In an industry where versatility is quickly becoming the defining currency of talent, Italian actor and model Francesco Dalli Cani is carving a lane uniquely his own, one that moves fluidly between cinematic storytelling and high-fashion performance. 

Based in Los Angeles and originally from Vicenza, Italy, Dalli Cani’s journey to the entertainment capital reflects both classical foundation and modern ambition. After earning his law degree in Italy, he relocated to the United States to pursue acting full time, graduating from the New York Film Academy with an MFA in Acting. Since then, he has steadily expanded his portfolio across film, commercial, and fashion spaces, approaching each discipline as an extension of the same craft: performance.

An Actor First

Dalli Cani’s artistic roots lie firmly in storytelling. His early theater training in Italy, paired with classical academic studies, shaped a performance style rooted in character psychology and transformation. That commitment recently culminated in a self-produced short film, where he portrayed dual opposing roles, undergoing a physical transformation and accent development to differentiate the two characters.

“The goal was to make audiences forget they were watching one actor,” he explains. “I wanted the illusion to hold until the credits.”

That immersive approach to his work has become a defining signature, one now translating beyond the screen.

Enter the Runway: Divinity LAFW

In October 2025, Dalli Cani made his professional runway debut at Divinity Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW), presented by Los Angeles fashion house Oliventa. Hosted inside the Porsche Showroom in Downtown Los Angeles, the luxury fashion event showcased nine designers in a spectacle where couture met automotive performance. Porsche vehicles were integrated directly into the runway design, transforming the show into a hybrid of engineering, fashion, and visual theater.

“It felt like stepping into a live-action art installation,” he says. “Fashion, lighting, cars — everything was cinematic.”

An Unexpected Casting Story

His involvement began not through modeling agencies, but through creative networking. While attending a private industry gathering, Dalli Cani met one of the show’s producers. A conversation about his acting work and personal aesthetic, which he describes as “Old Money Italian Peacock”, led to an invitation to audition. With no prior runway experience, he prepared from scratch.

“I built my own comp card, studied runway footage, and even booked a crash course on how to walk.”

The preparation paid off. He was cast immediately and later selected to walk specifically for Oliventa Clothing.

Backstage: Performance in Another Form

Show day unfolded in organized chaos, photographers, stylists, designers, and drone teams moving in synchronized urgency. For Dalli Cani, the environment felt surprisingly familiar.

“Backstage at a runway isn’t that different from a film set. It’s high energy, collaborative, and everyone is working toward one visual moment.”

He spent the day rotating between wardrobe, rehearsals, and staging areas,  networking with creatives while absorbing the mechanics of fashion production.

A Debut With Edge

His runway look introduced an unexpected twist. Styled in a dark green poncho–raincoat hybrid worn shirtless underneath, the aesthetic leaned into masculine elegance with avant-garde edge.

“It was last minute, and I was nervous, but that vulnerability actually helped the performance.”

Just like acting he approached the walk through character embodiment rather than simple presentation.

“Runway is silent acting. You tell a story without dialogue.”

Fashion as Character Work

This philosophy, treating fashion as performance, is what continues to blur the lines between his two careers. On screen, Dalli Cani builds characters through voice, movement, and psychology. On the runway, he channels mood, posture, and presence.

“One uses scripts. The other uses fabric. But both require emotional intention.”

The crossover has already yielded tangible momentum. Connections made backstage led to additional runway bookings, including another upcoming Divinity LAFW show scheduled for March 2026 at Hollywood Classic Cars.

Building a Dual Career

Now represented in both acting and modeling, Dalli Cani is strategically building a portfolio that allows each discipline to elevate the other. Fashion strengthens physical awareness and camera presence. Acting deepens narrative instinct and emotional accessibility. Together, they form a hybrid performer equally comfortable delivering monologues or commanding a luxury runway.

Looking Ahead

As he prepares a festival run for his upcoming short film while continuing runway appearances, Dalli Cani remains focused on long-term artistic range.

“My goal has never been to do just one thing. I want to exist where cinema, fashion, and performance intersect.”

In an entertainment landscape increasingly driven by multi-platform visibility, Francesco Dalli Cani represents a new generation of artist, one who understands that whether under studio lights or runway strobes, storytelling never stops.

You can follow his journey as a model and actor via his Instagram @francesco_dalli_cani