Meet Mariana Zaragoza, the 19 years old Mexican Top Model who has paraded for the most important brands in the world: Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabanna among others, a family-oriented girl.
Who is Mariana? define yourself
Mariana is an easy-going person that enjoys traveling and learning new things.
How were you as a kid?
I was always very creative and curious. I was good at school and danced Flamenco for over 16 years.
How did you start your career in modeling in your hometown GDL, Mexico?
I was scouted in a shopping mall while I was with my mom. It was very unexpected.
What was the fact that marked the beginning of a promising career in modeling for you?
Traveling for the first time to one of the biggest capitals in the fashion industry and working with some of the most recognized fashion brands.
"I learned that there is a lot more to fashion than just glamour and beautiful clothes"
You have paraded for brands as Proenza Schouler, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera o Dolce & Gabanna and so on...did you imagine you would be modeling for such important brands? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned for working for those important luxury companies?
No, I never thought I would be modeling that was something that was not on my plans. I learned that there is a lot more to fashion than just glamour and beautiful clothes.
You have achieved a lot in a very short age, at 16, you had already paraded for one of the world icons, Karl Lagerfeld, you are considered as the Mexican a model that breaks barriers, you have been in the covers of very important fashion magazines like VOGUE, ELLE, L'OFFICIEL, what's the recipe for your success?
I think it is all just a matter of hard work, determination and support from my friends and family.
What is the reality of your day-to-day without fashion weeks and when you have FWs?
Whenever I am in Fashion Week my days are very hectic and full of work and the rest of my days I have a lot more free time to do some other things I enjoy.
What do you love most about your job? & what is the most difficult part?
I love traveling and getting to know new cultures; however, traveling also makes it hard for me to spend time with my family.
"I think that anyone no matter the gender or age can achieve anything as long as they work hard enough to pursue their dreams"
What is one strategy that has helped you grow as a model?
Believing in myself and staying true to who I am.
What do you like to do it in your spare time?
I enjoy cooking, working out, spending time with my family and attending to my acting lessons.
You are family-oriented, you are seen with your mom Adriana all the time, you live in NYC and you come to Guadalajara, in a harsh industry like fashion, how do you do to stick close to your family and being down to earth?
They have always been my biggest supporters and they will always be my inspiration.
How are you as a daughter and as a sister?
I am very close to my parents, brother and family in general.
Many authors say women can and must strive to have everything – a shining career, blossoming family life and a perfectly balanced lifestyle all at once, others point out that– then women are placing unrealistic expectations on themselves if they believe they can have it all, you are single with no kids so according to your experience, what do you think about these statements?
I think that anyone no matter the gender or age can achieve anything as long as they work hard enough to pursue their dreams.
What are your plans for the future?
I don’t like to plan much ahead and I prefer to take my opportunities day by day.
There is still the glass ceiling for women in the world: Fewer opportunities, jobs underpaid just for that fact of being a woman, etc. Have you experimented the glass ceiling? if yes, what are the biggest challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?
I have never felt any discrimination of any sort however, I am aware that this is a problem that exists and needs to be eradicated.
"I have never felt any discrimination of any sort however, I am aware that this is a problem that exists and needs to be eradicated"
What tips, can you give to young girls who want to become a top model like you?
Work hard and put yourself and your health and happiness before anything.
I think in your position, many people may have the wrong idea of who you are (personally), and what do you (professionally), with this the idea in mind, what is being Mariana and what´s not?
I tried to show my real self through my social media and YouTube vlogs. It is very important for me that people not only see a face but also my personality.
Everybody has had dark moments in their lives, what have you done to get out of that phase?
I try to stay positive and remind myself that after every storm comes a rainbow.
"I tried to show my real self through my social media and YouTube vlogs, It is very important for me that people not only see a face but also my personality"
Who is the woman you admire the most and why?
My mom because she is a great human being and has taught me to be respectful, hardworking and loving.
Something else do you want to add or share with us?
Thanks for your interest in my career!
Name: Mariana Zaragoza
Sector: Fashion
Company : IMG Worldwide
Designation: Top Model
Country: Mexico
Social media:
@mariana_zaragoza
