Ingrid Prado je brazilski model čije iskustvo u modnoj industriji traje već 7 godina. Od samih početaka karijere, putuje i radi širom sveta, u više od 8 različitih zemalja. Njena karijera je počela u Milanu 2018. godine, a od tada je stekla iskustvo u različitim delovima sveta, uključujući Evropu, Aziju, Južnu i Severnu Ameriku, kao i Bliski Istok.
Ingrid je počela kao model visoke mode, šetajući pistama za važne modne revije. Međutim, tokom godina, proširila je svoje polje delovanja i sada se uspešno bavi i komercijalnim modeliranjem, uključujući kampanje, editorijale i spoljna snimanja. Njen portfolio obuhvata saradnju sa poznatim brendovima poput Pume, Calvin Kleina i Tommyja.
Iako je njena karijera impresivna, put do uspeha nije bio lak. Ingrid je potekla iz skromnih uslova i morala je rano da počne da radi kako bi podržala sebe i svoje obrazovanje. Međutim, njena upornost i vera u svoj san su je vodili napred. Nakon što je otkrivena putem Instagrama, potpisala je svoj prvi međunarodni ugovor i započela svoju modnu avanturu u Milanu.
Danas, Ingrid je inspiracija mnogim mladim devojkama širom sveta. Aktivna je na društvenim mrežama, gde deli svoj rad, rutinu vežbanja, putovanja i životni stil. Njena priča je podsetnik da snovi mogu postati stvarnost, bez obzira na izazove koje život postavlja pred nas.
Koji momenat u modeling karijeri vam je najdragoceniji?
Biti model znači biti spreman na sve. Jednog dana, mogu prošetati pistom na komercijalnoj reviji bikinija, a sledećeg dana mogu biti pred kamerom za visokomodnu kampanju. Svaki angažman donosi svoje jedinstveno uzbuđenje i radost. Ali ako bih morala da izaberem omiljen trenutak, ništa ne može da nadmaši uzbuđenje piste. Revije mi pružaju priliku da oslobodim svoju ličnost i osetim se apsolutno moćno.
Koliko je putovanje važno za vas? Koja vam je omiljena destinacija i zašto?
Imala sam privilegiju da nazovem više od 8 različitih zemalja domom tokom svoje karijere u modelingu, čineći putovanje neodvojivim aspektom svog zanimanja. Diversifikacija baze je ključna za uspešnu karijeru u modelingu. Živeći na različitim lokacijama, kontinuirano sakupljam obogaćujuća iskustva i sprečavam profesionalnu stagnaciju, izbegavajući rizik od prekomerne zasićenosti određenim brendovima ili tržištima. Kada osetim potrebu za promenom, to sa ljubavlju nazivam ‘sezonom’.
Tokom svake sezone, potpuno se uronim u novo područje sveta. Takođe, ako sam, na primer, bazirana u Evropi, mogu otići na kratko fotografisanje na Bliski Istok. Izvan radnih obaveza, uživam u putovanjima u svoje slobodne dane, proširujući svoju listu poseta na preko 30 zemalja. Među mojim omiljenima su očaravajući ostrva Kariba, mirni Maldivi i nadrealni pejzaži Islanda.
Nakon što ste godinama radili u industriji, šta možete reći o aspektima modnog posla koji možda nisu poznati o ovom poslu?
Modna industrija nije uvek tako glamurozna kako ljudi misle. Suprotno popularnom verovanju, modeling nije samo o životu na ‘lagan’ način. To je jedno od najtežih zanimanja – izuzetno konkurentno, zahteva brzu adaptaciju na nove kulture i ljude, i često je obeleženo nestabilnošću. Plus, postoji očekivanje savršenstva koje lebdi nad svime. Morala sam razviti debelu kožu, posebno suočavajući se sa oštrom kritikom od nekih ljudi iz industrije.
Na početku svoje karijere, iako sam imala savršene mere i težila samo 48kg pri 1.74cm visine, ipak sam morala da podnesem ekstremne mere poput posta od 72 sata samo da bih skinula nekoliko centimetara sa kukova za modnu reviju. A onda je tu bio i kasting u Milanu gde su mi rekli da nikada neću uspeti jer ne odgovaram njihovom idealu lepote – to je udarac na ego.
Ovakvi izazovi perzistiraju kroz celu karijeru u modelingu, zbog čega je briga o mentalnom zdravlju jednako važna kao i održavanje fizičkog izgleda. Stavljam tačku na to da imam nedeljne sesije sa terapeutom kako bih ojačala svoju otpornost i ostala čvrsto ukorenjena usred haosa industrije.
Da li verujete da žene imaju odgovornosti prema mlađim ženama, da im pomognu u njihovim karijerama?
Moja karijera je san mnogih mladih devojaka, baš kao što je to bio i za mene pre sedam godina. Odrastajući u skromnim okolnostima, nisam imala mnogo izgleda. Morala sam početi da radim od malih nogu da bih sastavila kraj s krajem.
Sve je počelo tokom mojih školskih dana u Sao Paolu, Brazil. Dok sam se pripremala za prijemne ispite za fakultet, zatekla sam se na ulicama pod žarkim suncem, deleći novine prolaznim automobilima na semaforima za 10 dolara dnevno, radeći sedam sati svaki dan samo da bih preživela.
Odande, preuzela sam juniorske uloge u velikim kompanijama i radila kao promoter događaja, da bih kasnije prihvatila male modeling poslove za lokalne prodavnice u Sao Paolu. Kroz sve to, čvrsto sam se držala svog sna, verujući u njegovo konačno ostvarenje.
U 2018. godini, sve se promenilo kada me matična agencija u Ukrajini otkrila putem posta na Instagramu. Predstavili su me mojoj prvoj modeling agenciji, i potpisala sam svoj prvi međunarodni ugovor, odlazeći u Milano, Italiju, da započnem svoju modeling karijeru.
Deljenje moje priče nije iscrtavanje savršene slike. Radi se o pokazivanju da snovi mogu postati stvarnost uprkos skromnim počecima. Nadam se da ću deljenjem svog puta inspirisati i podržati druge mlade devojke u ostvarivanju svojih snova.
Kako ste uspeli da kreirate platformu?
Instagram vlada kao ultimativna platforma za modele. To je mesto gde je moje putovanje doživelo prelomni trenutak kada sam otkrivena putem jednog posta. Prepoznavši potencijal ovog medija da privuče pažnju agenata, počela sam deliti video zapise i fotografije koji prikazuju moju ličnost i veštinu poziranja.
Danas, moje Instagram korisničko ime (@ingridparda) predstavlja ključni alat u mom radnom arsenalu. To je mesto gde pružam pratiocima uvid u svoj svet, deleći rutine vežbanja, avanture putovanja, trenutke iz pozadine modeliranja, i prikazujući svoj najnoviji rad čim dođe u centar pažnje.
Koje bi bile pozitivne strane društvenih medija, a koje negativne?
Društvene mreže su postale ključni alat u mom profesionalnom životu, delujući kao most koji povezuje brendove, klijente, agencije i modele. Osim toga, smatram ih katalizatorom za inkluziju u modnoj industriji. Na primer, kada sam prvi put počela da se bavim modelingom, često sam se nalazila kao jedna od samo dve tamnopute maneknke među morem od 70 koleginica svetle puti na kastinzima. Međutim, uz moć društvenih mreža, brendovi su bili prisiljeni da prihvate raznolikost ne samo u smislu etničke pripadnosti, već i u veličinama, polovima i izvan toga.
Ipak, uprkos mnogim prednostima, društvene mreže takođe kriju i tamniju stranu – beskonačnu potragu za savršenstvom, koja često nije ništa više od iluzije. Mnogi korisnici pretražuju profile modela na Instagramu, težeći da dostignu taj nedostižni standard savršenstva. Ova potraga može dovesti do ozbiljnih problema sa mentalnim zdravljem, jer je stvarnost iza tih navodno besprekornih fotografija često zasenjena idealnim osvetljenjem, profesionalnim kamerama, strategijskim uglovima i intenzivnim editovanjem.
Koliko je moda važna u vašem svakodnevnom životu? Da li biste želeli da istaknete neke dizajnere?
Moda nije samo moj posao; to je način života. Upletena je u tkanje mog svakodnevnog postojanja, oblikujući ne samo moju profesionalnu personu, već i moj lični stil. Svaka kombinacija koju odaberem predstavlja oblik samopreslikavanja. Kada šetam ulicama Londona odevena u Ralph Lauren u sunčanu subotu, kanališem vremensku eleganciju Old Money estetike. A ako sam obučena u Muglera, možete se kladiti da ću razgaljeno plesati na plesnom podijumu u tehno klubu u Milanu.
Među mnoštvom brendova koji me fasciniraju, postoji nekoliko koji imaju posebno mesto u mom srcu. Mugler se ističe po svojim ikoničnim modnim revijama, gde se modeli ohrabruju da oslobode svoje pune ličnosti, čineći ga inkluzivnim brendom koji duboko rezonuje sa mnom. Chanel konstantno rafinirane kreacije uvek ostavljaju utisak, utelovljujući najfiniju sofisticiranost. A ko bi mogao zaboraviti privlačnost Victoria’s Secret, sa svojim nestrpljivo očekivanim modnim revijama na kojima se vraćaju Anđeli? To su brendovi za koje težim da hodam, pri čemu svaki predstavlja jedinstveni aspekt modnog sveta koji govori mojoj duši.
Šta možete reći o snimanju za Bazaar Serbia digital?
Snimanje za Bazaar Srbiju bilo je apsolutno uživanje! Putovala sam iz Milana u Verolavecchiu, u Italiji, da se pridružim studiju Maurizija Montanija po drugi put. Rad i druženje sa timom bilo je fantastično, i odmah smo se uklopili. Zajedno smo stvorili uzbudljivu modnu priču, kombinujući elemente seksepila sa visokomodnom sofisticiranošću kroz niz upečatljivih outfita.
English here:
Ingrid Prado is a Brazilian model with 7 years of experience in the fashion industry. Since the beginning of her career, she has been traveling and working all around the world, in over 8 different countries. Her journey started in Milan, Italy, back in 2018, and since then, she has gained experience in various parts of the globe, including Europe, Asia, South and North America, as well as the Middle East.
Starting out as a high fashion model, walking the runways for significant fashion shows, Ingrid has expanded her scope over the years and now successfully ventures into commercial modeling as well, encompassing campaigns, editorials, and outdoor shoots. Her portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands such as Puma, Calvin Klein, and Tommy.
Despite her impressive career, the path to success hasn’t been easy. Ingrid came from humble beginnings and had to start working early to support herself and her education. However, her perseverance and belief in her dream propelled her forward. After being discovered via Instagram, she signed her first international contract and embarked on her fashion journey in Milan.
Today, Ingrid serves as an inspiration to many young girls worldwide. She is active on social media, where she shares her work, workout routines, travels, and lifestyle. Her story is a reminder that dreams can become a reality, no matter the challenges life throws our way.
What is your fondest memory of working as a model?
Being a model means being ready for anything. One day, I might strut down a runway in a commercial bikini fashion show, and the next, I could be in front of the camera for a high-fashion campaign. Each gig brings its own unique thrill and excitement. But if I had to pick my favorite moments, nothing beats the rush of the runway. Fashion shows give me a chance to unleash my personality and feel absolutely powerful.
How important is traveling to you? What is your favourite destination and why?
I’ve had the privilege of calling over 8 different countries home during my career in modeling, making travel an integral aspect of my profession. Diversifying my base is crucial for a thriving modeling career. By living in various locations, I continuously gather enriching experiences and prevent professional stagnation, avoiding the risk of oversaturation with certain brands or markets. When I sense the need for a change, I affectionately term it a ‘season.’
During each season, I immerse myself in a new corner of the globe. Also, if for exemple I’m based in Europe, I can go to a brief photoshoot in the Middle East. Beyond work commitments, I indulge in leisure travel on my days off, expanding my tally to over 30 countries visited. Among my favorites are the captivating islands of the Caribbean, the serene Maldives, and the ethereal landscapes of Iceland.
After working for years in the industry, what can you tell us about aspects of the fashion business that may not be known about this job?
The fashion industry isn’t always as glamorous as people think. Contrary to popular belief, modeling isn’t all about living the ‘easy’ life. It’s one of the toughest professions out there – fiercely competitive, demanding quick adaptation to new cultures and people, and often marked by instability. Plus, there’s this unrealistic expectation for perfection looming over everything. I’ve had to develop a thick skin, especially facing harsh criticism from some industry insiders.
At the start of my career, despite fitting the perfect measurements and weighing only 48kg at 1.74cm tall, I still had to endure extreme measures like fasting for 72 hours just to shave off a few centimeters from my hips for a fashion show. And then there was that casting in Milan where I was told I’d never make it because I didn’t fit their idea of beauty – talk about a blow to the ego.
These kinds of challenges persist throughout a modeling career, which is why taking care of my mental health is just as crucial as maintaining my physical appearance. I make it a point to have weekly sessions with a therapist to bolster my resilience and keep myself grounded amidst the chaos of the industry.
Do you believe women have responsibilities towards younger women, to help them in their careers?
My career is the dream of many young girls, just like it was for me seven years ago. Growing up in humble circumstances, I didn’t have much in the way of prospects. I had to start working from a young age to make ends meet.
It all began during my school days in São Paulo, Brazil. While studying for university exams, I found myself out on the streets under the scorching sun, giving newspapers to passing cars on the traffic lights for USD$10 a day, working seven hours each day just to survive.
From there, I took on junior roles in big companies and worked as an event promoter, and later taking small modeling gigs for local stores in São Paulo. Throughout it all, I held onto my dream tightly, believing in its eventual realization.
In 2018, everything changed when a mother agency in Ukraine discovered me through an Instagram post. They introduced me to my first modeling agency, and I signed my first international contract, jetting off to Milan, Italy, to kick start my modeling career.
Sharing my story isn’t about painting a perfect picture. It’s about showing that dreams can come true despite humble beginnings. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire and support other young girls in chasing their own dreams.
How have you managed to create a platform?
Instagram reigns as the ultimate platform for models. It’s where my journey took a pivotal turn when I was discovered through a single post. Recognizing its potential to catch the eye of agents, I began sharing videos and photos showcasing my personality and posing prowess.
Today, my Instagram handle (@ingridparda) stands as a vital tool in my work arsenal. It’s where I offer followers a glimpse into my world, sharing my workout routines, jet-setting travel escapades, behind-the-scenes modeling moments, and showcasing my latest work as soon as it hits the spotlight.
What would be positive aspects of social media and what are the negatives?
Social media has become a crucial tool in my professional life, acting as the bridge that connects brands, clients, agencies, and models. Moreover, I see it as a catalyst for inclusion within the fashion industry. For instance, when I first started modeling, I often found myself as one of the only two dark-skinned models among a sea of 70 fair-skinned counterparts at castings. However, with the power of social media, brands have been compelled to ensure representation, embracing diversity not only in terms of ethnicity but also in sizes, genders, and beyond.
Yet, amidst its many benefits, social media also harbors a darker side—the relentless pursuit of perfection, which is often nothing more than an illusion. Many users browse through models’ Instagram profiles, aspiring to attain that unattainable standard of perfection. This quest can lead to serious mental health issues, as the reality behind those seemingly flawless photos is often obscured by ideal lighting, professional cameras, strategic angles, and heavy editing.
How important is fashion in your everyday life? Any designers that you would like to emphasise?
Fashion isn’t just my job; it’s a way of life. It’s woven into the fabric of my daily existence, shaping not only my professional persona but also my personal style. Each outfit I choose serves as a form of self-expression. When I stroll through the streets of London adorned in Ralph Lauren on a sunny Saturday, I’m channeling the timeless elegance of Old Money. And if I’m decked out in Mugler, you can bet I’ll be tearing up the dance floor at a techno club in Milan.
Among the plethora of brands that captivate me, there are a few that hold a special place in my heart. Mugler stands out for its iconic fashion shows, where models are encouraged to unleash their full personalities, making it an inclusive brand that resonates deeply with me. Chanel’s consistently refined designs never fail to impress, embodying sophistication at its finest. And who could forget the allure of Victoria’s Secret, with its eagerly anticipated fashion shows featuring the return of the Angels? These are the brands I aspire to walk for, each representing a unique facet of the fashion world that speaks to my soul.
What can you tell us about the shoot for Bazaar Serbia digital?
The Bazaar Serbia digital shoot was an absolute blast! I journeyed from Milan to Verolavecchia, Italy, to join Maurizio Montani’s studio for the second time. The camaraderie with the team was fantastic, and we clicked right away. Together, we crafted a captivating fashion story, blending elements of sexy allure with high-fashion sophistication through an array of striking outfits.
Team:
Model: Ingrid Prado
Pr: Valentina Gurova
Photographer/ Make Up/ Hair and Creative Director: Maurizio Montani
Photo Assistant and Styling: Gloria Montani
Set Assistant: Michela Anderloni
Lights and Set Assistant: Daniele Montani
Shooting in Verolavecchia, Italy.
