Cover Story: Barbara Fialho - Luster Magazine

Cover Story

A life with
love & Songs

with

Barbara fialho

Fashion opened the doors of the world to Barbara Fialho. Her versatility and beauty have been in demand by many high-profile brands, including Givenchy, Loewe, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Vivienne Westwood, and a long list of others. However, it was her work with Victoria’s Secret between 2012 and 2018 that brought her international recognition.

“I was scouted at the age of 15, soon after I moved to São Paulo to be a part of fashion week, where I met my first international agency, leading me to my first international contract, and three months later I was living in New York,” she says.

TTwenty years later, she has now fully embraced her passion for music, playing her role as a mother with great dedication and putting love at the forefront. “Love for me is when someone else’s feelings and experiences are more important than your own. It’s when you’re able to put yourself aside, your wishes and expectations in second place, and prioritize someone else.”

Barbara Fialho is always evolving. She’s a model, a mother, and a singer who’s exploring her interest in love and healing. Luster got a taste of her versatility firsthand during a photoshoot in Wellington

Past

My most cherished childhood me-mories: The delicious smell of my grandmother cooking and her hug. Also spending time with my grandfather and listening to him playing the guitar

I grew up in the countryside of Brazil, in Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais. I always dreamt of being a musician and artist but those ideas and wishes seemed very far away from my reality. I pictured my future getting married and raising a family nearby.

I think my first Victoria’s Secret fashion show was my most iconic and memorable moment. I was given an outfit that no one wanted to wear: a giant hat with a beach ball and huge heels. It was my first show, so I was very nervous, and as I walked out onto the runway, the entire Bruno Mars band, including himself, decided to jump on top of me and dance, testing all my skills! They took me completely by surprise and created one of the highlights of my career.

Present

Best part of being mom? Whenever my daughter tells me she loves me. I also love watching her learn about everything, and her courage always inspires me.

Being a mom has made me a lot more grounded, and also a calmer version of my hyper active self. I’m no longer my priority and I believe that’s very enriching spiritually and emotionally.

Every time I get up on stage and sing, I see someone enjoying my presence and my music with their eyes closed. Connecting with people through my intellect and emotions gives me a joy I may not even be able to fully explain.