamental tool and of being able to best express one’s character and identity.
Favorite experience thus far?
I have had many good experiences, but I cannot forget my first job. With very little notice I was called to rehearsal for Dolce&Gabbana during fashion week. Until then I had not done any work in this field and being surrounded by so many celebrities, one for all Naomi Campbell, gave me unique and unrepeatable sensations.
Has education been an imperative cornerstone in your practice?
In my opinion, education is a cornerstone for any profession. For this reason, in parallel with the world of fashion, I continue my university career with commitment.
How’s it been for you since the start of your journey? Did you encounter any major hindrances when you first started out in fashion?
It was a very significant journey in the formation of my character. The obstacles that the fashion world is dense with have served me. The competition for the job is continuing to be oneself I believe it is a fundamental requirement. In a job where you take jobs through casting it’s important to be positive and never give up.
How do you react to trolling and online criticism?
I try not to give them too much importance. In most cases, the criticism is the result of envy. However, I have never been specifically targeted and I believe that the criticisms of the people who love you can help to improve.
In an era spewed by digitalization and social media appearance, being constantly exposed to the public’s eye must result quite daunting, especially with the level of saturation present in such field. In a nutshell, what are your key thoughts in regard to the whole Instagram thing?
Instagram can actually represent a risk, but I don’t think that at this moment, in this sector, and in this work, it can be done without. Visibility on social media is an essential part of our profession. I try to make very careful and conscious use of it. I chose to be there, to maintain a reasoned presence without sharing, as some do, every moment of my day. In this way, being displayed “in the window” is not a problem. I show what I think is useful for the job without giving up my privacy. But I repeat, these are fundamental tools for promoting the image we want to give of ourselves and a formidable means of building relationships.
Do social media propel your identity? Or do they destabilize it in a way?
I try to publish content that represents me but, let’s face it, the public image is never the real one. It is also difficult to show negative aspects and emotions. I too tend to show myself serene and happy.
Could you say that spending plenty of time on social media does affect your self-esteem?
A few years ago, I was more sensitive to social media content but over time the approach has become more mature and “professional”. Social media are part of the “toolbox” of those who work in this world, using them in this way self-esteem is not affected.
Any major aspirations?
Among the figures who “made it through” in this competitive world, I look with interest at those who seem real to me as I would like to continue to be too.
What are the biggest obstacles you’ve had to deal with?
The tremendous castings with tremendous competition. The obstacle that faces any guy who works in this sector.
Who would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who sensed his path and followed it with perseverance.
Biggest remorse?
Not having given the right value to time. Time is the most precious asset we have, and I realize, in some periods, that I have unnecessarily wasted too much of it.
What’s the wisest lesson you’ve learned about being in the industry?
That success can be the result of ingenuity, or intuition, or even the ability to interpret the future but always from the ability to take care of even the smallest details.
Any advice to give the young wave of aspiring people, wanting to venture into your world?
Do not lose heart in the face of the first defeats, we have all suffered. It takes a lot of perseverance, and continue to be yourself.
