She may not be as famous as Gisele Bündchen, but in the fashion world Raquel Zimmermann, 26 years old, is a goddess. Famous for her professionalism and versatility, the number one top of the world was the center of attention at Hotel Fasano, where she's staying until thursday, in one of her many quick visits to Brazil. In less than thirty minutes, while giving this interview to GLOBO, the model and DJ Jesus Luz, Madonna's boyfriend, saw her and introduced himself. A little later it was Naomi Campbell's turn (she's in Brazil to shoot a Morena Rosa campaign) to meet the brazilian and to give her many compliments.
- Wow, what a coincidence. I was saying right now that I think you're the best brazilian model. Your versatility is incredible. You're capable of transforming completely - said Naomi, for whoever wanted to hear, right before hugging Raquel.
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It's the kind of compliment Raquel is getting used to hear. The one and only Gisele Bündchen said the same thing as Naomi, giving Raquel her crown. But Raquel didn't take her seriously, after all, according to her, "Gisele is Gisele"
Raquel arrived in São Paulo on tuesday, she walks at São Paulo Fashion Week exclusively for Animale tonight and travels to Paris on thurday, where she'll shoot another campaign. But she won't have time to miss Brazil. She'll come back soon for three more days, to shoot the Animale campaign.
- The pleasure I feel of being in Brazil is to see the people I like - said Raquel, happy for being able to spend some time in Brazil.
With 11 years of career, Raquel lives a moment of a lot of work. Just in 2009, she stared campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Oscar de la Renta, Shiseido and Gucci, not to mention editorials for american and french "Vogue". She considers herself lucky for having a job that allows her to travel and get well paid. But she warns that nothing is easy.
- I arrive on time, I'm nice and I help everybody involved, from the photographer, to the cleaning lady. I'm just one more piece of this job that involves so many people. I get interested in what image the brand wants to pass, the public they want to connect. For me, being a model is more than just having a pretty face - she says with simplicity.
The gaúcha lives in New York, and divides her time working in Paris, London and São Paulo. She has a married life with the chilean photographer Rui Sanchez Blanco, they've been together for seven years. They started dating in 2001. The top doesn't feel it's necessary to marry with all the documents, but she plans on having kids. But not before she's 32. She wants to enjoy the good time in her career.
- It would be silly for me to say 'I'm gonna stop and do something else'. If everything is going so well, I just have to enjoy and be grateful. In the future, I think of slowing down and studing. Not exactly going to college, but watching some classes that interest me.
Unlike many other models, Raquel doesn't dream of being an actress or a tv host. Her agent at NY mentioned Linda Evangelista as an example, she's still doing campaigns at 42. The brazilian doesn't know of she'll get that far, but she sees this perspective with good eyes.
- I'm not obsessed with fame. I don't think that after being a model I have to do something bigger, like acting, singing or presenting. This isn't what's gonna make me happy. I want to study to be a bigger person - she says..
Raquel's beauty secret is moderation. No crazy formula. Whenever she has time, she exercises outdoors: she likes jogging at parks or at the beach. She doesn't eat too much, but she also doesn't starve herself. To take care of skin and hair, she doesn't do much, just the normal: cleaning, moisturizing and using sunscreen.
- I'm balanced in every way. I don't do things too much or too little - she teaches, but she warns that her genes have always been her friends.
Tall and thin, with a classic face, Raquel considers versatility her main feature. She can change for any campaign or editorial.
- My image doesn't get old, that's great, because I'm not recognized on the streets very often and I live a normal life. But the fashion world, which is the one that matters, knows who I am - tells the model, contradicting the theory that only celebrities have fame on the fashion business. - I still believe there's room for models.
On the top of the list of the site models.com and about to take another step, becoming a 'top icon' next to Gisele Bündchen, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss, the gaúcha is happy with the recognition. But she doesn't get too attached to it, she keeps her foot on the ground and keeps her discipline and dedication.
- It was good not having a great carrer all of the sudden. I had to work for years and got established with time. It was a natural thing, nothing's changed.
Raquel is definitely an icon, it was about time she moved to the icon list!!!woot
and about time they moved her to Icons as well.
