by Brooke Varney
Maria Borges.
With this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion show just around the corner, everyone’s wondering which Angels will be returning, and if any rumored newcomers will be earning their wings. (Word is still out on the statuses of Suki Waterhouse and Kendall Jenner…) One confirmed returning model that’s caught our attention is Angolan-born beauty and Forbes-declared “African Queen of the Runway” Maria Borges, whose already impressive career and outlook on life have us eager to see what else she does in the fashion world.
Maria Borges walks in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2013.
Her fairytale-like story is truly remarkable, having been raised by her older brother and sister during Angola’s civil war until its end in 2002. After placing second in a modeling competition in 2010, the next year she won Ford Supermodel Angola 2011. Fast-forward to the present, and Maria is walking runways for the most exclusive designers, and even considers Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci a “Godfather” of hers. She has said of the designer, “He was the first one who believed in me… He looks serious, but he’s a very down-to-earth person. He’s always happy and polite, and he treats people kindly. It’s a privilege to watch so much creativity happen because I know the history and the luxury surrounding the label.” A favorite of Tisci’s, Maria has appeared in Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2014 ad campaigns, as well as countless runway shows for the brand, including menswear. A favorite of countless high-end designers, its no wonder that Maria’s been asked to strap on her wings for the second year in a row. During the most recent fashion weeks alone, Maria has walked for Moschino, Dior, Zac Posen, and many more.
Maria with one of her biggest supporters, Riccardo Tisci.
Influenced greatly by her native country, she has spoken on how it affected her career choice, as well as the Angolan perception of modeling. “The modeling scene in Angola is growing, but there’s still prejudice in terms of parents who aren’t well-educated about the business today,” she points out. “It’s not every father who will allow his daughter to be a model because of human trafficking. I had to have a conversation with my family to let them know that modeling was something I was choosing as my career.” Her tattoo on her forearm also speaks of her heritage, as well as her outlook on life, explaining, “I did it in New York after I arrived, because when I was leaving home someone told me, ‘Be patient; take it step-by-step.’” We couldn’t agree with them more.
Maria walks for Moschino Spring/Summer 2015.
Maria Borges walks in Dior’s showcase for their Cruise 2015 collection.
Maria models Zac Posen’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection.
Maria Borges walks for Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring/Summer 2015 ready-to-wear collection.