"Utah-hailed Hans Wiener is the long-overdue talent who is now a prodigy of modern youth. Much to our over-eager surprise, his profound vision cites opinions prompt to make your head turn big time. Hailing from the US, since graduation and past the attainment of various real-life jobs tossed in the bag, his career took a life-changing spin for the better – and we are so here for it. The translation of personal narratives into fashion and the media industry is heavily influenced by his upbringing, powering a mantra suffused by mindfulness that speaks: “Never give up your sense of self to be more like someone you think has success. Originality is the only thing that matters, cheating, lying, stealing only deteriorate the soul. Pay it forward.”. Purposeful words for us all, that reward repeated listening. Trust us, we have a good feeling in the pit of our stomachs about this chap. Take a peek below, you’ll most likely agree.
Taking it back to the very beginning – how did it all start out for you?
So, I’m Fucking Young, right? And I’m skiing, my dad has got a rope around me so I can’t get loose, cause I’m only two, but occasionally he’ll “release the missile” (I’m the missile). This time, however, he tells me not to hit the banana peel twenty yards on the snow in front of me, but I go right for it and literally slip on it. Since then, I went on to be named Best Young Skier in North America by Sports Illustrated for Kids. That anecdote acts as a metaphor for my life today—sometimes we cannot avoid problems, but can learn from them and bounce back, instead of quitting, which is sad.
Three words that describe your best self are…
Observant, original, and resilient.
How were you discovered? Tell us about your feelings when you happened to sign your first contract.
The first contract I ever signed was for a Ski sponsor, 4FRNT. The first time I saw my picture in a magazine was in the seventh grade for Hestra, a glove company that sponsored me. If we’re talking about modeling, I was scouted riding the six train to Aster Place where I was staying with my cousin, right after I graduated from Trinity College, I was in the city interviewing for jobs in Real Estate. (I inherited of sense of architecture, location, and taste from my Grandpa and plan on using it someday), but at a pretentious interview at The University Club I said there were seven boroughs in New York, they’re only five. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job, but at least I let the guy win at pool. Since then, I never let people win, just ask Kit Butler. Yet, after starting out at a small agency in Utah, signing with Wilhelmina, after they’d rejected me the year prior, was a great victory. Since then, I told them they didn’t care enough about me, and signed with Q. Now I’m placed all around the world. How’s Wilhelmina’s New York office doing today? Right, everyone’s gone.
Who’s been the best client to work with?
Sperry Topsider was amazing. I’ve never been treated so well in the modeling community. I shot their SS19 Campaign in Newport, RI. When everybody is on it, with the understanding they are part of something larger than themselves, at least for the moment, it produces this energy, a sort of tuning fork rings, that humming vivacity fills everyone with a rallying cry of inspiration. It was exactly what I was looking for after I quit my desk job—now the only time I wear a suit and tie is on set, or at a premier—and my bosses’ wives and girlfriends like my shit.
Favorite modeling experience so far?
I was supposed to work for Wrangler with the Professional Bull Riding association. They were making me my own cowboy hat, and as a kid from Utah who grew up going to rodeos and riding horses, that’s a dream come true. Sadly, COVID-19 had other plans; however, I realize I’m not the only one who missed out due to the pandemic. In fact, so many people have it so much worse than me and my heart goes out to them. Matter of fact, the night I left New York, the entire Virginia Commonwealth University varsity basketball team was scheduled to play their final at the Nets Stadium, but instead, they were at the airport, the game was canceled. I hope they will get their chance to play, I will get my chance to cowboy, and anyone who doesn’t is reincarnated so they can, too.
Shooting in Mykonos this past fall for the launch of a fragrance campaign was everything I wanted modeling to be. It was my first time in Greece. The island is poetic heaven. I love Greek mythology. It was my moment to embody Perseus. Also, the food was amazing and I wasn’t scared to get my strength up, meanwhile, the whole team couldn’t believe I was eating so much and weren’t scared to talk shit, they didn’t realize I understand Italian. I love situational irony. The final day, we were shooting my main shots and they’d rush me back to video village on the beach to congratulate me on the photograph, which was a great feeling especially after they’d all doubted me because I was enjoying the lamb chops, pita bread, and tzatziki.
How’s it been for you since commencing?
I’ve met great, interesting people, felt better than I’ve known was possible, worse and lower like it would never be light again, made enemies and I’m on my way to becoming a character. When there are over three hundred kids for one job, the odds aren’t in your favor. A lot of the time you have to do battle against people who don’t even know why they want it—just for the fame, easy money, because they were scouted and don’t know better. However, if you want to create and are after the craft, the process of becoming great, it’s the only way. I’m still fighting, I’m still struggling, I’m still losing more castings than getting bookings, but I’m still fighting and always will. And when I say fighting, I mean it in the poetic sense. Violence is rarely the answer—in the case of World War II, Germany, and her allies, it most certainly was. Never let anyone take your things. If they hit you first, hit them back twice as hard. Evil must be stamped out of this great Earth. There are many forms of it. Trust your gut.
Could you give us a fun anecdote about yourself?
Due to a slow January last year, and a verified account in my DM, I was flown out to LA in March, auditioning for what was supposed to the biggest reality-dating show ever. It ended up being the biggest fucking joke ever. Fox lost millions of dollars; I made a fool of myself acting as I cared about one of the contestants, when in fact I was in love with a smart, honest, proper lady back home. On the bright side, I called the winner of the entire competition, a quarter-million-dollar bet, and didn’t have to hook up with any of the low caliber trash, and Kristen Cavallari told me I was her favorite, which was nice, but not that big of a win, considering my competition. I don’t care if they read this, the tears were fake, Brittany. I’m a good actor, but not a great one, yet.
Essentials to bring along your travels for a last-minute job are…
Skateboard, comfy hoodie, wooden top (spinner) and good luck charm, also Chippy.
As a greatly esteemed model across social media, what are your thoughts concerning the whole Instagram thing?
Well, thank you for that. I bleed followers every single day, it’s crazy. I think they just want to see me naked. Seriously though, like any good addiction, I wish it didn’t exist. The instant release has ruined Ski movies, a niche culture very dear to my heart. On top of that, my ex says she hates my Instagram and always thought the man she’d marry wouldn’t have one, yet she spends all her time on hers, her dog’s, or a secret account she used to stalk my follows, followers, and any stories I was mentioned in. It sounds kind of toxic, but it’s introduced me to you, so that’s fucking awesome. Like anything in this world, it has the power to be used for good, much more easily used for bad, which gives humans the ultimate test. I’m sure just like MySpace is a fossil lost in a dusty quarry, Facebook on its heels, Instagram will soon follow suit for something even quicker, sexier, and lamer, and believe me, it’s not TikTok.
Do you feel empowered through your social media channels? If so/not, how come?
When I’m feeling down, or missing friends and family, it’s really nice to scroll through my feed and be reminded where I’ve been and where I came from. Girls are really nice and ask me to marry them, the occasional kid tells me I’ve inspired them and that’s an amazing feeling. I’m in this industry because of films like Gladiator, True Romance, Jaws, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Someone, something gives you this feeling in your core, in your bones, you’re compelled to do it, get there, no matter what it takes, no matter who talks and laughs, and usually it’s the people you’re closest to, which can be the hardest.
What do you wish you could have done differently throughout your journey?
I could have started younger, but I’m happy about the life experience I have, the places I’ve been, the degrees I’ve earned, the “real” jobs I’ve quit and been fired from.
Any major inspirations?
Paul Newman.
Biggest remorse?
The general lack of ego in the world.
What’s the wisest lesson you’ve learned about being in the industry?
Good question. There’s probably somebody hungrier, working harder, younger, fitter, and more willing to sacrifice anything to get the top. Never give up your sense of self to be more like someone you think has success. Originality is the only thing that matters, cheating, lying, stealing only deteriorate the soul. Pay it forward.
Any advice to give the young wave of aspiring models, wanting to venture into such field?
People will tell you don’t. They’ll give you some sad case story about how they failed. If you want it, really want it, look them dead in the eye and say, “Fuck you.” Or, just go out and do it and let your work speak for itself, that’s probably more polite and hits even harder.
Photography & Styling: Gabe Araujo @gabearaujo
Model: Hans Wiener @hanswiener at Q Model Management @qmodels." - Fuckingyoung.es
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