Starting off as an exclusive for the Prada S/S 16 show, Brazilian model Barbara Valente was already on a stellar path towards success and securing monumental milestones in her career. Modeling wasn’t always in the cards for Valente, as she initially practiced martial arts with her father in her hometown in Salvador, Brazil, and was certain she would make a profession out of it, until, as she says, “modeling chose her.” As a muse for Bottega Veneta and having over 10 campaigns with top clients like Mugler, Max Mara, and just recently Fendi, as well as working with renowned creatives like Tyrone Lebon and Haley Wollens, it’s safe to say that the Top 50 model has earned her accolades. Models.com spoke to the Brazilian model about walking for Balenciaga’s Fall ’22 show, reinforcing kindness, and her goals going into the new year.
Photo by Davit Giorgadze | Image courtesy of Canvas Management
How were you first scouted?
I had been working part-time jobs since I was 16, until my cousin who lives in Spain, asked me if I would like to be a model and I said to myself, “why not?”. So he then introduced me to his friend, who introduced me to a few agencies in Brazil. This happened in 2015. That same year, I made my exclusive debut for Prada.
What has been your most memorable moment on set so far?
When I opened Bottega Veneta for the second time, I remember holding my tears back after my first look. Daniel’s confidence in my potential is something I will never forget. I am incredibly grateful for all the experiences I have had working with them.
You made it to the top 50 rankings last December, what motivates you to keep striving in your career?
Since I was a child, my most important goal has been freedom. To achieve that, I started working very young, until this career chose me. That was when I fulfilled my dream to leave my hometown. My job gives me the freedom I strive for and the capacity to support my loved ones. Because of that, I’ve learned to appreciate and understand this career. I’ve always been very strong-willed — when I set my goals, no one can stop me, and since I started modeling, my objectives have been to make the most of it. Along the way, and with every accomplishment I make, like making it into the top 50, it gives me the energy and confidence to keep moving until I achieve everything I strive for.
Photo by Barbara Valente at Balenciaga’s Fall ’22 show | Image courtesy of Canvas Management
You recently walked in Balenciaga’s Fall 22 show. As this was your first time walking for the brand, how was that experience for you?
I realized that I am growing in my career and proving to myself I can get anything I want, even with what seemed impossible in the past. Also, working for a brand that beyond being super creative, maintains a very welcoming and warm environment made the whole experience even more incredible. It reinforced my belief that fashion should be about creation and inspiration in a lighthearted way and not about living in a parallel universe.
I recall that you’re also a martial artist. How did you get into martial arts and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I started by training in my hometown with my father, but I’ll admit that I’ve been a bit lazy about it since the beginning of the pandemic. I eventually found this community center where they taught martial arts to people who couldn’t afford classes. At that point, I had grown to love it so much that I initially wanted to become a professional, since I had not only learned kickboxing but the many life values that my teacher had instilled in me.
What other interests do you have aside from modeling?
I like documentary photography a lot. I admire it because it reveals so many realities that people can only get to know through the lens of someone else. It’s a conversation with one another – the viewer, the photographer, and the subject. I also enjoy aromatherapy, and I’m very into cosmetics manufacturing, astrology, and writing as well.
Photo by Chris Rhodes | Image courtesy of Canvas Management
You had quite a busy 2021! What is one thing you have to do before you start a workday and why?
I’ve always pushed myself a lot, maybe too much. I’ve always been independent and on the move, which has caused me a lot of anxiety about what today will become, what tomorrow will bring. I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes and appreciated my decisions that turned out to be good ones. It was made possible through a lot of psychoanalysis. I learned that I have to take things easy when it’s about my job and that every job is as important as the other. On the morning of a job, I wake up very early, play some music, and calmly start my morning rituals, trying to feel present. On my way to the studio, I ask the Universe for protection against any external energy and to help me see the lightness within the moment.
Is there anyone that you look up to in the industry and why?
I admire everyone behind the scenes who makes the final product. I also admire my agents, who listen to my career perspectives, respect me as a person, and help me build my professional growth with a lot of wisdom. They’re with me on the good days and on the days when I need advice.
Which designers you’d like to work with that you haven’t already?
Peter Do, Hedi Slimane and Anthony Vaccarello.
Photo by Gregory Scaffidi | Image courtesy of Canvas Management
As your job requires a lot of traveling, how has it been navigating travel with the ongoing pandemic?
The start of the pandemic brought a lot of anxiety and fear. I had just returned to the high-fashion world by opening Bottega; I didn’t know how 2020 would be, as no one knew much about COVID-19 at the time. Thanks to the Universe, I did a lot of home-shoots, so I safely made money, and even when I had to travel, I was overly cautious. By the end of 2020, I moved to Europe and started traveling a lot, but by then we had a better picture of what was going on, so it was easier to navigate through the anxiety.
Have your routines and priorities shifted at all due to the pandemic? If so, how?
Yes. I started looking into myself and my internal issues, and I decided to take care of them and not hide them under the rug. That’s when I started doing psychoanalysis, which helped me immensely to handle my fears and anxieties caused by the pandemic. I also decided to visit my country, and see my family and friends more often. They have always supported me in the most challenging times.
What are some of your goals going into 2022?
I am going through a moment of getting to know myself better, so my biggest goal is to be kind to myself in every step of the process, achievement, and realization. Professionally, I want to achieve what the Universe considers to be mine. Everything is always on its time, there’s no need to rush, just enjoy this fantastic ride.
Photo by Maria Papelanova | Image courtesy of Canvas Management
