Gabriel Medina Turns 'Zoolander' for Striking New Underwear Modeling Gig (Photos)
In the words of Derek Zoolander: “I'm pretty sure there's more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.”
Sage wisdom from the fictional male model.
Gabriel Medina, on the other hand, has figured out that there’s more to life than that of a ridiculously good looking human. For him, it’s surfing. But on the side, it doesn’t hurt to flaunt what the big man upstairs gave you – especially if there’s a paycheck.
In his latest brand collaboration, the three-time surfing world champion has partnered with Brazilian underwear brand, Hope Lingerie. And although all the posts involving Medina, posing in skimpy boxer briefs, the surf star appears pretty stoked on the gear.
Despite the brand mainly catering to women, they do offer men’s products. Here’s their ethos: “It began in 1966 with hope – the hope that is in our name. We have a history of resilience, seizing opportunities and embracing challenges. We see difficulties as a chance to reinvent ourselves.”
And although this partnership isn’t anything brand new – Medina’s been modeling for the brand since October of last year, according to the socials – it is part of a new chapter for the Brazilian world champ, in terms of working with new, non-endemic companies.
Recently, he debuted a collab with an ice cream brand.
And before that, he parted ways with his longtime legacy surf brand sponsor, Rip Curl. Regarding that split, Medina penned the following eulogy:
“It’s been 17 years of a partnership that changed my life. Rip Curl believed in me when everything was still just a dream — and together, we achieved 3 world titles, countless trips, lessons, and moments I’ll carry with me forever.
“Today, a beautiful chapter comes to an end. The legacy is built, the story is written. As you say in Australia: ‘good job, mate.’ And it truly was — a partnership that worked.”
Where Medina will officially end up, in terms of marquee sponsor, next?
TBD.
But don’t count on it being a traditional surf brand.