From the Runway to Fashion Sustainability

A Brazilian Model Recounts Her Journey

Since I was very young, I always dreamed of seeing the world, though I never imagined that modeling would be the path to get there. I didn’t think I’d be good enough. I would see models in magazines and sometimes hear about girls from Brazil that became international models, traveling to far-off places and experiencing the things I longed to see, but it never seemed like something that could happen to me. Of course, every girl dreams of a life like that, but most of us don’t truly believe it’s within reach. Then one day, while I was at a shopping mall with a friend, a scout approached me and invited me to a casting at a local agency. In that moment, I realized that maybe, just maybe, the dream I thought was out of reach could also be for me. I never imagined though that it would lead me from a long modeling career on four continents to becoming an advocate for sustainable fashion.

When I began my modeling career at the age of 14 in Brazil, I knew was common for girls to start their careers at such a young age, often referred by the agencies in the industry as “new faces.” At the time, it seemed like the perfect moment to begin, but little did I know how much my journey would intersect with the broader landscape of fashion, particularly in Brazil. Modeling, for most, tends to be a fleeting profession. Careers that begin early often taper off quickly, as the industry has long been known for its relentless pursuit of novelty and youth. Despite this, my passion for the fashion world kept me curious and eager to learn more about the industry beyond being in front of the camera.

Growing up in Brasília, a city built from scratch in the 1960s at the heart of the country to serve as the capital, often described by outsiders as a soulless place, but for me, it was home; a city where I always found the most beautiful sunsets and a safe haven to grow. It was there that I began working with smaller Brazilian brands which, like me, were also growing up. This essential phase in my career shaped my understanding of fashion in ways I hadn’t expected. I wasn’t content with simply being a model; I wanted to know more about the brands I represented, the challenges they faced, the nuances of the Brazilian fashion market and how to break paradigms and succeed while coming from such an unlikely place. Even from a young age, I understood that fashion wasn’t just about selling clothes; it was an intricate system of creativity, business and hard work. What I quickly discovered was that many of these smaller brands struggled to break into the international market, just like models. Despite Brazil being a land full of rich natural resources, vibrant culture and artistic talent, its fashion brands often found it difficult to export and expand their presence globally. The barriers included high production costs, limited access to sustainable materials and the sheer difficulty of gaining recognition in a world dominated by established international fashion houses.

At 17 years old, I received my first international contract, an opportunity that would take me far from home and introduce me to a broader fashion landscape. For the next five years, I worked primarily in Asia, and later in Europe, followed by the United States. These experiences provided me with a diverse and expansive view of the fashion world. Working in Asia, I saw firsthand the fast-paced, high-volume nature of the industry, where fashion is produced at an extraordinary scale, often with a focus on quick turnaround and affordability. The mindset that time is money really came into perspective; models there are paid per hour of work with shifts that can go to up 13 hours per day in a intense work in which we stand all this hours, keeping our faces looking fresh to make sure our tiredness is not shown on camera. Brands there, especially in markets like China and India, were prolific, operating at an intense speed that was eye-opening for a young model like me. There was an urgency in every shoot, a need to constantly evolve and stay ahead of trends.

When I transitioned to Europe, the atmosphere shifted significantly. The fashion industry there is steeped in heritage, with luxury, craftsmanship and tradition at its core. Fashion houses in this region have built their reputations over decades and even centuries, their influence extending far beyond the runway to define global standards of style and elegance. There is a reverence for the history behind these institutions, and the weight of their legacy is felt in every collection. The infrastructure supporting these brands is highly developed, enabling them to maintain a vast global reach. However, despite the established nature of these brands, there is also an emphasis on innovation, where the blend of history and modernity creates a uniquely powerful position within the global fashion landscape.

Meanwhile, back in my home country, the fashion scene tells a different story. Despite its creativity and vibrant energy, brands from Brazil struggle to achieve the same level of global recognition. Designers face logistical hurdles such as export restrictions and high taxes, which make it difficult to expand internationally. Additionally, international buyers are often unfamiliar with the rich design culture of Brazil, further limiting opportunities for collaboration and growth. As a result, many talented local designers remain confined to the domestic market, even though they have the potential to thrive on a global stage.

As a model who also represents my country, I often felt a sense of duality. On one hand, there is a special celebration of our distinct looks and the vibrancy we bring to the runway and the fashion world, where often I am labeled as “exotic.” On the other hand, stereotypes and misconceptions persist, both at home and abroad. Models, in many places, are often viewed as little more than “human hangers.” I have heard those words many times throughout the years in my profession, and actually got taught to be a hanger more than anything else. We get labeled objects, rather than individuals with their own stories. The pressures are immense, particularly when your worth is constantly being measured by your physical appearance. In my home country, these challenges are even more pronounced. There is a cultural perception that undervalues creative work, and breaking through preconceived notions to gain respect in the industry requires resilience and determination.

However, I have always believed in the power of challenging and reshaping narratives, which is why I took the step to open my own modeling agency. My goal was to create opportunities for underprivileged girls from communities in Brazil, giving them the chance to see the world and pursue careers in fashion even with its downsides. I always believed that being able to travel and experience the world while enhacing cross cultural comunication skills its something worthwhile. I wanted to provide them with the same opportunities I had, but with better support and mentorship. I believe that being a model is about much more than just wearing clothes. It’s about becoming the face of the brands you work with, learning the intricacies of the business and advocating for important issues such as sustainability and fairness in the workplace. Later I came to realize that I can’t change an entrenched industry by myself.

As my career evolved, my focus expanded beyond modeling alone. My international experiences also opened my eyes to the global differences in fashion markets and made me realize the untapped potential my home country holds, particularly in sustainable fashion. Determined to contribute more meaningfully to this potential, I took a break from modeling to pursue a master’s degree in Marketing Management from a top European university, a degree I earned through a full merit-based scholarship. This opportunity was awarded to me in recognition of my years of hard work and resilience navigating the global fashion industry on my own. This education gave me the tools to better understand the business side of the industry, and my goal now is to use my knowledge and experience to elevate the visibility of brands from my home country on the international stage.

Brazil has so much to offer in terms of creativity, innovation, and artistry, but what truly sets it apart is its potential to lead in sustainable fashion. With its abundant natural resources and deep-rooted artisanal traditions, my country is particularly positioned to pioneer in this field. However, the fashion industry in Brazil, like many around the world, faces significant challenges in transitioning to more sustainable practices. Historically, the industry was aligned with fast fashion trends, characterized by high consumption and minimal attention to environmental impact. Overproduction, waste and pollution have become major issues, as the fashion world’s fast-paced cycle has taken a significant toll on the environment. The textile industry is one of the most polluting sectors globally, contributing to water waste, carbon emissions and overflowing landfills. The transition to more sustainable practices is further complicated by the high cost of eco-friendly materials and production methods, and the need to develop infrastructure for sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and recycled fibers.

Another major challenge is affordability. Sustainable fashion is often more expensive because of higher production costs, making it less accessible to the average consumer in my Brazil, where socio-economic disparities are significant. While awareness of sustainability is growing, it is not yet widespread, and there is still much work to be done in terms of education about the environmental and social impact of fashion choices.

Additionally, regulatory and educational obstacles make progress toward sustainability slow. The fashion sector lacks stringent environmental regulations, and although initiatives promoting better practices do exist, enforcement is often weak.

Despite these obstacles, there is a growing movement toward a more sustainable future. In Brazil, more and more designers are beginning to incorporate traditional craftsmanship into their work, collaborating with Indigenous and local artisans to create pieces that are not only eco-friendly but also a celebration of a rich cultural heritage. This blend of modern design and traditional techniques is now helping to preserve cultural knowledge and support rural and Indigenous economies.

In the end, fashion is about much more than just the clothes and should be more than just the perception of trends. It’s about the people who create them, the resources that are used, and the stories told through designs. My journey as a model has taught me that while the fashion industry can be complex and challenging, it also holds immense potential for positive change. As the industry in my home country continues to evolve, I am proud to play a part in this transformation, advocating for a more sustainable and equitable future in fashion.

Natália Brentano Tavares left Brazil at the age of 17 to successfully chase her dream of becoming a international fashion model—a journey that led her to work in more than 30 countries across four continents over the past decade. She founded a management agency and earned a masters degree in Marketing Management from Vlerick Business School in Brussels.