Patricia Velásquez

The creative process extends beyond the photographic, canvas or films, and into the media. It could also serve as an inspiration for philanthropy and charity as well as activism. Award-winning actress, history-making supermodel and philanthropist who is a staunch supporter, conscientious activist author, loving mom Patricia Velasquez applies an eternal imaginative spirit to everything she does. It could be acting in blockbusters a la The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation and participating on the UNESCO Board. No matter what, she achieves major strides by drawing on instinct and deliberately paving her own pathway. "I see my work as a long staircase," she said. "I have made every step. It was amazing to do this, as there's been a lot of longevity. I was never able to stop moving, just sat with my head down. This metaphor is a close resemblance to an event that was a turning point. In the following years she relocated to Venezuela. She was born in Venezuela and raised in France and Mexico. In South America her parents worked in the field of education. They relocated their family into an apartment building without water and no elevators. Patricia took 15 levels of stairs with heavy buckets in order to supply water to the apartment. She tried to help her family in any way she could, despite studying engineering and intense dance classes. She was sought out to be a model in Milan and her rise to the top of fashion hinged on a promise to her family and friends. She recalls, "When they asked me to go to Italy I told them"If I can send 30 dollars per month back to Venezuela the cost is worth it since that would cover the entire building's water'." Patricia's accomplishment was an important moment in fashion, as she attracted attention from the fashion world to South America for the first time. Patricia was able to make headlines after becoming "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and was then able to walk in shows, be a part of editorial spreads, and front ads for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret to name a few. Her appearances in Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest and Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World” contest resonated across the globe. In addition she appeared on the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and many others.