Showing you how to style the season’s sizzling dresses, sultry slips and irresistible knitwear, Victoria’s Secret Angel Sara Sampaio talks to Emma Sells about her meteoric rise to fashion fame.
What makes a 19 year old abandon a degree in Advanced Mathematics and pursue one of the most competitive careers in the world? A dream, says Portuguese model Sara Sampaio. The now 25-year-old beauty (with brains, clearly), who got her big break when she starred in a hair commercial, made her modeling mark as a bombshell, fulfilling that dream: to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel. But even by her standards, the past year has been a prolific one, seeing her walk for Versace, Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu, pose for Us Vogue and amass 4.2m Instagram followers. Ask Sampaio though, and she’ll tell you it’s just the beginning...
Being An Angel Takes Work
“When I started modeling I didn’t know anything about fashion, but I’d watched the Victoria’s Secret Show – it was so spectacular and the women were so beautiful, it was something I wished I could do one day. Now it’s the highlight of my year, but I never realised it would be so much work and how tough it is to stay in your best shape. It’s not as glam as it looks!”
Follow Your Instincts
“Before going to university I didn’t know what I wanted to study, all I knew was that I was really good at math, so I decided to do a degree in Advanced Mathematics. I never planned to use it though. What I really wanted to do was act. I just did a small role in a movie, The Clapper [with Amanda Seyfried].[Acting] is where I see my future.”
Give Your Body A Break
“I don’t workout every day. I don’t think anyone should because your body needs rest. I usually exercise 2-3 times a week. Sometimes I’ll go to a class with the other Victoria’s Secret models, but most of the time I like to hang out by myself. I try new things and switch it up all the time. Running really works for me, I’ve been doing Pilates and Slt [Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone], and I have a personal trainer.”
Baring All Takes Trust
“I’m pretty comfortable stripping down to my underwear, as long as there’s respect around me. Doing nude shots is all about the connection you have with the photographer, nothing else. Some photographers make me feel super easy and I trust them, but there are some I don’t even want to take my clothes off in front of.”
Modeling Is An Illusion
“People need to realize that models get [professional] hair and makeup, incredible lighting, and we know how to pose. I’ve been doing this job for almost 10 years so I know how my body looks good from different angles. But I don’t look like that in real life. I’m like every other girl; there are things I wish I could change about my body, but I try not to think about them too much.”
You Can’t Live On Pancakes
“I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted, but now I have to be more careful. I would eat a burger and pizza and pancakes every day if I could. I won’t stop myself from eating anything, but I try to eat cleaner. It’s about balance.”
Brushing Things Off Takes Practise
“Dealing with negative comments is part of this job and I’ve had to develop a thick skin, though some days it’s easier than others. You try not listen to the trolls online, but we’re not robots. Sometimes the comments really hurt us. I just try to love my body, to embrace who I am and really be the best version of myself. You have to know how much you’re worth.”
