HARPER’S BAZAAR (HBZVN). Luznell Santander, you are now a style icon, a famous model and designer. Tell us how your career in the fashion industry began. What were your first steps as a model?
LUZNEL SANTANDER: Firstly thank you Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam for having me in this interview and the opportunity to share my experiences with you. I always loved fashion it’s been always my passion. I always have strong desire to learn and satisfy myself creatively, and working on the fashion industry has become my biggest motivation for growing and becoming successful, as I love to empower woman and lift up beauty and femininity.
I always see super model women as superheroes, I started with a cute portfolio in a studio that I did for myself when I was 19 and I ended up really enjoying it and loving photography. it was something driving and pushing me to that direction and keep going towards modeling.
HBZVN: You have an education in international trade and studied at the prestigious ESMOD fashion school in Dubai and Paris. Did you always dream of realizing yourself as a designer? What ambitions do you have as fashion designer?
LUZNEL SANTANDER: Once I got control of my independency I started to invest on my career and once I took the step to started follow my deepest dreams I discovered myself getting into this magical universe, I feel really passionate creating and drawing new collections for each season, choosing garments, textiles and accessories, and most importantly finding inspiration from anything and everywhere.
For my career I want to be the owner of my own brand, work and build my own empire. be the representation of power, classy , glamour and elegant woman. I see myself growing as one of the most inspirational, talented and respected fashion designers of all the times. I hope it will come true.
HBZVN: You have worked in different countries, from the Middle East to Europe. What experience of working in these regions do you consider the most memorable and why?
LUZNEL SANTANDER: It’s been such blessings for me to be able to work and connect with different cultures and different countries. That makes me feel energetic and confident, there’s definitely times I consider having the most magical moment! But I always trying to be understanding and empathetic towards people that I work with as possible, so I try to always give the best of myself to each experience to make it different and remarkable, and that gives me the confidence to create another memorable moment for my life and career.
HBZVN: Can you tell us about your latest project on the French Riviera and the shoot at the Carlton Cannes? How did you choose this iconic hotel for your work?
LUZNEL SANTANDER: South of France it’s been always one of my favourites destinations, it gathers the most special time of the year for the big celebration of the Cannes film festival. I was extremely grateful coming in such important period; for the shoot I wanted to do something unique and timeless with my style and personality and I found the magnificent beauty of Carlton the perfect place in all aspects to reflect the energy and character I wanted to radiate for this work!
HBZVN: What are the main challenges you have encountered along the way in the world of fashion and how did you overcome them? You said that creating a beautiful life requires risk and failure. Can you give an example of when you took a risk and it brought you success?
LUZNEL SANTANDER: Definitely there are too many factors to consider as challenges, but certainly one of those it will be moving to different countries and trying to find opportunities and figuring out my own way in order to grown and keep my space in the fashion industry.
Life is based on choices that we make and having the ability to see myself living my best life regardless of my envairoment, gives me the power to change my external circumstances, ultimately I have kept my life privately out of the public eye but in balance and in progress. That’s been part of my evolution and strength my determination to continue doing good.
HBZVN. What does “true elegance” mean to you? How do you express this concept in your work and life?
LUZNEL SANTANDER: Elegance it’s not wearing the most expensive clothes or having the most luxurious lifestyle, sharing all this details in your life can attract unwanted attention and criticism. For me true elegance lies on be reserve and discreet, keeping certain aspects of your life private is one of the secrets to preserve the aura of sophistication and elegance. live privately contribute to your image of security and self confidence. Always maintaining the image of dignity and composure that’s the reflection of your self control.
Model: Luznell Santander @luznellsan.
Styled by Icon Luznell in Marciano @marciano.
Photographer: Eva Medyna @eva_medyna.
Hair: Salon by Step Cannes
Make up: Luznell Santander @luznellsan.
Hat: Juju Mariage Paris.
Shoes: Amina Muaddi @aminamuaddi.
Bag: Chanel @Chanelofficial.
Special thanks: Carlton Cannes @carltoncannes.
PR: Say Media @say__media.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
