‘all the graft was worth it’
Determined, unwaveringly optimistic and captivating, model-of-the-moment Maria Borges is a force to be reckoned with…
born and raised in Angola during the civil war, 26-year-old model Maria Borges has had a challenging journey to reach the top of her game. At just 17, she entered the Elite Model Look Contest in Angola, fnishing in the top 10. Maria was spotted by a local modelling agency who went on to place her in Portugal. ‘I had the opportunity to close and open the best fashion shows. Several people approached me and asked, “Why are you here? You should be in Paris, Milan and New York.”’
So, off to the Big Apple she went. ‘It wasn’t easy. I flew by myself, it was cold,
I left everything behind, and I couldn’t even speak English. At the time, the agencies were worried and basically said if we get positive feedback from our clients it could work, but otherwise I’d be going home. So, I did everything I possibly could to make it work.’
Signing with top agency IMG in 2015 (who she calls ‘my perfect little family’), walking 17 shows in her frst season (including opening for Giorgio Armani and closing for Versace), bagging a Givenchy campaign and walking the runway for Victoria’s Secret fve years in a row (making history as the frst woman to walk the runway sporting her natural afro hair), it’s safe to say Maria’s career is going pretty well. Tenacious as ever, she grafted for three years to get booked by Chanel before landing her contract as brand ambassador for L’oréal Paris in 2017. ‘This was the “wow” moment, it made all the years of hard graft and struggle so worth it.’
Having lost her mum at just 11, Maria credits her older sister with helping her stay focused. ‘She has such a strong work ethic and will do everything and anything to make sure I’m well and doing what I love.’ Before Maria started modelling, she dreamed of becoming a medic. ‘I didn’t get the chance to fnish college and modelling came along as a new opportunity. I was able to buy a house, become the breadwinner of the family, and even do community projects back in my home country. Modelling has allowed me to live an incredible life and I’ve made my family proud.’
Contemplating her journey so far, Maria notes how much modelling has evolved. ‘In the past two to three years, there has been a huge change. The industry is more inclusive, there are more opportunities for everyone and more respect between clients and models. I’m glad I joined when I did, because so many people before me dreamed of this moment.’ In the world of beauty, Maria praises the ever-increasing foundation ranges, which make fnding your true shade possible. ‘Before, the only option was to mix two or three foundations to match your skin, but now you can literally fnd the one.’
When it comes to her own make-up, Maria’s summer must-have is blush. ‘I’ll use a cream formula and pat it on to the apples of my cheeks.’ Always fresh-faced and never overdone, Maria follows her mum’s advice. ‘She always said beauty must come from within and be poured out, so everything we use is just to complement this. She also told me to keep on top of looking after my hair.’ For that, she relies on oils. ‘I use coconut oil, shea butter oil and avocado oil. My skin is very dry too, so I’ll cleanse, exfoliate with the L’oréal Paris Sugar Scrub, and use a mask and oils.’
Just like her positive aura and infectious laugh, Maria’s summer style mantra is ‘the bolder the better’. ‘I’ll wear anything bright – I like to see myself popping with happy colours. In the fashion world, we’re always so classic, wearing black all the time. So, for summer, I like to go extra with colour.’