Brazil has produced many famous faces in the modeling industry over the past two decades. However, few are as well known as Michelle Alves. Michelle has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers in her career, walked for well known designers on catwalks in New York, Paris and Milan and starred in prestigious fashion campaigns all over the world. She is a “name” in the industry and has continued to make it all work while, as of late, raising a family in Los Angeles. It is a great pleasure to have a few moments of Michelle’s time to ask some questions we thought you might want the answers too…
Everyone has their “discovery” story…what’s yours? How did you get into modeling?
I was extremely shy when I was younger, but my parents entered me in a contest. I won!
You’ve appeared on more than 100 magazine covers, worked on campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Valentino, YSL, Victoria’s Secret and more. Is there one campaign, runway or editorial you are most proud of or that has meant the most to you?
Yes, I am most proud of being on the cover of Italian Vogue. It’s what made people want to know my name.
Most embarrassing moment modeling?
I was walking on the catwalk for DVF one Fashion Week and the dress I was wearing had weights at the bottom. During my walk the weights swung and got tangled around my legs. I got completely stuck and couldn’t walk. I had to bend over and untangle the dress before taking another step. I was so embarrassed, but the next day DVF sent me flowers. It was very sweet of her.
What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to be a model today?
Never compare yourself to anyone else.
Your career requires that you keep a fit figure. Can you give young women advice on how best to look great and stay healthy?
Women should try to exercise 3 times a week. I do Pilates and eat what is healthy for my body type, but most importantly I would say to keep a happy heart! Beauty comes from within.
After having two children you still look amazing…any tips for mothers to be on looking great while pregnant and getting their shape back afterward?
It all starts with how you looked before. The trick is to keep exercising, watch what you eat, and try not to indulge. Your baby is not going to be born with strawberry cake face if you crave it! The best thing for me was to breastfeed as long as possible. You don’t need to eat more because you are breastfeeding, just eat a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Pilates also helped strengthen my core muscles and put the organs back in place.
What’s a day in life of Michelle Alves look like now?
Busy, busy, busy! If I’m home, I wake up with the kids at 6:30am. We have breakfast together, get ready and then I bring the older one to school. I take the younger one to ballet class and after that maybe for a swim or walk to see the ducks in the lake. We have lunch and then I put the little one up for a nap so I can have some private time to get things done. After putting the kids to sleep at night, I have dinner with my husband. Many nights end in me running to the airport to catch the red eye to NY to work for 2 or 3 days. Then it’s back home to do it all again!
What’s your go to outfit when you have no time and you have to throw something on that looks immediately stylish?
My go-to outfit is a white blazer, white tank, white high heels and either jeans or white matching trousers. I am definitely love white right now, it always works.
What’s your favorite…?
–Designer– My favorite designers are Stella McCartney, Osklen, Zero, and Rick Owens.
–Handbag– I have a black velvet Chloe bag with a gold chain that I am obsessed with.
–Pair of jeans– I just got a new pair of mint colored JET Jeans from Intermix.
–Shoes– Verniz High Heels from Christian Louboutin. I wear them all the time.
–Culinary Treat–Lately, it is mousse au chocolat.
–Restaurant in LA– Giorgio Baldi
–Romantic spot anywhere in the world– Cruising the Amalfi coast in a large boat. The water temperature is perfect and both the food and wine are delicious.
Thank you, Michelle, for giving us a little peek into your fabulous life!
