Women at a Miami Club Recognized Him First
In 1987, the model accepted assignments posing for romance-novel covers. He apparently had no idea that some of those books had already been printed and released.
But he would soon find his fame in the most
unexpected place. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star posed for a portrait with Brenda Joyce’s book “Scandalous Love” in New York, New York, on November 8, 1992. | Source: Getty Images
But he would soon find his fame in the most unexpected place. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star posed for a portrait with Brenda Joyce’s book “Scandalous Love” in New York, New York, on November 8, 1992. | Source: Getty Images
That changed during an evening at a Miami club. Three women approached and told
him that he looked exactly like the man pictured on their novels. He initially assumed they were flirting.
About 20 minutes later, the women returned carrying the books, and the resemblance was impossible to dismiss. When he finally saw the covers, he said, “Oh my God, that’s me. Yeah, that’s me. That’s weird.”
At first, he had no idea he was on any book covers. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star wore a tank top and jeans while leaning against a tree in Hawaii on January 1,
1993. | Source: Getty Images
At first, he had no idea he was on any book covers. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star wore a tank top and jeans while leaning against a tree in Hawaii on January 1, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
The accidental discovery opened an entirely different chapter in his career. His long hair, muscular build, and intensely romantic poses eventually appeared on more than 1,300 covers, turning him into one of the most recognizable figures in the genre.
Those images gave readers a
face for the heroes they imagined. Speaking about that connection in January 2025, he said romance novels allowed people to form their own fantasies and briefly step away from unhappy parts of their lives.
But book covers quickly led to partnerships with major luxury brands. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star promoted the “Mediterraneum” fragrance created for him by Versace in New York, New York, on October 6, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
But book covers quickly led to partnerships with major luxury brands. In this photo, the
iconic romance book cover star promoted the “Mediterraneum” fragrance created for him by Versace in New York, New York, on October 6, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
His appeal soon spread beyond publishing. Fitness videos, hair-care collaborations, and a Sam’s Club clothing line followed, along with appearances in movies such as “Dude, Where’s My Car?” and “Zoolander.”
The model had effectively become an influencer before social media gave that role a name. Ironically, he would later reject the platforms that made modern influencers famous.
He was an influencer long before that
term even existed. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star smiled as he held Czech-American businesswoman Ivana Trump in his arms during the “A Novel Affair” Fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy at Trump Tower in New York, New York, on October 25, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
He was an influencer long before that term even existed. In this photo, the iconic romance book cover star smiled as he held Czech-American businesswoman Ivana Trump in his arms during the “A Novel Affair” Fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy at Trump Tower in
New York, New York, on October 25, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
The Man Behind the Covers Is Fabio
The mystery model is Fabio Lanzoni, better known simply as Fabio. Born in Milan, he became a 1990s pop-culture fixture whose first name alone was enough to summon an image of windblown hair and an unbuttoned shirt.
His unbuttoned shirt and flowing long locks became his most recognizable signature look. In this photo, Fabio posed at the Vertical Club in New York City, New York, in 1994. | Source: Getty Images
His unbuttoned
shirt and flowing long locks became his most recognizable signature look. In this photo, Fabio posed at the Vertical Club in New York City, New York, in 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Fabio’s exaggeratedly romantic public persona made him easy to parody, but he was unusually disciplined away from the cameras. He trained constantly and maintained the physique that helped make him famous long after his peak modeling years.
His popularity also made him one of advertising’s most memorable faces. From 1994 until 2016, he served as a spokesperson for “I
Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” and appeared in numerous commercials that helped turn the product’s name into a familiar catchphrase.
His stunning looks were no accident, as he maintained a remarkably disciplined workout routine. In this photo, he wore a tuxedo and bow tie while attending the 32nd Annual National Association of Television Program Executives Convention and Exhibition at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 23, 1995. | Source: Getty Images
