Sonia Benito hand-modeled in a new Alexa Chung campaign for Madewell. Her unique skillset has landed her work with brands like Samsung and Nespresso.
In the hit Hollywood movie franchise Now You See Me, the actors were not the ones performing the occasional skillful displays of playing cards. Their hands were "doubled" by performers like Dan and Dave Buck, two magicians who are widely credited for inspiring the popularity of cardisty.
Many prominent magicians have lent their hands to major productions for their unique skills, but that's not the full extent of this type of contribution.
Producers in need of a skillful pair of hands, even with no magic tricks required, may often turn to magicians.
One notable example is The Thing, portrayed as a disembodied hand in the 90's Addams Family films by magician Christopher Hart and, in the event Netflix series, by magician Victor Dorobantu.
Among professional hand models, London-based magician Sonia Benito has become a go-to name for commercials that require beautiful, consistent movements and a strong awareness of body use.
Because of her background as a magician and a dancer, brands would reach out to her not only for her magic skills but also for her ability to choreograph elegant movements and maintain consistency throughout a day of shooting.
