“Originally from Montreal, Canada, Dana is a model, actress, and non-fiction editor living in Brooklyn. As a model, she has worked with top photographers, brands, and magazines, including Bruce Weber, Ellen Von Unwerth, Michelangelo di Batista, Greg Kadel, Clarins, Garnier, L’Oreal, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, among others. In 2014, she started Aftertastes, a non-fiction literary website that focuses on food stories. She has a few tiny scenes in some movies coming out next year, of which she is really proud. She still likes going nuts to Led Zeppelin. ”
Bodysuit, Zara ; Jeans, Vintage Levi’s
on her morning routine
In the summers, I wake up early, between 6:30 and 7. Brush my teeth, rinse my face. I'm in the middle of reading The Artist's Way—it's kind of hippie, I know—so for the last month and a half, I've been waking up and writing Morning Pages: three handwritten, steam-of-consciousness pages first thing upon waking. I finish them around the time my fiancé wakes up, and then I shower and get dressed while he puts on music, makes us coffee and breakfast.
on how she got into modeling
I was scouted outside of my university, and modeled part-time throughout college. The day after I graduated, I moved to Paris to pursue it full-time. After Paris, I moved to London, and then to New York. One of the best things about modeling has been the opportunity for travel. I’ve visited places that I most likely would never have seen otherwise: Maldives, Seoul, Tokyo, Mallorca, among others. I have always loved the performance of modeling: how, after styling and hair and makeup, you no longer look like yourself, and how posing is its own expression, how it sometimes feels like dancing or acting. Pursuing acting fully now, I realize how beneficial modeling has been, in terms of understanding camera frame and on-camera behavior, and also in recognizing the similarities between a big casting and a big audition—how to handle myself in a room full of powerful people.
on her non-fiction literary website, aftertaste
Aftertastes began out of an idea to play with the form of a recipe, to make it its own literary form. Originally I wanted to make a cookbook that told stories. I was reading a lot of cookbooks at the time. A friend persuaded me to make a website instead. From there, it was easy to expand into essays and interviews. I emailed my writer friends asking if they would contribute, and so many of them did with such beautiful pieces of writing. I am still so grateful to them. It’s been almost two years now, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with and edit such talented people since.
on her favorite books
A literary friend recommended Life is Meals by James Salter to me after I started Aftertastes. James Salter and his wife Kay hosted elaborate dinner parties, and together they compiled this book, which is a collection of stories and meals, personal, historical; funny or dire; every page is a delight. I also love The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis, The Vermont Plays: Four Plays by Annie Baker, Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, The Flesh, and L.A. by Eve Babitz and The Diary of Virginia Woolf, Vol. 2: 1920-1924.
on her beauty routine
My BFF turned me onto organic essential oils, and I’ve been using them for about a year. I’m into Laurel Skin (their antioxidant facial serum and anti-inflammatory serum) and Pai Rosehip Oil and Marie Veronique. My beauty routine is basically 1) wash face and 2) put oil on face. At night I use Marie Veronique’s Gentle Retinol Serum, then one of the above oils, depending on my mood. Two to three times a week I exfoliate: I switch between Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder or Peter Thomas Roth’s FirmX Peeling Gel, which, when you massage onto your face, makes your dead skin pill like wool—it’s pretty cool. I also use OLAPLEX Hair Perfector No. 3, Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne Intense Cologne Intense Spray, Glossier’s Boy Brow, Rms Beauty "Un" Cover-up 55 and L'Oréal Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara.
on her favorite records
I got food poisoning about a month ago and, after being sick all night, I spent all day lying on my floor listening to that Gerswhin album. I have no idea why but it was extremely comforting. It was like trying to nap while rewatching your favorite movie. I also love Joni Mitchel’s For The Roses, Joan Baez’ Diamonds & Rust and Kate & Anna McGarrigle’s Love Over and Over.
top, everlane ; pants, creatures of comfort ; shoes, everlane ; bag, proenza schouler
““Use a wet makeup sponge when putting on concealer or foundation, for a more buffed and natural look. Heat your eyelash curler with your hairdryer for a second before curling your eyelashes—makes the curl hold better. Just be careful not to make your curler too hot.””
on fashion and style
My quotidian fashion aesthetic is easy basics meets excited teen. Vintage denim and a t-shirt or bodysuit, and oxford shirts in the winter. Patterned socks and keds. Once in a while I try harder and put together something more elaborate. I live in Everlane, but I also love Creatures of Comfort, Zara, The Vintage Twin, and Reformation.
Dana’s favorite spots in NYC
Lincoln Station in Crown Heights for their Kale Salad or Avocado Sandwich
Court Street Grocers (any of their locations, though I’m partial to the original) for the best sandwiches for any mood
Dive bars: Abilene’s in my hood for late drinks on a Tuesday. Dive 75 on the Upper West Side because they have free candy and board games.
Black and Gold for cold brew and record shopping
Shen Beauty and Treatment by Lanshin for organic skincare and cosmetics
Dress; J Crew ; Bag, Proenza Schouler
Photography by Lanna Apisukh