Model: Samantha Zajarias. Photographer: Alex Cordova. Dress: Coperni. Scarf: Diego Zuniga. Necklace: Swarovski. Hat: David Silva.
Samantha Zajarias’s career has taken her across many of the world’s most dynamic fashion cities. Each place has quietly shaped her perspective and helped her grow within the global fashion scene. She has worked with well known brands across campaigns, television, and creative projects, building a reputation for her versatility and professionalism. For Samantha, modeling is more than work. It is a way to explore new cultures, connect with people, and express creativity through fashion..
Dress: Coperni. Scarf: Diego Zuniga. Necklace: Swarovski. Hat: David Silva.
HBZVN: Dear Samantha, your modeling career has taken you to cities like New York, Cape Town, Madrid, and Los Angeles. Looking back, which city shaped you the most, both as a model and as a person?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: Looking back, I think New York shaped me the most. It’s such a fast-paced and competitive city that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It taught me resilience, independence, and how to stay grounded while constantly evolving. It’s also the city I miss the most. On the opposite side, Cape Town is the place that taught me the most about who I am. I moved there on my own, and it forced me to really get to know myself.
Top: Balmain. Balaclava: Eva Urias.
HBZVN: Every model faces rejection at some point. Can you share a moment in your career when something didn’t go as planned; and what that experience taught you?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: I remember a casting I really wanted early in my career, and I didn’t get it. At the time, it felt like a huge setback, but it taught me that rejection is part of the process. There have actually been several opportunities I really wanted that didn’t work out, and I’ve learned that things don’t always go as planned. It helped me build thicker skin and understand that every “no” brings you closer to the right opportunity. I also learned the importance of focusing on your own path and not comparing yourself to others.
HBZVN: You’ve worked with brands from Levi’s to Saks Fifth Avenue. Is there one campaign, runway show, or shoot that still feels especially meaningful to you today?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: One campaign that still feels very meaningful to me is working with Levi’s. It felt authentic and aligned with my personal style, and the team made it such a collaborative and positive experience. It’s one of those projects I look back on with real pride.
Top: Balmain. Balaclava: Eva Urias. Hat: Manuel Díaz.
HBZVN: Having lived and worked in many countries, how have different cultures influenced your understanding of beauty and style?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: Living in different countries has completely broadened my perspective on beauty. I’ve learned that beauty isn’t one standard. It’s incredibly diverse. Each culture celebrates something unique, and that has made me appreciate individuality much more.
Top: Balmain. Balaclava: Eva Urias. Hat: Manuel Díaz.
HBZVN: Vietnamese designers are known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. From your perspective as a model, what makes working with designers from different cultures, such as Vietnam, interesting or inspiring?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: Working with designers from different cultures is always inspiring because they bring their own heritage and storytelling into their work. With Vietnamese designers, I find the mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern design especially beautiful. It creates something truly distinctive.
Top: Coperni. Necklace: Swarovski.
HBZVN: Vietnam has a growing fashion industry with many young models and designers emerging in recent years. What advice would you share with young Vietnamese models who hope to build an international career like yours?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: My advice would be to stay patient and consistent. Building an international career takes time. Also, stay true to who you are. Your uniqueness is your strength. And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
Top: Coperni. Necklace: Swarovski.
HBZVN: The fashion and modeling industry is changing quickly, from social media pressures to economic uncertainty. What challenges do you think models face today that didn’t exist before?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: Today, I think one of the biggest challenges is the pressure from social media. Models are expected to maintain a constant online presence, which can sometimes blur the line between personal life and work. There’s also more uncertainty in the industry, so adaptability is key.
HBZVN: If modeling had never happened, what do you think you would be doing today?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: As much as being in front of the camera gives me life, I think I would have been drawn to understanding the human mind. I’ve always been fascinated by behavior and psychology, so I probably would have studied criminology.
Dress: Balenciaga. Corset: Corsant. Earrings, earcuffs and rings: Swarovski. Hat: The Weird Market.
HBZVN: If your life as a model were a movie, what would the title be?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: “In Between Worlds”. It reflects the constant movement, growth, and the balance between different cultures, cities, and versions of myself. Having lived in so many places, I feel like I belong a little bit everywhere, and that’s something very special to me.
Dress: Balenciaga. Corset: Corsant. Earrings, earcuffs and rings: Swarovski. Hat: The Weird Market.
HBZVN: What is always in your bag when you travel for work?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: I always carry a good moisturizer, and eye patches a water bottle, headphones, and a book. Those are my essentials to stay comfortable and grounded while traveling.
Dress: Balenciaga. Corset: Corsant. Earrings, earcuffs and rings: Swarovski. Hat: The Weird Market.
HBZVN: What is one fashion item you secretly love but most people might find strange?
SAMANTHA ZAJARIAS: Not really. I’m actually super basic in my day-to-day style. I love a simple white T-shirt and a gray sweatshirt. I honestly can’t have enough of them.
Top: Balmain. Balaclava: Eva Urias. Hat: Manuel Díaz.
Model: Samantha Zajarias @samanthazajarias
Photographer: Alex Cordova @alexcordovaphoto
Stylist: Juka @jjukafashionstylist
Makeup: Stephanie Sznicer @stephaniesznicer
Hair: Octavio León @octavioleon
Production: Marc Juan Comunicación @marcjuancomunicacion
Harper’s Bazaar Việt Nam
