Christiano Wennmann, a pizzaiolo at Scarr’s in the Lower East Side, has transformed from a pizza maker to an international model. His journey began when he was scouted while working at the popular pizzeria by a devotee who worked for designer Willy Chavarria. This led to Wennmann walking in Chavarria’s Paris fashion week show and landing major campaigns with brands like Tinder. The success story made headlines due to its unlikely origin from pushing pizzas to strutting down the runway.
Wennmann credits Scarr’s for being the catalyst in his modeling career. The pizzeria, known for having a dedicated following, provided the perfect opportunity for him to be discovered. Owner Scarr Pimentel supported Wennmann’s big break and encouraged him to pursue the life-changing opportunity. Despite his newfound success in the fashion industry, Wennmann continues to work at Scarr’s, maintaining a balance between his day job and his modeling career.
After getting noticed at Scarr’s, Wennmann found himself walking the runway at Paris fashion week for Willy Chavarria. The experience was nerve-wracking for the Queens native, but Chavarria’s pep talk reassured him and helped him gain confidence. Following his appearance in the fashion show, Wennmann was signed by a major modeling agency, leading to campaigns and editorials for various fashion magazines. His Instagram following also saw a significant increase, and he remains a prominent figure in the Scarr’s Pizza Cookbook.
Despite his newfound success, Wennmann remains grounded and true to his roots. Having struggled with sobriety in the past and dropping out of college, he was initially just looking for any job to make ends meet. Working in the pizza industry ignited his passion for making pies, and he found fulfillment in crafting delicious dishes behind the oven. Wennmann’s humility and dedication to his craft set him apart in the cutthroat world of modeling and fashion.
Reflecting on his journey from pulling pizzas out of the oven to strutting on runways, Wennmann acknowledges the support he received from his colleagues and employer at Scarr’s. The unexpected turn of events has catapulted him into a world of high fashion and international recognition. Whether he’s posing for a photo shoot or making pizza for customers, Wennmann remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way while staying true to himself and where he came from. This Cinderella story serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams, showing that success can come from the most unexpected places.
