ONES2WATCH: INGRID VINA AT PRM

MEET & GREET WITH INGRID VINA AT PRM words Maisie Daniels - photography Ieva Lesmane - fashion Maisie Daniels - hair & makeup Emilie Louizides

Brazilian born beauty Ingrid Vina made her way to London from another great city, Salvador, Bahia in order to peruse a promising career in modelling, where she is signed by PRM. Ingrid has had her sights set on modelling from a young age and it was the knock-backs and bullying that she endured that only made her more determined, driving her passion for this field. Ingrid decided to leave modelling for a while, however - and much to our gratitude - her strength of character and self-belief led to her participating in a Ford Models contest in Brazil, where things kicked off and her professional journey in modelling began. This exciting journey has continued to London, where she has walked for the likes of Huishan Zhang and Asai Take, amongst many other exciting things.

It is clear that this young woman has all the determination and drive one needs in order to succeed in the world of fashion, and it is clear that family is also very important to Ingrid. Here at F Word we got the chance to discover more surrounding Ingrid’s origins, her personality, and her views. And it is this, combined with her distinctly desirable looks that we have no doubt that she is one to be watching.

Maisie Daniels: Hey Ingrid, thanks so much for being involved in our Ones2Watch feature. So tell me, how old are you and where are you from? Ingrid Vina: I'm 21 years old and I'm Brazilian. I was born on the island of Itaparica, Bahia.

M.D: How was it growing up there? I.V: I was raised by my father's family from the age of six months. I am grateful for the family that I have, my uncles and aunties took care of me and still do, especially my Aunt Binha, my heart mother, who always believed in my dreams. I love her very much. I was always considered very different from the others - I suffered bullying at school, or even among acquaintances because they said that I was too thin. That was a very sad time in my life. I went to the big city, Salvador, and there I studied Public Relations, where I lived since I was 17 years old, but I put my studies on hold to travel and go into the fashion world. My family continues to live in my city, so whenever I can I'm back.

M.D: Do you find London to be much different than Brazil? I.V: Yes; in parts. I find that in London the culture is much colder than back home. You know, Brazilians are known for being warm and welcoming to the extreme. It is a different culture for sure and not only that but a different time zone which can make things challenging. But most people are welcoming, as in Brazil.

M.D: How often do you visit home? I.V: A few times, when I have holidays at the agency is when I usually go back. This is one of the hardest parts of being a model, the longing to be back with the family.

M.D: How did you get into modelling? I.V: I watched a lot of TV and I always saw Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, and other amazing women with instigating stories who were bullied just like me. I started comparing myself and also dreaming that I could be a model. I actually started to model when I was 12 years old, I participated in several model contests and received a "No" from everyone. I participated in some castings and selective processes at agencies in my city but those didn't work out. I travelled a lot trying it every city I went to but I did not have good experiences at the time. It was just a huge struggle to get myself signed. Then I decided to take a break from trying. I was doing freelance jobs in my city and I continued studying. I continued with this until an opportunity arose to participate in a Ford Models contest in Brazil, the Super Model of the World. Then things shifted and changed for me as I got signed. I practically restarted my career from scratch again but this time in a more professional and mature way. I then had the opportunity to travel to London and got signed at PRM.

M.D: What type of modelling work have you been doing since moving to London? I.V: I walked during London Fashion Week for Huishan Zhang and Asai Take Shows. I have also done editorials, shootings, and other shows.

M.D: Is the industry in London much different than the one in Brazil? I.V: Yes. I have noticed that mostly when I am shooting an editorial. The styles and even the way people develop creative ideas here is much different than the ones you will find back home. Here it seems like the aspect of searching for different identities is given more space. Like in Brazil things are more commercial and very structured and you don't get to "portray a character" when you are on set; here, it is more artistic and free.

Indrid wears total look ADIDAS

M.D: It must have been both a scary and exciting experience when you moved to London. Can you tell me about this? I.V: Yes. It was definitely a big step for me as that was the first time I left Brazil; it was a shock for me. The different culture, the extreme cold, the different language, all this was part of the change and a good challenge.

M.D: Can you tell me 3 words to sum up London for you? I.V: Vintage, cold and beautiful.

M.D: What would be your dream campaign and why? I.V: My childhood dream is to walk for Victoria Secrets because I believe it's the high point of a modelling career.

M.D: If you weren’t modelling, what do you think you would be doing? I.V: It's a difficult question because I love what I do, but I think I would be finishing my Public Relations degree and then looking for a job in the field.

M.D: What would you say is your life motto? I.V: Live and be free!

M.D: Who are your favourite designers/brands?

I.V: I admire several brands like Balmain, the designer Olivier Rousteing, Michael Kors, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and his new stylist, and of course, Virgil Abloh.

Ingrid wears total look Ellesse

M.D: If you could be a superhero for the day, what would be your special power, and why? I.V: I wish I could help everyone, because there are many people who need better living conditions, and I dream of a better and more equal world.

M.D: Can you share with us one of your most memorable experiences while growing up? I.V: I remember dancing to the sound of Michael Jackson with my father when I was a child. This memory makes miss home a lot.

M.D: A place in the world you would love to visit: I.V: Thailand.

M.D: If you had one ticket to visit Mars to give to someone, who would that person be? I.V: I wanted to have tickets for my whole family [laughs] but I would take my aunt Binha, my main motivator.

M.D: Favourite food: I.V: Shrimp moqueca, typical food from my city.

M.D: A song that describes your life the best: I.V: I like Miss Independent - Ne-Yo.

M.D: What is your favourite F-word? I.V: Faith.

Words: Maisie Daniels

Photography: Ieva Lesmane

Fashion: Maisie Daniels

Hair & Make up: Emilie Louizides