Conversations with Brana Dane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brana Dane.

Hi Brana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a model, activist and TV Host for “Fashion News Live” on Amazon Prime. Growing up, people always asked me if I was a (child) model and then at the age of 14, I got scouted by the top agent in Canada. I made the decision to finish school but eventually did get into modeling as an adult.

I’ve been seen in Refinery29, the Cut, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, WWD, Forbes, Glamour US and in the cover story of Porter Edit among other publications. In 2022, I celebrated my cover for Glamour Bulgaria. My clients include some of the top designers and brands in the world, such as Dennis Basso, Samantha Sung, Herno, Stella Nolasco, Redken, Maison Margiela and Milly.

As a New York-based model, I was lucky enough to attend events such as the premier of “The True Cost” documentary at the IFC Center alongside Eileen Fisher and Zosia Mamet. This particular film opened my eyes to the environmental costs of fast fashion. Later, I became involved with an organization called the Model Mafia and started to take action to improve the industry from within. For example, I designed a NYFW rally that went viral on social media and was even seen on the Vogue Brasil account. Another highlight was being one of four keynote speakers for the 2019 official Earth Day rally in Union Square.

In 2017, the producer of FNL Network, Rocco Leo Gaglioti, asked me to become a co-host for the popular fashion program, “Fashion News Live” airing globally on Amazon Prime. Of course, I was familiar with the show, since I always saw the FNL crew backstage at NYFW! I agreed and quickly learned some invaluable on-camera skills. Hosting is a great time because you get to be quick on your feet while talking to many different talented professionals. The movie stars were fun to chat with but I always valued talking to the designers most because I gained insight into their process.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It would have benefited my career immensely if I had started modeling at 14, but it would have also had a lifelong impact on me that may not have been beneficial. From what I’ve observed in the fashion industry, I think it’s vital that children aren’t put into very adult situations and forced to travel to foreign countries – alone – just for the chance at becoming a superstar. Modeling adult clothing and adult accessories should be best left to adults. The current system is exploitative of vulnerable young girls in a number of ways. From wage theft to psychological or sexual abuse, these are serious issues. In many cases, these crimes are committed against minors.

Ironically, foreign models can sometimes be more likely to be signed and given priority in unscrupulous agencies because the agents know that they can get away with abuses of power (like wage-theft). Models tend not to complain about serious crimes for fear of deportation or being denied work opportunities when their agency has control over the model’s work visa.

Modeling is the most unregulated industry in the US. I believe everyone has a right to a safe working environment. I’ve also observed a lot of animosity directed at models in the media and in society. I believe that it’s extremely important to understand that when you put down models, you’re usually putting down teenagers. These girls and young women need a more powerful voice, not to be further silenced. In fact, in 2022 I spoke as an expert on international news for SRF about how we can protect young women working in the modeling industry in one of SRF’s most watched documentaries.

Through my activism, I am trying to improve the working conditions for models as well as those at the other end of the supply chain, garment workers. As an ambassador for Remake, I work to bring light to the human rights violations that often occur during garment production. I also do a lot of organizing and advocacy with numerous powerful groups like the Freelancers Union, the Model Mafia, Lonely Whale, the New York Governor’s Office and more.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently looking forward to shooting more upcoming fashion editorials and am happy to see the Spring campaign I shot for Marshalls is finally out.

I love to paint in my leisure time and will be co-curating an all female group show in Chelsea this year.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have a live painting video from Chashama that’s fast approaching one million views on YouTube! I love to write and paint. I’m a creator at heart. I’ve published five poems so far, three in paperback. I also have a lifestyle blog with sustainability tips and personal growth hacks.

Through creation, we can process emotions nonverbally. We’re all creators; cooking is creating, solving problems is creating and certainly inventing is also. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Branadane.com/blog
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Branadane
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Danebrana
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/branadane
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCL9qsqXhRC-HdumWNB7jg0g
• Other: www.instagram.com/modelxartist

Image Credits
Krystena Patton Ruben Marin Gerardo Somoza