Patricia Velásquez

Creativity goes beyond images, canvas, film and other media. It also acts as a catalyst for philanthropy, charity and activism. Award-winning actress, history-making supermodel, a fervent philanthropist, a conscientious activist, author, and mother of two. Patricia Velasquez applies an eternal creative spirit to everything she does. It could be acting in blockbuster films like The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation and participating in the UNESCO Board. She relies on her intuition and makes her own way with great success, making significant strides. "I see my work as a long , sweeping staircase," she says. "I made every step. It was remarkable to do that, given that it was an ongoing process. I simply lay my head down, taking one step at a time, and then never stopped." The imagery is directly similar to an actual experience. Born in Venezuela but raised in France and Mexico after which she moved to Venezuela after just a few years. In South America, her parents worked in education , and then relocated the family into a crowded apartment building with no water and inoperable elevators. To provide water for the unit, Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water up 15 steps. She tried to assist her family as much as possible despite her engineering studies as well as pursuing a dance education. Her promise to her family members, which was the main reason she made it to the top in the fashion industry, led to her sought-after to model in Milan. She recounts, "When they asked me whether I wanted to travel to Italy I replied, 'If you can send 30 bucks a month home to Venezuela then it's worthwhile, as that will cover the whole building's water costs'." Patricia's success marked a turning point for fashion when she first brought the attention of the fashion industry to South America. Patricia was able to make headlines upon becoming "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and going on to walk at shows, take part in editorial spreads, and advertisements for front pages of Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret among just a few. Her appearances in Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest and Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World" contest were a hit around the world. She was also featured on the cover of Marie Claire, Bazaar and Vogue.