interview by LEANDRO DA SILVA
MARIANE GODOY has established herself as one of Brazil’s leading international models, building a career that spans the world’s fashion capitals through runway shows, editorials and campaigns for some of the industry’s most influential brands. Most recently, she became one of the faces of Antonin Tron’s debut campaign for Balmain, marking another milestone in her international career. Beyond fashion, Mariane’s journey reflects a thoughtful approach to growth, shaped by curiosity, resilience and an openness to new cultures and experiences. In our conversation, she reflects on identity, authenticity, the rhythms of international life and the lessons gathered along the way.
dress LOUIS VUITTON
Nature has its own rhythm. Nothing blooms before its time. Looking at your journey, how has your understanding of success evolved over the years?
I have always believed that success was connected to living a life you can be proud of. I believe the journey is more important than the destination.
Today, looking back at my story so far, I feel very happy with the choices I have made. Having international recognition gives me pleasure because of the way I have positioned myself in the market and because I have stayed true to my principles.
dress TOD’S
turtleneck WOLFORD
tights FALKE
heels MAISON ERNEST
Being part of Antonin Tron’s debut campaign for Balmain meant entering a new chapter for one of fashion’s most iconic maisons. What did it mean to you to be part of that moment?
I remember the first time I met Antonin. I found him very observant and easygoing, and I think that’s part of who he is. When I saw the references he brought to me for the campaign, I was immediately fascinated because it was easy for me to see myself in them.
We photographed in Los Angeles, and the whole energy of Hollywood took over the set. It was such a beautiful day to be there and share that environment with Antonin.
The entire team was incredibly professional and thoughtful, which made me feel completely comfortable on set and helped us create the best images. We also did the first look with me completely nude in a room. It was the first time I had been photographed that way, and it was very special. I was able to relax, trust the process and simply enjoy the moment.
bralette DSQUARED2
skirt ELIE SAAB
tights FALKE
heels CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
There comes a point in every career when knowing when to say no becomes as important as knowing when to say yes. How has your relationship with your choices changed over the years?
I learned that saying no is just as important as saying yes because it positions you. Saying no to people who want to limit you, and saying no to your own excesses, protects your energy.
Every editorial tells a different story. Long before the camera captures an image, there is a creative process. How do you find the balance between embracing a new narrative and remaining true to your own identity?
I think that is one of the greatest things about my work. I consider myself an open-minded person, so I can move between different styles and have fun with them.
My advice is to be yourself and understand that there are many versions of you inside that you can play with. Be yourself and flow through all those versions.
The editorials and the work themselves always bring something more to me. I have my own style, but when I step into a character for a shoot, I always absorb a little bit of each one. I think it expands me as a person.
I have the freedom to be open to the possibilities that the work gives me, to become different people, with different styles and personalities. I can have a tomboy style, but some days I wake up feeling like a princess. Fashion gives me that freedom.
dress PIERRE CARDIN
gaiter FALKE
shoes MAISON ERNEST
hood LOEWE
tights FALKE
You have lived and worked across different countries, cultures and languages. How have these experiences transformed the woman behind the model?
I am very grateful to fashion for giving me access to so many cultures. I am sure it has expanded my intellect, made me a more humble human being and helped me break my own mental limitations.
When I experience the world, I see that there are many ways to live.
Fashion is an accelerated universe. While nature invites us to slow down, what rituals or practices help you reconnect with yourself?
When we understand that human beings are part of nature, we create a relationship of respect with the world.
Whenever I can, I walk barefoot. When I am in a big city, I look for parks because I like exercising outdoors. I also meditate frequently and read self-help books.
That helps me navigate the world because it is difficult to be far from your natural habitat.
bralette and cycling short DOLCE & GABBANA
You also practice calisthenics, yoga and running. How did you discover calisthenics, and what do you enjoy about it?
Calisthenics is something I really connected with, and I do not see many women doing it. The workouts are usually dominated by men.
I discovered it through running. When I was running in the streets and parks, I would see these outdoor calisthenics areas. I started getting interested, first with stretching, then learning different exercises and how to train.
I am improving step by step because it is difficult. You work with your own body weight, and it has really changed my body in a positive way. I like that it takes me away from the machines at the gym.
After years of travelling around the world, what makes you truly feel at home?
Making friends wherever I go, because having a support network is essential for people who live a nomadic life. The support I receive from my family is also incredibly important.
When I tell them that I miss home and wish I could be with them, they remind me that this is the work I chose and that I have opportunities in front of me. They tell me to keep going and not look back.
When I miss them, that encouragement from my family and my friends, who have become my support network around the world, is essential. Without it, it would be very difficult.
jacket, skirt and heels DIOR
tights CALZEDONIA
Nature reminds us that nothing is exactly the same, and perhaps that is what makes it beautiful. In an industry that has long celebrated perfection, when did you realize that authenticity is more powerful than perfection?
I think that through observation, we gradually choose what we do not want to follow. If you are the same as everyone else, how will you stand out?
We are already on a journey of discovering ourselves, looking inward in a more welcoming way and less towards other people. It is about understanding the things you like, the style you like, and working on yourself.
I think authenticity is what makes you different from so many beautiful people.
dress and heels GUCCI
tights CALZEDONIA
dress and boots GIVENCHY
Fashion is often remembered for the images it creates, but lasting careers are built on something that goes beyond aesthetics. What do you hope people remember when they think of your journey?
I would like my journey to be associated with resilience, with turning the game around several times when people told me no, with not succumbing to the darker paths of the industry, and with keeping the dream alive.
I would like to be remembered for that. Keeping the dream alive.
bralette and cycling short DOLCE & GABBANA
If there is one lesson your journey has taught you so far, what do you hope you never forget as you continue to grow?
Do not be afraid. Discover yourself and work towards becoming your best version.
I think fear paralyses us. When we work on ourselves, we compare ourselves less and focus on becoming the best version of ourselves. Not better than someone else, but the best version of ourselves.
I am still searching for that. And things start to happen.
I am a human being, and I feel fear all the time. But it cannot paralyze you. There is so much exposure, so much vulnerability, and you are putting yourself out there.
So I think the first thing is not to be afraid. And if you are afraid, go with the fear.
bralette, skirt, socks and heels PRADA
