How Well Does Daniela Braga Know Her Fellow Victoria's Secret Angels?
Harper's BAZAAR: How did you get discovered?
Daniela Braga: I was working in a pharmacy, and studying business in school. I never thought about being a model, it was surprising to me. Everyone that came into the pharmacy would always so, oh you're so tall, you're pretty, you should model. But I thought, no I don't want that, I'm going to be a businesswoman. I received 8 business cards from agents. My father finally suggested, why don't you just try it. I called one of the agents, I went to a few agencies. So I signed 6 months later, and I was confirmed for an agency in New York. I thought I was coming just for fashion week, but I did so well, I went to Europe. When I got to Paris, I was chosen as a Givenchy exclusive. Everything really happened after that. I was on the cover of magazines.
HB: Did you understand to be a Givenchy exclusive?
DB: I didn't. I had only been a model for six months. In New York I did about 20 shows, so I thought this was great. So I was confused that I got to Paris, and I thought I'm only going to do one show? And my agent was just like, you don't know what you're talking about. But I did everything, shot the look book and campaigns. Everything changed so much, you don't realize what an honor it is.
HB: What would you be doing if you weren't a model?
DB: My dream at the time was to finish college, I do have a 2-year degree in finance. If I wasn't modeling I would be working in business, it's what I always loved. I always wanted to run my own company. Definitely after -I have some investors that want to do a project with me
HB: When did you first start working with Victoria's Secret
DB: The first job I ever did in the states was for Victoria's Secret actually. I shot for some lingerie for the catalog. A year later I tried out for the show, but I went back to Brazil, and because of Hurricane Sandy, I couldn't make it back to the States. The second year, I wanted it so badly, but I was way too nervous and didn't get it. The third year I tried about, Ed Razek asked me, "if you get the show what are you going to do?" And I said, "Well I'm Brazilian, so if I'm in the show I'm going to samba on the catwalk." He goes, "really? Show me" and I showed him! And I got the show, this is going to be my third show.
HB: What does it mean to be part of the fashion show?
DB: It's a dream come true. Any model wants to be in that show. It's very hard, so many girls try out for the show. If you're there, you are very lucky, and you're doing everything right-you're fit, you take care of yourself. It's not just one factor that helps you get there.
HB: Is it something you think about all year round?
DB: Yes, come january I will be thinking about next year's show. I take care of myself, mentally and physically. If you have a focus, you're gonna get there
HB: What is your favorite workout?
DB: I don't do a lot of exercising, I get so skinny so fast. Normally, I walk or run at the gym.1-2 months before the casting, I get a trainer to work on my arms, legs, abs. I'm most focused on my stomach. It gets harder as I get older.
HB: What's your diet like?
DB: I'm not that healthy, I really love chocolate and ice cream. I eat chicken, rice, salad, I like to eat what I want. I'm not a crazy person that looks at calories on everything and only eats salad. But you know, I try not to eat fries, or cake, everyday.
HB: Favorite beauty products?
DB: I care about my skin a lot. Once a week, I scrub my face with Vichy cleanser. I love trying masks. I use Charlotte Tilbury's Goddess Skin mask, it says it will give you baby-soft skin. You're supposed to leave it on for 15-30 minutes, but I leave it on for an hour. I used Shiseido for my dark circles. La Roche Posay for moisturizer. Sugar lip scrub. Normally, I don't wear makeup, sometimes if I'm going out, I'll wear red lipstick.
HB: Favorite place you've traveled to for work?
DB: I love Paris, I'm learning French. I would love to spend more time there. I fell in love with Paris the first time I went there. I'm not a romantic person, but it's so romantic, the architecture, everything. Even the simple houses, they're so beautiful. Maybe because in Brazil we don't have that kind of old architecture.
HB: Whats the one place you'll go when you have down time before the VSFS?
DB: I love the Eiffel Tower. I don't know why, but I just love to hang there. I just feel peace. I just relax when I'm there. I think about my life, how it changed so much. I came from such a poor country, working in a pharmacy, can you imagine how many people would love to be there? I never imagined before that I would travel around the world, meet amazing people. I'm very grateful for.
HB: Where would like to go that you haven't been?
DB: I've never been to Asia, so I would love to go, or Africa.
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