Like so many of his peers, Arthur Sales discovered modeling completely by accident. But oftentimes, it’s not how you start a profession that really matters; it’s why you stay and continue to grow that really shows your worth.

Suit by Acne Studios; sweater by Theory; shoes by Balenciaga

To that end, Arthur Sales has never shied away from learning and putting in the effort to become better and better. This attitude has carried the Brazilian star to the catwalks of Emporio Armani, the campaigns of Dsquared2 and countless editorials where he got to share the limelight with the likes of Shakira. It goes without saying that Sales has quite a story to tell..

Coat by Hugo Boss; suit and shirt by Paul Smith; shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo

DAMAN: Let’s start at the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about how, when and where your modeling career started?
Arthur Sales: It started in my hometown Recife, in the state of Pernambuco in Brazil. I was asked to replace another model in a runway show. A friend called to the gym where I was working out at the day, and introduced me to this new world. I accepted right away; I just wanted the money to enjoy my weekend. And then I was introduced to a manager who believed so much in me and my potential. We had to work on some areas at the time, however: Lose some weight, learn English and work in my new material to sell me worldwide. But that was the beginning of everything. I was then invited to go to Milan with Elite Model Management, to do my first fashion season.

DAMAN: What would you say was the show, fashion shoot or campaign that really put you on the map?
Arthur Sales: It began the Dsquared2 fashion show and then I did an editorial for Vanity Fair with Shakira. After that I was featured in an entire edition of L’Officiel Hommes Paris—just 200 pages of me. We went to Miami, Paris and Marrakesh, and we shot the entire magazine in two months.

Jacket by All Saints; pants by Ermenegildo Zegna

DAMAN: What were some of the biggest challenges you had to face and deal with when you were just starting out?
Arthur Sales: I had my first international trip to Milan when I was just 17 years old. I had a good mindset and I really knew what I was going to get. So, I stayed really focused and avoided anything that could push me back. Also, I had to lose 10 kilograms in two months. That was a really good challenge for me

DAMAN: And now, near the end of 2021, what do you consider to be the biggest challenge for professional male models?
Arthur Sales: First, you really need a good agent and agency that believe in your work. I love the industry, because there are a lot of challenges in our way and I’m always learning. It’s never the same!

Jacket by All Saints; pants by Ermenegildo Zegna

DAMAN: What are some of the most recent highlights of your modeling career? And what are some of the biggest projects you’re involved with right now?
Arthur Sales: I came back to the U.S. two months ago. We are creating new material with amazing photographers. I did a couple of jewelry campaigns, worked for Ralph Lauren and Macy’s. It was better than I expected for a couple months, but soon you are going to see my biggest project coming up. Unfortunately, I can’t really talk about it right now.

DAMAN: You’ve been modeling for quite a while now. In all those years, what has been the biggest change in the world of modeling that you’ve witnessed?
Arthur Sales: Changes that stay are always for the better. In the industry I was always more concerned about the girls, but nowadays the fashion world has thankfully opened its eyes regarding concerns about their health and age. I always worked with the best brands in the world and I got a lot of respect early in my career. I’m very happy to see a lot of different people in the industry nowadays as I’m always saying: The sun can shine on everyone and you can have your space as well.

Sweater by Theory; suit by Ralph Lauren; jacket by Marlboro Classics

DAMAN: When a brand approaches you to walk on their runway show or star in their campaign, what is it that usually convinces you to take on the offer? What do you usually look for in a collaboration?
Arthur Sales: Quality and creativity, those are key for me. And I put a lot of trust on my agents Jason Kanner, Sarah and Sandy here at Soul Artist Management. They are always getting really good work for me, and I’m very thankful for that.

DAMAN: Conversely, what do you think do all of these brands see in you?
Arthur Sales: It’s more about personality than looks, I’m always showing my best version with a positive mindset that I will be getting that work.

DAMAN: If we could touch on your acting career as well, could you tell us about how you got your start in this field?
Arthur Sales: I was with a theater company in Los Angeles and the producers in Brazil called me to do some tests for some soap operas. And I passed. It wasn’t right away, however, and only after a few times trying and learning more about this new world.

DAMAN: On a related note, would you say that your experience as a model gave you an early advantage as an actor?
Arthur Sales: For sure. I started theater when I was young to develop skills for modeling and that helped me quite a bit. I had a lot of opportunities as an actor because I became famous as a model, which opened a lot of doors. I studied a lot as well. So, I was prepared at the right time.

Shirt by Theory; sweater by Vintage; trousers by 7 for All Mankind

DAMAN: What do you enjoy the most about acting? Which parts of the job do you like the best?
Arthur Sales: I love to discover what’s behind the character, their passions, past, loved ones and everything that’s inside them. I have a lot of fun playing another life. I learn a lot with it as I can put myself inside another world, so I became much more empathetic. Also, when I get the script, I can imagine the how the writer is working on it and thinking about that person, so I can do my best performance.

DAMAN: It goes without saying that you have a great physique. What’s your secret to stay in shape?
Arthur Sales: Working out and healthy foods. There is no secret. And stay away from things that can change your body or mind.

Suit by Acne Studios; sweater by Theory; shoes by Balenciaga

DAMAN: What is your number one piece of advice for new and aspiring models or actors looking to follow in your footsteps and make a name for themselves?
Arthur Sales: Focus, determination and a lot of studying. As an artist you are always absorbing the reality of what’s going on with the world. Be around good people and really good professionals, so you can extract your full potential.

DAMAN: These days, whether it’s in fashion or film and just about any other field, having a strong social media presence has become a major deciding factor. How important is being active on Instagram, Twitter, etc. for you?
Arthur Sales: Very important. Our portfolio and personal life nowadays have become inseparable. I only try to stay out of polemics.

Sweater by Theory; suit by Ralph Lauren; jacket by Marlboro Classics

DAMAN: And, of course, Instagram today is awash with IG models, fashion influencers and so on. What do you think about this phenomenon? Do you see them as competition or are they actually playing in a completely different field from you?
Arthur Sales: Everybody can get the light of the sun—this is definitely the truth. I love competition. I can only think that I want to do my best as always and don’t look to the sides or behind. Always look forward.

DAMAN: And our last question would be, what is your number one source of motivation?
Arthur Sales: Art and Investments.

Jacket by All Saints; pants by Ermenegildo Zegna

Suit by Acne Studios; sweater by Theory; shoes by Balenciaga

PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING ALDRIN PAUL DEL CARMEN
STYLING ASSISTANT LORETTO JONES
MODEL ARTHUR SALES/SOUL ARTISTS MANAGEMENT

Top Tier Brazilian Model Arthur Sales on His Career Journey and Challenges