From viral creator to fashion newcomer, Gianluca Conte reflects on growth, restraint and learning when to push forward and when to pause

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 001.jpg — Jeans by Banana Republic; necklace by Louis Vuitton

Gianluca Conte’s rise did not follow a traditional path. From creating viral videos in his bedroom to stepping onto high-fashion sets, his journey has been shaped by curiosity, accountability and a relentless drive to evolve. For Conte, creativity is not just about expression but about balance—knowing when to push forward, when to pause and how to play the long game. Across content, fashion and personal projects, he has learned that growth does not come from speed alone but from understanding, patience and the discipline to execute at the highest level.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 002.jpg — Jacket by Banana Republic; T-shirt by Our Legacy; jeans by Rag & Bone

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 003.jpg — Jacket by Reiss; T-shirt by Carhartt; pants by Todd Snyder

DAMAN: Many people first discovered you through online content long before fashion entered the picture. At that time, did you ever imagine creativity becoming your full-time career?
Gianluca Conte: Throughout my life, I always found a way to be creative in whatever I was doing. Whether it was trying to make my classmates laugh or performing music, creating felt natural to me. I never imagined it would become something full-time.

DA: When your videos first started gaining momentum, what did that recognition feel like?
GC: It was extremely overwhelming but also rewarding. I had made hundreds and hundreds of videos, expressing myself and trying to entertain people. When it really took off, it was scary but at the same time I signed up for it. It was the result of the job I chose.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 004.jpg — Sweater by Superdry; pants by Faherty; necklace by Louis Vuitton

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 005.jpg — Vest by AllSaints; briefs by Calvin Klein; necklace by Louis Vuitton

DA: Modeling came later in your journey. What made you open to stepping into fashion after building your audience elsewhere?
GC: I truly never realized I had any potential to be in the fashion industry until a few modeling scouts reached out to me. Getting that recognition from some of the biggest modeling agencies really opened my eyes to that avenue of my career.

DA: Your YouTube channel, QCP, became an entry point for many people discovering your work. How do you see that persona today?
GC: My character has evolved online as I’ve gained a better understanding of what people find entertaining. It’s very hard for me to settle and feel like what I’m doing is as good as it gets. My goal has always been to keep evolving so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what my persona is because it continues to change. That said, delivering high-level entertainment has become the bare minimum. I want people to always expect that from me.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 006.jpg — Necklace by Louis Vuitton; perfume by Bottega Veneta

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 007.jpg — Blazer by James Perse; briefs by Emporio Armani; necklace by Louis Vuitton; ring by Crystole

DA: Looking back, how did QCP shape the way you think about image and presence today?
GC: When I started, it was hard for me to understand or even care about image because I was only 19. I was having fun and felt like I was getting away with doing whatever I wanted while still making something out of it. That was an immature mindset that evolved over time and led me to where I am today. It feels much better now being able to reach a wider audience, partner with well-known companies and operate at a higher level in social media.

DA: What lessons or skills from that early phase still stay with you today?
GC: One thing I learned early on is that no matter what, I’m responsible for the performance of my work. It’s easy as a creator to blame things like the algorithm or engagement but I realized it’s always up to me to put out the best content I can and understand the factors behind it.

DA: Coming into modeling from a content background, what surprised you most about the fashion industry?
GC: Fashion dates back so far and is much more established than social media, which makes it incredibly interesting to be part of. Since I came in with no expectations, there haven’t really been many surprises. I’m no expert so I’ve just been learning as I go.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 008.jpg — Hoodie by Obey; necklace by Louis Vuitton

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 009.jpg — Blazer by Calvin Klein

DA: Fashion often values restraint while QCP is expressive and energetic. How did you adjust to that shift?
GC: I’m definitely in a different headspace when I’m modeling. To me, it’s more about being myself rather than my online character. I erase what I’m known for and transform into a different person.

DA: Did stepping into fashion introduce a new kind of creative discipline for you?
GC: Being on any high-level production set gives me a lot of perspective and gets me excited about the future. What I do right now is very unique and hard to compare. My production usually involves minimal equipment and pure execution. Seeing the years of innovation in cameras and lighting and the variety of set design in fashion is impressive and hard to fathom. It definitely inspires me to level things up when I can.

DA: How has working in fashion changed how you see yourself beyond your online presence?
GC: It creates a separation that I sometimes feel I need. It gives me confidence that I offer diversity in entertainment, which helps when exploring new areas within the space.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 010.jpg — Hoodie by Todd Snyder; necklace by Louis Vuitton; briefs by Puma

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 011.jpg — Cardigan by Reiss; T-shirt by Handles

DA: When you’re not working, what’s the fastest way for you to reset?
GC: Exercise. It’s a necessity before I work. My whole family feels the same way. It keeps my head clear and helps me think quickly and efficiently.

DA: Do you feel more comfortable evolving in public now than you did at the start of your career?
GC: I’ve always been comfortable with whatever comes with the career I chose. Attending events, doing interviews, all of it feels natural because it’s part of the job. It’s never felt like a chore, especially when navigating things the right way.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 012.jpg — Necklace by Louis Vuitton; briefs by Puma

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 013.jpg — Vest by AllSaints; briefs by Calvin Klein; necklace by Louis Vuitton

DA: What does creative longevity mean to you at this stage?
GC: To me, creative longevity comes down to self-understanding. If I know what I need to perform at my best, all that’s left is to do it and the content will follow. Recently, I’ve focused more on understanding what works, slowing down then speeding back up and going all in when I have the energy.

DA: Where do you want to direct your energy next—fashion, storytelling or something entirely new?
GC: I want to focus on expanding my brand and building more products that I’m genuinely passionate about. In 2026, I’ll be starting new projects that I couldn’t be more excited about. It’s a fresh feeling and one that keeps me pushing forward.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 015.jpg — Briefs by Emporio Armani; necklace by Louis Vuitton; ring by Crystole

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 014.jpg — Jacket by Reiss; T-shirt by Carhartt; pants by Todd Snyder

DA: Are there projects you’re saying no to now that you might have said yes to earlier in your career?
GC: It’s actually become the opposite. I’ve been saying no more often to things I would have said yes to before. I feel a lot more selective now because it’s necessary. That comes with the evolution of an entertainment career.

DA: Your energy is instantly recognizable. What sets the tone for your day before stepping in front of a camera?
GC: Sleep, the gym, clarity, confidence and happiness. Those are the key things I need to feel for my work to be at its best. I don’t want to deliver anything less so I prioritize that, figuring out what I need to put on the best show I can.

Gianluca Conte by Lensbymi for DAMAN February 2026 012.jpg

DA: What’s one mistake you’re actually glad you made early on?
GC: There was a period, longer than I expected, when I didn’t post much content. I wish it had happened sooner but I’m glad it happened at all. At the time, I was hard on myself about the lack of consistency, but I eventually realized how much work I had already put in to make that possible. I had established myself enough. That experience allowed me to step back, take my time and focus on putting out only my best work.

DA: Finally, what’s one simple cooking tip everyone should know no matter their skill level?
GC: You can always add more salt, but you can’t really take it out.

Photography Lensbymi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Model Gianluca Conte/Next Management
Grooming Josephine Bouchereau for Celestine Agency using Mimétique Skincare
Location Handles Coffee

Gianluca Conte on creativity, discipline and playing the Long Game

Gianluca Conte,

Josephine Bouchereau,

KIMBERLY YVETTE GOODNIGHT,

LensbyMi