We talk shows for the likes of Burberry, Lanvin and Christopher Kane with Brazilian model Fabiana Mayer from Elite.

How did you become a model?

I was interested in modelling, but my mum didn’t want me to start travelling a lot before I finished school. So I waited until I finished then went to an agency in Brazil, did some headshots and started going to castings. I took classes in how to walk properly for the catwalk and worked in San Paulo before starting to travel.

What were you doing before modelling?

I was finishing school. I also had been doing ballet for about thirteen years. I quit because I got tired of dancing – I was doing it about nine hours each day, which was really intense and meant I had no time to study. I didn’t want to be a professional dancer; I just enjoyed it as a hobby. I miss it now and would like to take up a class if I wasn’t travelling so much.

What type of music do you like?

Classic rock and the old stuff like The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix.

What shows did you walk in last season?

I skipped all the shows this season as I had modelling jobs in Brazil, but for SS12 in London I did Burberry, Acne, Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Richard Nicoll and in Paris I walked for Miu Miu, Lanvin and Celine. Sometimes it’s good to skip the shows as it gets so crazy and there is so much travelling [involved]! In January, I did Brazil Fashion Week which is even worse as they have forty shows in two weeks.

What’s your favourite city?

Tokyo, I love it! I love the city, the people and the food.

Do you have a particular photographer you would like to work with?

I would love to work with Paolo Roversi. My favourite photographer is Zee Nunes as he really knows about the industry and makes you feel really comfortable, plus he’s a really sweet guy. I’ve been lucky to work with him quite a lot.

Who or what inspires you?

The way my parents treat and respect people really inspires me.

What’s been your favourite fashion moment so far?

I think the AW11 Miu Miu show – I spent eight hours in fitting before I got there. I also met Miuccia, who was really lovely.

What would you like to do in the future?

I would like to go to uni, but I don’t know what I want to study yet. At the moment I’m travelling all the time, so it’s hard to have a routine and live a normal life. I’m looking forward to that in the future.

Photographer David Adams
Fashion Editor and words Francesca Prudente
Hair Lotte O’Shea using BUMBLE & BUMBLE
Make up Bobana Parojcic using M.A.C
Model Fabiana Mayer at ELITE
Main image Fabiana wears two tone shirt by HOUSE OF HOLLAND
Three images Fabiana wears two tone shirt by HOUSE OF HOLLAND & metallic jacket by DIESEL BLACK GOLD