Even though she has been modeling since 2016, Isabella became a runway fixture in less than a year of her debut. The Brazilian native earned herself exclusives with major fashion houses like Prada and Miu Miu and walked the runway for menswear, ready to wear, and couture for the likes of like Valentino, Mulberry, and Chanel. Not to be boxed in, Isabella represents the next phase of the Brazilian wave set to rock the industry. We caught up with her to talk about her career so far, her passion for modeling and her plans for the future.
Nationality: Brazilian
Hometown: Campinas - Sao Paulo - Brazil
Instagram: @isabellaridolfi
Have you always wanted to be a model? If not, what did you want to be growing up?
I never thought of being a model. But I've always been encouraged by relatives and friends. I wanted to be a lawyer or maybe a psychologist!
How were you scouted?
The first place I was scouted in front of the school, a scouter gave me a card from an agency. So I realized that maybe I would have some potential! I decided to go to Sao Paulo and sign up for a model contest, I was selected and signed with the agency!
How would you describe yourself as a model in three words?
Confident, persistent, focused
Your first modeling job?
My first modeling job was for a teen magazine in Brazil.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
For me, the most exciting aspect is to meet different countries and cultures! And also being part of the fashion world is great learning.
Is there anyone that you admire as a role model and why?
May seem cliche, but I admire Gisele Bundchen, not only for being an incredible model but also for using fame for important causes like the environment and for the help about the preservation of Amazon.
What's been your biggest OMG moment to date?
When I was exclusive to Prada! I think it was one of the best feelings I've had in my career, not only for being my first show in Europe but the opportunity to work with them!
What is your dream shoot/campaign?
I have a lot of dreams, like working with Steven Meisel, the campaign for Versace, Gucci, Prada, Stella Mccartney (I admire the brand and her for not using products of animal origin) and many others.
Biggest lesson that modeling has taught you?
I think the biggest lesson was learning is to be resilient. In this career we have to be patient and understand that everything happens at the right time! and that not everything will happen as you expect and it's okay!
What's the best life advice you've ever received?
It was my parents' advice! Do what makes you happy and follow your dreams. I am very grateful to them for always giving me freedom, support and trust me.
How do you stay in shape?
When I'm at home, I'm going to the gym! and when I'm traveling I do exercises at home with the help of an app.
What do you think about fashion? What does it mean to you?
Fashion for me means a way to express your personality without having to explain with words, fashion for me is a way to represent a year or an era, the way we live in the moment.
If you had to be head to toe in one designer brand for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Prada.
How would you describe your style?
I don't have a single style, it depends on my mood! I can be vintage one day and the other rocker, I don't like to define myself in one thing.
Denim or leather?
Both
Heels or flats?
Flats
Vintage or contemporary fashion?
Vintage
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate haha
If you were an emoji, which would you be and why?
Guitar, because I love rock music, and I dream of learning the guitar.
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Go out with my friends, play with my dog, and learning guitar in my free time.
What are you working on now and what do you dream of happening in the future?
I am giving priority to my career as a model, and trying to give my best! I always try to think about only in the present. But, in the future, I want to have done many jobs that I have always dreamed of!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
I see myself in the future financially stable, with my own house and maybe a farm, very happy with my work and looking for new places an countries to visit!
Check out Isabella's profile here and check back next week to find out who our next 'Model of the Week' is.
Thank you Isabella for this amazing interview!
Interview by: Clinton Gonsalvez
Special Thanks to Teizeen Haji @ Why Not Model Agency (Milan, Italy).
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