Sky’s the Limit with Manuela Álvarez
Model and dreamer, Manuela Álvarez is making waves in the fashion industry with her unique look and outlook on life. From Medellín, Colombia this gem is much like her hometown — a once small, under-the-radar locale, but today, a modern and vibrant, must-see city. Independent, charismatic, and determined to make a difference in the way women see themselves, this beauty is not determined by societal standards. When doors closed for Álvarez she pushed windows open, paving a way for herself in an industry she once thought was not for her, but was destined to join.
Photographer: Manny Roman | Styling & Makeup: Gloria Johnson
Gold Layer Choker: Dylanlex | Gold Bracelets: Dannjio | Corset Bra: Ericson Davidson
A Colombian now modern-day Californian, Manuela Álvarez graduated college with a degree in business, but from a young age it was clear that she had a passion for the fashion industry and a possible career path in it. Beginning her journey studying Retail Merchandising & Product Development, it was not long before the now model strayed to the road less traveled. “Although it was a great experience I knew I wanted to do something bigger,” begins the artist, “and I realized how much I loved being in front of the camera.” Álvarez moved to Miami, completed her degree, and dove head first into pursuing her modeling career. “I want my audience to know that everything happens the way it’s meant to,” encourages the model. “Trust the process and always be grateful for your own unique journey. The universe is always working in your favor and no matter how long it takes you to get where you want to be, you are capable of getting there if you truly believe in yourself and the power of your dreams.”
Her journey, however, was not without its hindrances. “My journey in the fashion and entertainment industry has been full of obstacles,” reveals Álvarez, “but those obstacles have shaped me into the woman I am today, which I am very grateful for.” Graduating college in 2018, the model began attending various open calls in Miami. Facing the archaic beauty conventions often seen in this industry, due to her body shape, industry professionals were not warm and welcoming at first. “My Latina curves didn’t meet the industry standards,” smirked the vibrant beauty gesturing down her beautiful silhouette, “and after a year of adjusting my body to try to fit in, I began to think maybe a career as a model just wasn’t for me.” After a short time the young model began to battle an eating disorder and the unhealthy habits caused her to remove herself from modeling and rather reflect on her purpose and sense of self. Finding solace in these words, Álvarez focused on the road to recovery: “Don’t change so people will like you; be yourself and the right people will love you.”
Adopting self-care practices and taking the time to fully recover, as fate would have it, Álvarez came across the opportunity for Sports Illustrated Swim’s online Swim Search for girls. “What caught my attention most was the diversity of the models that were featured in the magazine,” shares the model; “and after seeing Danielle Herrington’s cover that year, I was inspired to accept myself for who I am, to own my curves, and to believe that I could get there as well.” Álvarez entered the competition to break the barriers in the industry that keep so many from chasing their dreams, while inspiring others to do the same. After a year long process, Álvarez was chosen as one of the top six girls to be featured in the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim issue. “This was definitely a huge dream come true and by far one of the most memorable experiences of my career,” exclaims the model. “Even though the journey hasn’t been easy and I’ve faced a lot of rejection, I’ve never stopped believing in myself and my potential.”
“Don’t change so people will like you; be yourself and the right people will love you.”
Black Leather Jumpsuit: Bershka | Top: Ericson Davidson | Earrings & Bracelets: Dannjio
Álvarez is intentional to never compare herself to anyone else and to never give up no matter how long it takes. Living by these words, “the best thing we can do as individuals is to embrace ourselves for who we are and what we have to offer. The industry is shifting, especially now due to the pandemic, and we are in an era where the topics of body positivity and self-acceptance are being normalized,” states the model. According to Álvarez, fashion designers and brands are now embracing peoples uniqueness in their campaigns, catalogues, websites, and advertisements. “That is something extremely special,” heartens the model.
Immersing in the freedom and spontaneity that comes with being a model, “I love being able to meet and work alongside such unique, wonderful, creative groups of people that come together to create beautiful works of art,” shares Álvarez. Of course, when it comes to her own success, the model believes that authenticity and being yourself are the most important components of what she does. “Living a genuine, healthy lifestyle is very important in order to experience true happiness in life, no matter what career path you choose,” states the model. Álvarez believes, in a similar vein, that it’s important to use social media as a tool to promote and interact with others and with content that aligns with our values, and to share things that are meaningful and that resonate with you.
Black Dress: Galia Lahav | Earrings: Dannjio
As are the demands of her job, Manuela has to constantly be on top of her inner and physical health in order to feel her best in front of the camera, taking the time and energy every day to remain grounded as an individual. “I definitely prioritize my ‘real life’ over posting content on social media,” continues the model, “and I remain authentic and grounded by staying connected with nature, my culture, and where I come from.” A born Libra, balance is a key factor in her life, so Álvarez is drawn to staying active, meditating, reading, and making sure she prioritizes her mental health over everything else. Unashamed and unapologetic for taking the time needed to reflect on her own and to protect her energy, Álvarez encourages everyone to “be gentle with yourself because life is about the journey, not the destination.”
Eager to learn more about the many travels that can accompany the lifestyle and job of a working model, being from Colombia, the model reveals that there is a lot that women in the States can learn from beauty and fashion in her culture. “We are definitely very feminine and like to take care of our physical and mental health,” enlightens Álvarez. “Every year when I go home for the holidays I like to take time to visit my dermatologist and get my facials, massages, and practice a lot of self-care.”
Black Dress: Bronxandbanco | Boots: Shoedazzle | Earrings: Dannjio
Noting that Colombian women are “powerful, strong, spicy, and flirty,” they also have a colorful sense of fashion that represents just that. “My mood definitely determines my daily style,” says the model, “but I would say that I always opt for street wear that is ‘comfy-chic’. When it comes to beauty I always like to be natural. On the days I am not on set I usually wear my hair and face natural, with a touch of mascara, brow gel, and Aquaphor.”
Granted, Álvarez has been on a travel hiatus as of late, as well as on less sets due to the limitations of the pandemic, so the way she creates and works has definitely changed over the last year. “It’s safe to say quarantine has been a challenging time for us all,” admits the model, “but being able to sit with myself in isolation during this time has helped me find my purpose as a human being.” Creatively, this time has offered her a different perspective on the direction she wants to take her career. “I have learned so much during this time, but one of the most important things I’ve learned is to embrace change and take risks. 2021 is going to be a magical year. I’ve never felt more aligned with my purpose and I know this year is going to bring many opportunities to accomplish more goals and dreams. Stay tuned!”
“Be gentle with yourself because life is about the journey, not the destination.”