{"id":140494,"date":"2021-10-28T09:55:31","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T13:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=140494"},"modified":"2023-03-18T18:12:28","modified_gmt":"2023-03-18T22:12:28","slug":"valentina-sampaio-is-using-nfts-to-uplift-the-trans-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=140494","title":{"rendered":"Valentina Sampaio is Using NFTs to Uplift the Trans Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of late, trailblazer Valentina Sampaio<\/a> 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How were you first scouted and do you remember your first modeling gig?<\/strong>
\nI 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 S\u00e3o Paulo came there to find new faces. I was approached by a few scouts but nothing ever came out of those meetings. It wasn\u2019t 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<\/a>, and a month after that, I found myself in Paris shooting cover of French Vogue with Mert & Marcus<\/a>. It was an absolute dream come true!<\/p>\n

Your NFT collaboration with blockchain company LUKSO and the accompanying short film \u201cLambada Dyed Red White Blue\u201d 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?<\/strong>
\nThis 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\u2019s film, together with NERI\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>\n
\n
View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Valentina Sampaio (@valentts)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n