As of late, trailblazer Valentina Sampaio has accumulated a prominent list of bookings that are as significant to the trans model community she represents as her resume. As the first transgender model to land the cover of Vogue Paris, be featured in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and win a lucrative contract with Victoria’s Secret, Sampaio has used her noteworthy influence, and a buzzworthy blockchain initiative, to raise funds in support of LGBTQ+ charities that fight against anti-trans laws and sentiment that consistently threatens the community. Models.com spoke with the Brazilian model and actress who shared her thoughts on her recent NFT auction making history as the highest priced fashion NFT ever sold, her recent milestones, and the continued necessity of trans visibility.
How were you first scouted and do you remember your first modeling gig?
I was participating in fashion week which takes place in my hometown in Brazil every year. It was pretty local, but I knew all of the modeling agencies and scouts from São Paulo came there to find new faces. I was approached by a few scouts but nothing ever came out of those meetings. It wasn’t until 2015 when I met my current mother agent, Erio Zanon, who scouted me in Fortaleza. A year later, I confirmed my first cover for Elle Brazil, and a month after that, I found myself in Paris shooting cover of French Vogue with Mert & Marcus. It was an absolute dream come true!
Your NFT collaboration with blockchain company LUKSO and the accompanying short film “Lambada Dyed Red White Blue” became the highest-priced fashion item NFT sold of all time. What led to this collaboration and how did you go about selecting the LGBTQIA+ charities to raise proceeds for?
This project was such a labor of love for all involved. My agent, Christiana Tran first brought the idea to me, and together with my agency The Lions, our co-creative partners, and an inspiring all-trans cast, we set out to make history and we did! Along with Marjorie Hernandez at blockchain leader, LUKSO, and Kevin Monahan at EcoFi (who put in the winning bid), we brought together the fashion and blockchain communities to send a loud message of solidarity and love to transgender people and in support of LGBTQ+ charities Ali Forney Center, GLAAD, and Pride Live. Branislav Jankic and Jesse Ball’s film, together with NERI’s striking NFT, raised much-needed visibility for the alarming violence facing transgender women today. I want people to see our film and see trans joy in the face of this violence. Now we must all join together to create a better world where trans people can know we are valued and beautiful just as we are.
You’ve had many firsts — you were the first trans model to be booked for Victoria’s Secret back in 2019, the first to land a Vogue Paris cover and the first to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. How does it feel to have accomplished these accolades in less than 5 years?
I am grateful for the possibilities and opportunities that I’ve received thus far and believe that representation and visibility are crucial to the transformation needed to shift humanity in more uniting and uplifting ways. I hope that young trans women can see women like us out in the world in media and other cultural epicenters and come to know that trans women do belong. Our existence and visibility matter.
“…I hope that young trans women can see women like us out in the world in media and other cultural epicenters and come to know that trans women do belong. Our existence and visibility matter.”
You had your first Met Gala red carpet moment this month and with the theme, you posed the question in your NFT’s short film, “what is it like to be American when you are trans?” Can you describe your current perspective of living in America as a trans woman?
I was born and raised in Brazil, a country with the highest anti-trans fatal violence rate in the world. In Brazil, transgender people are seen as immoral and labeled as “perverted” – We are insulted, beaten, murdered. We are not given the basic human right to simply exist and thrive. I was heartbroken to find out that America is not so different, as this year will likely surpass 2020 in being the deadliest year for trans people in America, especially for trans women of color. It is important to understand that this is a worldwide issue, that requires an urgent call to action.
Do you have other creative interests aside from modeling?
I love health and wellness and love to do yoga and sports. I grew up in a humble fishing village so I’m very connected to nature, animals, and the element of water.
In June, you landed Victoria’s Secret contract and joined #TheVSCollective, how does it feel to be a part of the initiative and how do you plan on catalyzing positive change?
As a child, being in Victoria’s Secret was one of my biggest dreams. For a long time, I never thought it possible and was told over and over that it wasn’t. And because of the positive and powerful transformative shifts within the fashion industry in recent years, it’s been so wonderful to see the evolution of Victoria’s Secret brand. I’m honored to be a part of initiatives like VS Collective among other women who I truly admire. Together we have the shared commitment to welcoming, celebrating, and supporting all women. This is very inspiring to me.
What advice would you give to models, specifically within the trans community, trying to break into the industry?
We need to unite around ways to create more spaces for trans models, uplift us and tell our stories, and recognize the beauty of being trans. My advice to other trans models is: don’t compromise your true self, find people who love and celebrate you for who you are and who will support you along your journey. Build your community on love and unity and accept nothing less. The shift is happening…
