WITH HER STRIKING PHYSIQUE, HER NATURAL SHORT AFRO AND HER KILLER RUNWAY WALK, SUPERMODEL MARIA BORGES IS AN INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY ICON.
Supermodel and powerful diversity advocate, Maria Borges is paving the (run)way for more women to believe in their natural worth and the validity of their dreams.
From growing up in Angola, Africa, during the country’s civil war, Maria’s inimitable beauty, talent and energy have made her a true supermodel – known for her joyful runway presence and inspirational life story. Now as a new face of L’Oréal Paris, Maria is a modern ambassador for natural, mesmerizing, uplifting beauty.
“When her mile-wide smile lights up a runway, Maria inspires others to shine. Helping break barriers, she uses her voice to motivate other women to believe in their beauty: an empowering message that’s core to our beliefs at L’Oréal Paris. We are honored to welcome Maria as our new Lorealista, to inspire more women around the world.” said Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou, L’Oréal Paris global president.
“This means the world to me. I believe in the beauty of diversity – and the empowering message that a girl who started from the bottom can become an international beauty symbol. And be living proof that our dreams are valid and the future ahead of us is bright. Thank you L’Oréal Paris, we’re all worth it,” said Maria Borges.
Discovered at the Elite Model Angola contest in 2010, Maria went on to conquer fashion – she was cast in 17 shows in her first season, then signed on as a Givenchy exclusive the next. She calls Givenchy’s creative director Riccardo Tisci "godfather.” In recent seasons, she joined the Balmain army, starred in Karl Lagerfeld’s big data Chanel show and grooved with Bruno Mars on the Victoria Secret runway. She’s fronted editorial for fashion’s greatest titles including: CR Fashion Book, Harper's Bazaar, i-D, Interview, LOVE, Numéro, Vanity Fair, Vogue Italia, Vogue UK and W magazine, for whom she taught the world how to selfie like a supermodel.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself.”
Conscious of the reach that fashion recognition gives her, Maria became the first model to wear her natural short afro on the most-watched catwalk, the Victoria’s Secret show. That moment in runway history was intended to “help women around the world embrace their natural beauty.” By her words and her action, the Portuguese-speaking model shares a powerful message of diversity, positivity and strength with her 324k social followers, and beyond.
“Never forget where you came from”
Maria, who was named Forbes Africa top model in 2013, is proud to represent “Africa, black women and all those who believe in the power of their dreams.” Ever promoting her home country, Angola, a population of 28 million, she founded a children’s charity with her local church and supports rising fashion talent by returning to the runway at Angola Fashion Week.
The L’Oréal Paris X PFW reveal: Olamide Ogundele
This PFW, Maria Borges will appear on the runway with a new face in fashion. Chosen by Maria herself, Nigerian-born model Olamide Ogundele, makes her PFW debut on the Wanda Nylon runway. By giving Olamide the exposure of a runway
appearance in the fashion capital, the L’Oréal Paris X PFW reveal brings truth to the mantra Maria espouses; “We rise by lifting others.” Tune into the Wanda Nylon show at 6 p.m. on March 1st to see Maria and Olamide make runway history.
Maria Borges for L’Oréal Paris
The international model has appeared in the L’Oréal Paris campaign for Paint, plus the new Hydragenius campaign, and will star in the upcoming Matte Obsession campaign. She joins the ranks of Lorealistas including Eva Longoria, Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore, Barbara Palvin, Karlie Kloss, Soo Joo Park, Leila Bekhti and more.
