Meet Mariani Iori, a Brazilian model doing modeling for the past 8 years. Mariani feels traveling is the best part of her job as she gets an opportunity to travel all across the world and explore different cultures, food, etc. When asked what is that one thing she adores the most about the modeling industry she says,
“Model jobs are very interesting. You get to do different types of shootings at different places. Every time you have a new experience, you discover something new in yourself. And of course, the glamour behind the shootings is always amazing. So, these are my two favorite things.”
Currently, Mariani is in India and has been doing modeling there. She always wanted to explore the rich culture of India. The first time she visited India, she fell in love with the country. Now India is like her second home.
“I love so many things about India. The food (especially sweets), the festivals, every state has some different food, culture, and history. I can talk all day about India but better finish here because there is a big list.”
Mariani experience of working with has been great so far. Elaborating more,
“I worked with many Indian designers. It’s always a pleasure to work with them. Especially here in India because every time they bring something new. It is special for foreigners. It is magical work with Indian traditional wear it brings you to a completely new world.”
Criticism is always a part of the modeling industry, Mariani also have had her fair share of criticism. Though she has always tried to take them in a positively and improve herself.
“I think it is about you as a new face, are learning what is exactly to be a model, learning how to pose, how to walk, expressions and body language, for the model is required to have certain body size. Agencies are harsh with models. They tell everything that is good or bad straight away. And, you understand this with only experience.”
Mariani’s family members always encouraged her and motivated her to do modeling. Once Mariani had a photoshoot done and showed the pictures to her parents. It was then when parents started believing in her true potential. Being into the industry for so long, Mariani feels she has achieved her dream. Describing her career goals she says,
“As of now I just want to keep working on myself to maintain a good name and a good portfolio. So that I keep working for sometime and of course I have different plans once I retire from modeling work”
While discussing about shoots, Mariani recalled one of her embarrassing moments from the set. She told how the models have to change their clothes amidst others during outdoor shoots. Adding more she says,
“Sometimes we have outdoor shootings where we don’t have a changing room or we don’t have much time to go for change. So, we just remove cloth where we are (and of course we wear innerwear hehe) but now I don’t care more about this things.”
Talking about her social media, Mariani mentioned that she is not active on social media. Most of her modeling projects comes from her agency. But she feels that these days most of models get work through social media.
“Social media is becoming more important and giving you more visibility which can take your career to the next level.”
Sharing her fitness and beauty regime, Mariani says,
“Actually, I’m not too much into fitness. But my work requires that, so I have to do it. (hehe) I go to the gym almost every day. I do yoga and meditation which helps me with my body and mind. I also try to eat health. But if I crave some cheat meal at times, I do not stop myself. I try to keep things balanced.
About my beauty regime, since a young age, I have been doing basic care. Nowadays I follow skincare protocols in the night that helps me keep my skin healthier and glowing”
Mariani beautifully explains what body positivity means to her. She said that we see a perfect world in social media. There is no place for imperfection there. But we must remember to accept and love the way we are. But this is a very hard process. She tries to follow it herself and advices others to do the same.
“I try to work on myself every day, try to understand that I can sometimes not be in my best form and it is okay. That my face is different from one side to another but it’s okay. I know it can sound like a cliche but our imperfections are what make us special, believe that.”
Talking about gender stereotypes that are exist in the fashion industry, Mariani says that now the world is progressing, so is the industry. People are quite open minded now. Although, she has been at the recieving end of stereotypes. Explaining them, Mariani says,
“Most people have a perception of a model. They think, models have to be perfect. But we are just humans like any other person. We work hard on ourselves to keep the best version possible but sometimes everyone has a bad hair day or pimples in the face. So it’s that mental process that you tell yourself that there are good and bad days, everything is part of life and you move on from all this negativity.”
As we know that Halloween is around the corner, we asked Mariani about her plans for this year. She says,
“Oh, I love Halloween. When I was in China I used to go to many Halloween parties with scary makeup and costumes. I hope this year we will meet some friends for some small house Halloween party and I want to dress up as a Cruella”
In the end, Mariani told that she would like the world to treat everyone equally. She feels everyone deserves the same opportunities, fair chances and equal treatment. Your social class, gender, or skin color does not matter. Everyone should be given the chance to stand for their life and for their rights.
The article has been written by Khushi Yadav.