FASHION MEANS FREEDOM
Words: Jonna Hunt
We came across the multi-talented Bruna Tenório, a Brazilian model and founder of jewellery brand Tenório Jewelry. She has walked the runways of fashion houses such as Versace, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, been the face of a haute couture campaign shot by Karl Lagerfeld and graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Here she shares her vivid memories.
Bruna in OH-12
YOU WERE DISCOVERED IN A MALL IN MACEIÓ, BRAZIL AT 16. WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST THOUGHTS OF BECOMING A MODEL?
I always dreamed about having a job that would take me to different parts of the world, and that would make me financially independent. I feel very fortunate!
YOU LIVE AND WORK IN NEW YORK CITY. WHAT IS IT LIKE? ANYTHING YOU MISS FROM HOME?
I love NYC! It’s my favourite place in the whole world! Although Brazil will always feel my home! I miss my family, my dogs, my friends from high school and specially my mom’s feijoada (Brazilian typical dish).
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING A MODEL?
I spend a lot of time by myself (don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy my own company). But it’s not always fun to travel, and staying in hotel rooms alone. I wish I could take my husband or friends with me sometimes!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?
Karl Lagerfeld had a huge impact in my career for giving me a first chance at the fashion world and opening many doors for me when I shot with him for the Chanel campaign in 2007.
WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST MEMORY YOU HAVE FROM A SHOOT?
I remember a Vogue shoot in LA. We were shooting in Beverly Hills and the photographer would ask me to jump and spin around closer and closer to the edge of the cliffs. I was young and my mom used to travel with me everywhere back then. I remember seeing my mom coming out of the car screaming for me to come back. She literally stopped the whole Vogue shoot! I’m glad she did that!
Bruna in OH-12
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH FASHION ICONS SUCH AS KARL LAGERFELD? ANY MEMORIES YOU CAN RECALL?
I remember him being very kind to everyone around him! Chanel shows were always my favourites!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN STYLE? WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO YOU?
Effortless chic, comfortable. Fashion to me means freedom!
YOU LAUNCHED TENÓRIO JEWELRY LAST YEAR. DESCRIBE THE BRAND AND THE REASON FOR STARTING IT?
After 10 years working as a model, I wanted to start trying to do something else, that could work parallel with my work in fashion and decided to study jewellery design. Last year I did a few courses at Liloveve School of Jewelry in Brooklyn. I learned the techniques of handmade jewellery, wax carving, metalsmithing and stone setting.
I loved the idea of being able to create something I really love and that had my DNA. So I decided to create my own jewellery line called Bruna Tenório Jewelry.
DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL THAT YOU FIND INSPIRATION AND STRENGTH FROM?
I have met so many incredibly inspiring women throughout this journey. Hard to name one!
HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE OH-12 SQUARED OH MY EYES FRAME COMPLIMENTS YOUR STYLE?
I love square framed glasses. The OH-12 gives a strong finish to my outfit.
WHO DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD MEET NEXT AND WHY?
You should meet a good friend of mine Renata Zandonadi. She is one of the coolest girls I know and she is launching the coolest knitwear brand very soon!
