Izabel wears fragrance Givenchy Le Bouquet Absolu

VMAN Tell us a bit about your Brazilian heritage. 
IZABEL I was born and raised in São Carlos, a small town about 143 miles from São Paulo. I am a small-town girl at heart.

How did you get into modeling? And when was it clear this would be your calling?
I was discovered in a grocery store with my mother. Soon after I went for a meeting, and they mentioned I could travel the world. At that point, I was on board.

How old were you when you first traveled?
I was 17. I lived in Paris for about a year, then I came to New York when I was 18.

How often are you back in Brazil?
I am based in Brazil, so I spend a lot of time there. Being close to my roots keeps me grounded.

How did it feel to shoot on your home turf?
Very authentic and natural.

How do you bring your Brazilian mentality to New York? What’s something New Yorkers can learn from Brazilians?
I try to be calm and collected yet still full of life, even in the midst of the madness of NYC. Brazilians could help New Yorkers to appreciate how easy it is to live where you can get anything at any time. That type of convenience is really special.

What does fashion mean to Brazilians as compared with people in other parts of the world?
Fashion means a lot to the Brazilians. They take it rather seriously, and how could they not? Brazil has produced so many international top models: Gisele, Adriana, Alessandra, Raquel, Isabeli—the list is endless. Brazil also has its own fashion industry. Aside from maybe Russia, there is no other country that I know of that has produced so many international top models.

What’s your ideal summer day?
One spent with my dog and loved ones, surrounded by great food, smothered in sunlight, with no phones—just food, sun, love, and the sea!

TAGS: IZABEL GOULART, Mario Testino, models, VMAN 22