A New Wave Fashion Fantasy With Model PAOLA GRAU

Tell us part of your success story?

My story is been quite long to be written down in a couple lines; remarkable accomplishments in the field have been for example the candidature in the Spanish final of the TOP MODEL OF THE WORLD SPAIN 2013; my performance as a finalist of MISS UNIVERSE SPAIN 2020 and the crown obtained in 2021 as MISS TOURISM SPAIN. I’d also mention, the fact I got the chance to be modeling in Milano the past 2 years.

Hi Paola, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

Since my very first years I was dreaming to become a model, but my story is a little bit like the black swan. When I was a kid, I was chubby and not very nice looking; because of this reason I got pretty often bullied from both sides family and school. After some dramatic episodes, I developed a severe eating disorder which I still find myself working on it nowadays even if at a very different stage. Since I saw the light on this terrifying tunnel I have been pushing myself in order to become an inspirational icon not only in fashion, but in life. With the aim to do so, I got some mental health diplomas that would allow me to coach and advise people in difficulty (during the pandemic I even developed an online coaching channel! ). At this point I’d say that what moves me in fashion is the promotion of mental health and self-acceptance.

How did you get your start in modelling?

At the age of 14 a French Model Scout from Elite Models stopped me on the street and gave me her card when I was walking around the dog of my friend back in Barcelona (my hometown). Since then, the same agency pushed me to take classes for runaway, photo modeling and camera acting and I started my first jobs and castings as a model; meanwhile I was still attending school though. After not long I went worst with my eating disorder and I was pushed to stop for a while. 2 years later, not under the management of this agency any longer (best agency in town), it was very difficult to find a spot for me in the modeling industry; I tried with many agencies but it did not work. At the time I was 16, I still was struggling with severe bodysmorphia, and a lot of job denials brought me down till the point I developed bulimia and binge eating (meanwhile I was assisting therapy because of my anorexia); this pushed myself aside of the industry again.

I then finished high-school and lived 2 years without abandoning cameras but in a lighter way.

From the moment I finished high-school, I found myself very lost as my parents wanted me to study but I was still very sick and frustrated cause my dream was to become a model. So I took one gap year abroad and again, anorexia knocked back.

Tell us about your latest project?

I’ve got a big proposal lastly with a magazine, but, as it isn’t signed yet I’m not spoiling it! I can advance you that this following months I will be back fo modeling in MILAN (people that follow me long know that I left the city exactly 1 year ago due to other projects )

Who do you admire in the modeling industry?

I get inspired by many icons when it comes to Fashion; most iconic for me are goddess Cara Delevingne due to her multifacetedness, hot Adriana Lima because of her sensuality and lastly my beloved Chiara Ferragni as she has been capable to reinvent a spot in the Fashion Industry.

What inspires you most in your work?

I love being in a constant boom of serotonin; all the way since I got started in this field has been a constant flow of ups and downs, flights, opportunities and challenges. To be honest it’s also very addictive to be in a constant competition with yourself, as somehow I’m feeling responsible if I don’t reach my expectations when I have to represent a brand or a group of people.

What motivates you in your achievements?

Being a better version of myself everyday and, as a consequence better in anything I do; moreover I’d say that I feel so fulfilled every time someone gets motivated or inspired by me.

To be on trend with fashion today you must have?

AURA: feel confident with who you are and anything you will wear will suit you distinctly.

Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?

Most of my friends are in the same industry of mine so I guess my main influence are them; it’s a constant and direct interaction which unconsciously keeps us updated between each other and ready for any content creation.

Which fashion brand have you collaborated with?

I walked for CUSTO when younger and I’ve partnered with ROSA CLARÁ, WISKII ACTIVE, TONI BONET & others.

Fashion icons in your opinion?

Donatella Versace is one of the most glamorous women ever, Elisabetta Franchi, pure class and princess Diana (best referral) the meaning of elegance.

Why is the choice of model agency so important?

You better find an agency that is able to represent your essence and values or you

rather go work by yourself as a freelance; as you might know an agency that doesn’t resonate with you is purely a waste of time!

Being a famous model what makes you special?

Well, I don’t feel like a « famous model » but a renewed women performing in fashion. In any case I’d say that the special thing about me is that I receive any job as a challenge, so I try to perform at my 100% in any occasion, which I guess people can perceive.

Which brands do you work for and which fashion catwalks have you touched?

I’ve worked with many bridal and small designer brands (from Spain, Italy,Brazil…). I also partner with many bikini brands as I spend a lot of time in Ibiza.

Regarding catwalks I’ve been performing in MILANO FASHION WEEK this year for the second time and I’ve been in bridal shows and showrooms (not Paris or NY

yet hehe).

What talent are you most proud of?

I never give up on myself, I have passed periods that I deeply thought I’m not made for this, but then all of a sudden a big opportunity will appear. Fashion is a field which is very competitive, every day new emerging talents are scouted and long-live models are reinventing themselves and pushing hard most of the time,

plus I’d say it is not fair-paid quite often.

A few words about our magazine?

I consider this magazine a very necessary tool in order to give a voice to all this hard-working women that are fighting and pushing themselves to their best daily (very often without much recognition); so thankful in fact for this interview