Photographer: Tom Marvel. talent: Gracie Carvalho. Jacket: Junya Watanabe. Pants: Aiste Hong from Lindsey Media. Earrings: Anayah from D’Orazio World.
Gracie Carvalho’s career began in São Paulo with a local modeling contest that quickly propelled her onto the world’s most prestigious runways. Since her debut at Fashion Week in 2008, the Brazilian model has walked for designers including Burberry, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren, and Vivienne Westwood, while appearing in campaigns for DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger. Known for her radiant smile and strong presence, she has also graced the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the iconic Pirelli Calendar.
Beyond fashion, Carvalho’s passion for Muay Thai and martial arts reflects a deeper story of discipline and resilience. In this conversation, she reflects on independence, confidence, and finding strength in being herself.
Dress: Alain Paul. Hat: Sadie James from The Residency Experience.
HBZVN: Dear Gracie, you started modeling at a young age and have worked across runways, editorials, and campaigns. Looking back, what part of your career has shaped you the most as a woman, not just as a model?
GRACIE CARVALHO: When I moved to another country on my own, I didn’t just change my address. I changed my entire world.
I had to learn a new language, navigate unfamiliar systems, and figure out the simplest daily tasks without the comfort of someone guiding me. Back home, I came from a big family. We shared everything: meals, laughter, responsibilities, even silence. I was never really alone.
Dress: Maria Lucia Hohan from D’Orazio World. Shoes: Christian Louboutin. Necklace, earrings and rings: Anabela Chan from D’Orazio World.
Then I found myself in New York. Alone.
And suddenly, every decision was mine to make. Every mistake was mine to fix. Every small win felt bigger because I earned it by myself. It was overwhelming at times – exciting, terrifying, lonely, empowering – sometimes all in the same day.
Dress: CD Greene. Earrings & bracelet: Verdura.
But somewhere between getting lost on the subway and learning how to ask for help in a new language, I discovered something powerful: resilience I didn’t know I had.
Being by myself in New York didn’t just teach me how to survive. It taught me how to grow.
Dress: Rick Owens. Earrings: Verdura.
HBZVN: High fashion often celebrates a cool, distant expression, yet you’re known for a radiant smile that feels genuine and warm. Do you think there’s still room in fashion for joy and openness; and how have you decided when to smile and when not to?
GRACIE CARVALHO: Of course, there’s still room to grow. Now more than ever.
My smile is what makes me feel safe and secure. I never choose not to smile, especially at work. When I started modeling, I met some difficult people and had bad days, just like anyone in their job. But I realized that every time I smiled, the situation slowly felt lighter.
It didn’t change everything, but it changed me. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Dress: Rick Owens. Earrings: Verdura.
HBZVN: Silver often carries ideas of strength, protection, and modernity. When you wear silver, especially in the context of this cover, does it feel purely aesthetic to you, or does it also reflect something deeper about power and presence?
GRACIE CARVALHO: I think silver is a powerful color. Whenever I wear it, I instantly feel stronger: modern, confident, and effortlessly fashionable.
There’s something about it that makes me stand taller and own the moment.
Top: Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven. Skirt: McQueen. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Rings: Anabela Chan from D’Orazio World.
HBZVN: Muay Thai is a serious physical and mental practice. What drew you to this discipline, and how has it changed the way you approach work, pressure, and self-confidence?
GRACIE CARVALHO: I actually started self-defense almost by accident. A friend of mine, Butterfly, who worked at the agency at the time, was taking classes and invited me to join. I immediately fell in love with it. From there, I discovered the world of martial arts, and eventually fell in love with Muay Thai.
It made me stronger physically, but even more mentally. I began sparring with professional fighters, men and women, and that experience changed my confidence completely. Every round pushed me beyond what I thought I could handle.
Top: Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven. Skirt: McQueen. Rings: Anabela Chan from D’Orazio World.
I started thinking, if I can spar with men in the ring, I can absolutely go after the jobs I want. The mindset was the same: Believe in yourself, stay disciplined, keep improving your technique.
Muay Thai didn’t just train my body. It transformed my mindset.
It was a true game changer in my life.
Blazer and skirt: Roland Mouret. Earrings: Verdura.
HBZVN: Success often comes from what we do every day, quietly and consistently. Are there any personal disciplines, whether in training, diet, routine, or mindset, that you feel have played a key role in sustaining your career over time?
GRACIE CARVALHO: As a model, we’re constantly traveling: last-minute jobs, different time zones, always on the go. It’s hard to build a routine when your life is always moving.
But I wish I had learned earlier that routine is what keeps us mentally grounded.
After many years, I finally found mine. I work out every day. I don’t skip my mental therapy; something I wish I had started much younger. And the one thing I absolutely never skip? My skincare routine.
Blazer and skirt: Roland Mouret. Earrings: Verdura. Boots: Vintage.
I spend at least an hour a day in front of the mirror, just taking care of my skin. It’s my moment. My reset.
My husband laughs because people are always asking about my skincare secrets, and he says, “Hours and hours in front of the mirror!”. And honestly… he’s not wrong.
But for me, it’s more than skincare. It’s discipline, self-care, and showing up for myself.
Top: Diotima. Pants: Aiste Hong from Lindsey Media. Necklace: Anayah from D’Orazio World. Rings: Anabela Chan from D’Orazio World.
HBZVN: The luxury fashion industry is evolving rapidly, visually, ethically, and culturally. As someone inside the system, what changes do you find most exciting right now?
GRACIE CARVALHO: What excites me most is seeing more brands create sustainable products with a lower environmental impact.
It’s inspiring to watch the industry evolve, proving that innovation, responsibility, and style can exist together. Knowing that we can make better choices for the planet while still embracing quality and creativity gives me real hope for the future.
Top: Diotima. Pants: Aiste Hong from Lindsey Media. Shoes: Christian Louboutin. Necklace: Anayah from D’Orazio World. Rings: Anabela Chan from D’Orazio World.
HBZVN: At this stage of your life, would you say strength matters more to you than perfection? Can you please explain?
GRACIE CARVALHO: I believe the strength of being yourself matters more than anything else.
We’re human; we will fail, we will make mistakes, and we will have imperfect moments. And that’s okay. Perfection is an illusion.
What truly matters is authenticity, growth, and having the courage to show up as you are.
Top & skirt: McQueen. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Necklace: Anabela Chan from D’Orazio World.
HBZVN: What advice do you have for young women models, actresses and models ?
GRACIE CARVALHO: My advice is simple: be yourself, and be kind.
In our industry, there’s a lot of competition, and sometimes success takes time. Not everything happen overnight. But if you truly believe in yourself and stay consistent, dreams do come true.
And if you can, invest in your mental health. Having a therapist to help you build strong mental skills is not a luxury; it’s essential. You will need that strength more than anything.
Full look: Jason Wu Collection. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Earrings: Anayah from D’Orazio World
Talent: Gracie Carvalho @graciecarvalho at The Lions @thelionsmgmt.
Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Atelier Management @ateliermgmt.
Hair Stylist: @linhhair @seemanagementc @redken.
Makeup Artist: @elisaflowersmakeup @ateliermgmt @makeupforever.
Manicurist: @caseynails @thewallgroup @kissnails.
Lighting Director: @1muratozdemir1.
Production: @winnie_noan.
Director of Video: @phadeevs.
Digital Artist: retouchingbymarilynn@gmail.com.
Digital Tech: @wohliviaa.
Lead Stylist’s Assistant: @lu3alo @sheismaia_agency.
Photographer Assistants: @michelewilhelminaphotography, @hectoradalid, @polymathicwallace, @misshelenchic.
Grip: @. gspepe.
Videographer Assistant: @igor.f.momot.
Set Producer: @kathleentig.
Fashion Team: @style.by.sabinakahn, @indigoboy, @madisonwengu.
Marketing Director: @biljana.cvijetinovic.
Special thanks to DeVon and Benjamin @thelionsmgmt Shot at @un_nyc.
Special thanks to Jason and everyone at Untitled NYC
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
