Débora Antonelli: "In Milan You Cannot Have More Than 88 Cm. Of Hip To Parade"

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

At only 26 years old, Debora Antonelli feels like a fulfilled woman. And it is not that you have achieved all your goals in life. Her sense of accomplishment comes from the satisfaction of doing what she really likes, what she is passionate about.

Today he may be in his native Argentina posing before the lens for a promotional campaign. Tomorrow you can be in Madrid doing an editorial session for a fashion magazine. And in three days, on a catwalk in Istanbul, New York or London. That is the life that this beautiful young woman has chosen, who started modeling at 16 years old. Although she pursued a career in hotel management, she says she always knew that modeling was her thing. For this reason, at 18 she left her hometown of Rosario, Santa Fé, to pursue her dreams in Buenos Aires.

Although he paid the price of having distanced himself from his family and friends, he also found what he was looking for: to be recognized both nationally and internationally. Over the years, her career has led her to parade through some of the most important fashion shows in the world of fashion, including Fashion Week in London, Greece, Barcelona and Istanbul. She has also been the image of several advertising campaigns in Argentina and has graced countless pages of fashion magazines around the world.

Out of all the designers you have run for, which one is your favorite and why?


The truth is that I have been fortunate to meet many and show off their collections, but if I had to name one it would be Jorge Ibáñez, an Argentine designer who stands out nationally and internationally. Why? For his style, his career, for beauty and, above all, because he is an excellent person, cheerful, fun, full of light and good energy always, and that is reflected in each of his collections.

Among the international supermodels, which is your favorite?


Isabeli Fontana, Brazilian model. She was the Dolce & Gabbana model for the spring / summer 2011 collection. I was lucky to meet her at a show in Europe. In addition to being beautiful, I was struck by its simplicity.




There is a lot of talk about the physical appearance of the catwalk models: that they are very skinny, that they present an unreal image of what the body of a normal woman is … What is your opinion about it?

Yes, unfortunately that happens … the market requires no more than 90 [cm.] Of hip. In Milan, for example, you cannot have more than 88 [cm. hip] to parade. It is impossible, and I see it extremely unhealthy to have a height of 1 meter 80 (6 feet) or more and have that measure. Impossible! In Argentina this is not the case, it is not as demanding as any market in Europe. But there are producers or designers who can download you from a show, campaign or editorial for having maybe 92 or 93 hip.

Have you been through that experience?

Yes, it happened to me. I remember once in a fitting for a fashion show by a well-known designer in Argentina. I felt so humiliated with the barbarities that he told me, and I was 90 cm. hip, parading on the best catwalks, for the best designers … I think that, above all, you have to feel good about yourself. Entering the madness to which the market takes you is the worst thing that can happen to you. You go completely crazy for wanting to arrive and you demand more of yourself, even knowing that it is not the best for you. I know thousands of stories about classmates. And that's why I think you have to be very well prepared mentally. I don't think it's elegant to see girls on the catwalk showing all your bones. In the long run, that happens because the market asks for it, wants it and demands it.

How do you prepare for a catwalk? Do you diet or follow a specific exercise regimen?


The truth is that no, I do not follow any diet, I never did. I am eating very healthy. I prefer home-made and non-purchased food, for example. Also, I really like sports. I play tennis when I have time in Argentina and, as daily training, I go out for a run every day.

What advice do you give to girls who dream of being models?



That they try, that everything is possible, that nothing is impossible, that if it really is what they want, they can come. That if they feel that desire, they put all their energy into it. They can step on you a thousand times and they will step on you a thousand more; but if you wish, you will achieve it. Let her illuminate and show herself as she is. The worst thing you can do is not try.

Where do you see your career in the coming years? What are your dreams and goals?

My idea is to continue traveling and touring each market. Maybe in five years I can say that I traveled the whole world (laughs). I want that and that's where I see myself. As for my dream, I fulfilled it and now I live day by day. I enjoy what happens to me and I always appreciate being able to live from what I really like.