Thayna Soares: Being on the cover of this magazine is much more than just a professional milestone as a model. Personally, it means a great deal because I’m wearing my own brand, Thayná Caiçara — a collaborative creation with Ronald Van Derkemp, presented at NFW. The pieces feature different species of birds from the Atlantic Forest, embroidered using the needle-painting technique by artisans from Paraty, RJ — “the place where I was born” — and from other regions of Brazil.
This cover is about being a bridge and opening doors for true artists; it’s about telling real stories and encouraging reflection.
L’O UK: Can you share a pivotal moment in your modeling career that changed your perspective or trajectory?
TS: I’m academically trained in social work and worked in the field in Brazil. I initially started modeling to pursue better financial opportunities, though my passion for social service has always remained.
Later, after spending years working in haute couture ateliers in Paris, I began developing a more critical view of the artisanal fashion scene. I started questioning the lack of value given to local craftsmanship and labor, both in my hometown, Paraty-RJ, and across Brazil. That’s when I realized that artisanal techniques, especially embroidery, can absolutely be valued, as long as they’re placed in the right context and reach the right audience.
That was the turning point where I found purpose and meaning in fashion, which eventually led me to launch Thayná Caiçara.
L’O UK: As a model in today’s fashion industry, how do you balance authenticity with the expectations of brands and audiences?
TS: I’ve noticed that the public is tired of seeing people trying to conform and be the same, at least I am!
I believe my strength lies precisely in what makes me different. I have deep respect for my life story and for my questioning, evolving identity. I’m proud of my roots and my ancestors.
I don’t work with the intention of pleasing specific brands or audiences. I aim to connect with those who resonate with who I truly am.
I can’t — and won’t — change just to fit in. Especially in an industry that changes constantly. There’s an audience for everyone — it’s just a matter of finding yours, period.
L’O UK: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about the life of a professional model behind the scenes?
TS: Things like constant aesthetic pressure, frequent rejection, financial instability, and body objectification are no longer surprising to most people.
But I believe the greatest challenge is maintaining your mental health.
The modeling world is becoming increasingly demanding and competitive. With the rise of digital fashion, influencers with millions of followers and AI-generated campaigns have become new forms of competition, raising the bar even further.
For me, the biggest challenge now is staying mentally healthy in this environment. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health in this profession.
L’O UK: You’ve become a role model to many — what message do you hope young aspiring models take away from your journey?
TS: I hope aspiring models understand that success in this industry isn’t about fitting into a mold — it’s about embracing who you are.
I want them to know that staying true to yourself, honoring your uniqueness, and working hard with integrity will take you further than trying to become someone else.
My journey has taught me that resilience, self-respect, and kindness are just as important as any photoshoot or runway.
Above all, I want them to believe that they belong — exactly as they are.
L’O UK: Who has been your inspiration in life?
TS: I’m inspired by real people — the Caiçara people from my community.
Those who, even in the face of daily hardship, still manage to see beauty in small things and find poetry in everyday life.
They remind me that true strength lies in moving forward with lightness, generosity, and a sensitive outlook — even when the path is difficult.
Their ability to turn routine into art and keep hope alive is what moves and inspires me deeply.
L’O UK: What’s next for you in terms of upcoming projects, passions, or goals outside of modeling that you’re excited to pursue?
TS: In the next French Haute Couture season in July I will be for the first time signing a show on the official calendar as a Brand in collaboration with the designer Ronald Van Derkemp and we will present a show with a lot of Brazilianness on the catwalk, including embroidery and painting by many Brazilian artists. And in the same show will also be presented our new line of high-end jewelry by Thayná Caiçara with a unique and creative design inspired by the birds of the Atlantic Forest.
L’O UK: Can you share a pivotal moment in your modeling career that changed your perspective or trajectory?
TS: I’m academically trained in social work and worked in the field in Brazil. I initially started modeling to pursue better financial opportunities, though my passion for social service has always remained.
Later, after spending years working in haute couture ateliers in Paris, I began developing a more critical view of the artisanal fashion scene. I started questioning the lack of value given to local craftsmanship and labor, both in my hometown, Paraty-RJ, and across Brazil. That’s when I realized that artisanal techniques, especially embroidery, can absolutely be valued, as long as they’re placed in the right context and reach the right audience. That was the turning point where I found purpose and meaning in fashion, which eventually led me to launch Thayná Caiçara.
L’O UK: As a model in today’s fashion industry, how do you balance authenticity with the expectations of brands and audiences?
TS: I’ve noticed that the public is tired of seeing people trying to conform and be the same, at least I am!
I believe my strength lies precisely in what makes me different. I have deep respect for my life story and for my questioning, evolving identity. I’m proud of my roots and my ancestors. I don’t work with the intention of pleasing specific brands or audiences. I aim to connect with those who resonate with who I truly am. I can’t and won’t change just to fit in. Especially in an industry that changes constantly. There’s an audience for everyone , it’s just a matter of finding yours, period.
L’O UK: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about the life of a professional model behind the scenes?
TS: Things like constant aesthetic pressure, frequent rejection, financial instability, and body objectification are no longer surprising to most people. But I believe the greatest challenge is maintaining your mental health.
The modeling world is becoming increasingly demanding and competitive. With the rise of digital fashion, influencers with millions of followers and AI-generated campaigns have become new forms of competition, raising the bar even further. For me, the biggest challenge now is staying mentally healthy in this environment. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health in this profession.
L’O UK: You’ve become a role model to many - what message do you hope young aspiring models take away from your journey?
TS: I hope aspiring models understand that success in this industry isn’t about fitting into a mold, it’s about embracing who you are. I want them to know that staying true to yourself, honoring your uniqueness, and working hard with integrity will take you further than trying to become someone else.
My journey has taught me that resilience, self-respect, and kindness are just as important as any photoshoot or runway. Above all, I want them to believe that they belong exactly as they are.
L’O UK: Who has been your inspiration in life?
TS: I’m inspired by real people — the Caiçara people from my community. Those who, even in the face of daily hardship, still manage to see beauty in small things and find poetry in everyday life. They remind me that true strength lies in moving forward with lightness, generosity, and a sensitive outlook - even when the path is difficult. Their ability to turn routine into art and keep hope alive is what moves and inspires me deeply.
TS: In the next French Haute Couture season in July I will be for the first time signing a show on the official calendar as a Brand in collaboration with the designer Ronald Van Derkemp and we will present a show with a lot of Brazilianness on the catwalk, including embroidery and painting by many Brazilian artists. And in the same show will also be presented our new line of high-end jewelry by Thayná Caiçara with a unique and creative design inspired by the birds of the Atlantic Forest.
Talent: Thayna Soares @thaynasoare_
Photographer: Gilles Bensimon @gilles_bensimon
Photo Assistant: Sam Evans Butler @samevansbutler
Digital Tech: David Jaffe @thedavidjaffe
Stylist: Karin Agstam @karin.agstam
Make-up: Deborah Altizio @deborahaltiziomakeup
Hair: Daniela Schult @danielaberlinyc
Project Manager: Julia Korn @julkorn_
