Patricia Velásquez
Creativity extends beyond the
photographic, canvas or film, as well as the media. It is also an inspiration
for charity, philanthropy and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning
model, actress, and historian, staunch philanthropist and conscientious
activist, as well as mother of two, brings an ever-increasing creative flair to
all she does, whether it's starring in blockbusters such as The Curse of La
Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation, and participating on the UNESCO
Board. Whatever the case, she takes huge leaps by drawing from her intuition
and carefully paving her personal pathway. She states, "I see my career as
a long ladder." "I made every step. It was incredible to do so,
because there's been a lot of longevity. I lay my head on the floor and took
one step at a time. And then it was over. The metaphor is an evocation of a
formative experience. Born in Venezuela but was raised in France and Mexico,
she relocated to Venezuela after a few years. Her parents, who worked as
teachers in South America, moved her family into a cramped home without running
water or elevators. In order to supply water for the entire unit, Patricia
often carried heavy buckets of water up 15 flights of stairs. Between her
engineering studies and a rigorous dance program she aimed to aid the family in
every way. She was sought out to be a model in Milan and her ascent to the top
of the fashion world depended on a promise she made to her loved ones. She
says, "When they asked me to travel to Italy, I said, 'If can send thirty
dollars a month back to Venezuela that's enough since that would pay for the
whole building's water'." Patricia's accomplishment was an important
turning point in fashion when she brought the attention of fashion's industry
to South America. In the wake of becoming "the first Karl Lagerfeld model
ever photographed" after which she proceeded to be featured in editorial
spreads as well as advertisements for the front of Chanel and Dolce &
Gabbana. She was also featured on Oprah's "Supermodel of the World
Contest" by Ford Models. She also appeared on the covers of Marie Claire,
Bazaar and Vogue.
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