Starting in a small town in Latvia and then continuing on the runways of London and Milan, Daniils Dmitrijevs’ journey is one of perseverance and passion

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 001.jpg — Tank top by Jean Paul Gaultier

Standing tall and striking, Daniils Dmitrijevs has worked with several prominent modeling agencies around the world, walking for major fashion shows and gracing the pages of top magazines. But his story hasn’t always been so charming. Hailing from Latvia, Dmitrijevs grew up in modest circumstances, far removed from the glamor of the fashion industry. And when DA MAN had the opportunity to chat with him, what we found was not just a story about achieving success, but about the relentless drive and hard work behind it.

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DAMAN: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in modelling?
Daniils Dmitrijevs: I am originally from Latvia, a small country next to the Baltic Sea. I was raised by my mum. We were quite poor so I didn’t really know anything about brands or clothes. I thought that people on the billboards were just taken off the internet and never really paid attention to them.

When I turned 12, my dad and his wife invited me to England so that I could continue my studies here. I didn’t know much English but decided that I needed to go so that I can provide for my mum in the future. Once I was in college, I worked on a building site during the day and as a barman at night. I had a goal to get my mum and little sister out of debt and provide for them; so, I worked extra hard.

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 003.jpg — Briefs by Dsquared2

One day, after studying and finishing at my building job, I walked to my night shift. On the way, a man walked over and gave me his business card. He said something about modelling and opportunities. I didn’t really listen or paid any attention as I was insanely tired and I assumed he is just giving out leaflets to scam people.

A bit of time went by and I came across the business card again. I asked my dad about it as I couldn’t even imagine modelling as an actual job. He said he won’t give me any money towards it as it’s probably a scam, but he agreed go to the agency with me to give his consent—if I decided that it’s something I want to pursue. I decided to take the risk.

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 004.jpg — Tracksuit by Rick Owens

Not expecting anything, I signed a contract and continued to work my two jobs as normal. As time went by, I didn’t get much paid work; I just did free shoots for the first two years of my career. As I was about to start law school, I decided that I might need to stop modelling and focus on an actual career, thinking my dad was right. As I was about to quit, I got call from the agent saying that I’ve got my first job and it’s the same show that Kendall Jenner is walking for. It was a Burberry fashion show in London. Everyone was ecstatic at the agency but I had no clue what Burberry was or who Kendall Jenner was either. However, I decided I’ll do it before quitting to get some extra money in.

Then, more and more often calls from Burberry started coming through and I became their in-house fitting model at the same time as I graduated law school. That’s how my career started and took off. It wasn’t quick but it taught me to trust my gut and have patience.

My mum taught me not to care about anyone’s status because we’re all humans and to respect everyone the same

DA: How has your upbringing influenced your career and style as a model?
DD: I grew up in a poor household. From my mum I’ve learnt what hard work looks like and one night I promised myself to work as hard as I can and do everything to provide for her. I wasn’t afraid of working days, nights and weekends. Instead, I embraced it and challenged myself to take on as much work as I can so that I can send money over to my mum. My mum taught me not to care about anyone’s status because we’re all humans and to respect everyone the same, whether it’s a CEO or a homeless person. She taught me to trust myself and to not let anyone doubt me. She told me to trust only what I see, be fair, be resilient, be respectful, learn how to listen, don’t lie and, more importantly, be myself. All those aspects and a few more shaped me into a person that I am today: A sporty guy who enjoys wearing a tracksuit just as much as wearing a suit.

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 005.jpg — Outfit by Diesel

DA: What do you enjoy most about editorial shoots compared to runway shows?
DD: I can’t say that I enjoy one more than the other. Both are two completely different sides of modelling, but I can say that I enjoy the freedom of expression. It is present in editorials but not during fashion shows. Editorials help you build your book and present your character to designers for them to see whether they want to work with you. So, one is somewhat dependent upon another.

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Whereas a runway show is a moment to shine. It is a moment where a designer tells their story using you as an integral part of it. That’s what makes it so desirable to walk a runway show. But neglecting editorials means lowering your chance of booking that desired show.

DA: You’ve worked with many renowned brands around the world. What has been your most memorable modelling experience so far?
DD: I’d say coming to New York was definitely one of the biggest moments. It’s like being accepted to play in the big leagues. It’s been a goal of mine for my whole career. Everyone kept telling me how much you need to achieve before you can have a shot at the U.S. market. Every week I was trying my best to do everything in my power to achieve that. I’ve managed to achieve it; I’ve visited New York and I worked with some great artists. I was optioned for some incredible jobs and even though those options didn’t come through, it still provided me with great exposure.

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 007.jpg — Outfit by Acne Studios

DA: And how do you approach developing your modelling skills and staying relevant in such a competitive industry?
DD: I’m being myself. I learn, I love to learn. I’m open to criticism because that makes you grow. I always ask for feedback and try to improve. Clients see this. I strive for perfection and I achieve it, whilst having fun and a good laugh.

I strive for perfection and I achieve it, whilst having fun and a good laugh

For example, during my e-com shoots I always ask them to give me feedback on my posing. Then, I listen to what the client likes and make a unique posing routine for every client. Consequently, it makes it easier and more enjoyable for the client to work with me. That’s what makes me stand out. I perfect myself and my techniques even after being in the industry for a long time.

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DA: You have a significant following on social media. How do you use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with your audience?
DD: I mainly use Instagram. I talk to my audience and I post whenever I feel like it. In my opinion, it’s important to live in reality and not let social media take over. Too many people let social media dictate who they are or who they are supposed to be. My audience gets to see my work and I love connecting with them through my stories. But they know that if I’m silent that means I’m on a little social media break, looking after my mental health.

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DA: If you could create your own fashion line, what would be the main inspiration behind it and what pieces would perfectly represent you?
DD: I love old fashion, so it would probably be old fashion suits mixed with modern fashion dresses. I would like to promote being healthy through the line, so I’d be using more sporty looking models throughout the show.

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 010.jpg — Vest by Calvin Klein; shorts by Rag & Bone; belt by Diesel; boots by Carhartt

DA: Last question … if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
DD: Trust yourself, don’t believe what anyone says until you see it with your own eyes. Rejection is normal and be yourself.

Daniils Dmitrijevs by Aldrin Del Carmen for DAMAN June/July 2024 011.jpg — Tank top by Jean Paul Gaultier; jeans by JW Anderson

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Photography & Styling Aldrin Del Carmen
Model Daniils Dmitrijevs/Soul Artist Management

Following Daniils Dmitrijevs’ footsteps in modeling

Aldrin Del Carmen,

Daniils Dmitrijevs,

Soul Artist Management