Valeria popped up on my feed in 2022 when some of her designs grabbed my attention while researching local talent in the city. I remember she was doing some body fantasy pieces in metal that I loved and wanted to shoot. I never got around to organizing that particular shoot, but we became IG friends.
I remember gravitating towards Valeria’s attitude through her videos. It’s not like she hides them, but her TikToks could also be a lot of fun depending on the week. I don’t see a lot of people go from fashion, art, and design over to TikTok just to hang out and not give a fuck. We need more of this.
I met Valeria, or Hadito as her tag line says, on the day we took these photos. Always a proper ritual when you meet someone and then shoot. I am glad Valeria got to experience working with me at this point in the story. I am so much lighter now.
I remember thinking I was a genius because I discovered the perfect formula for producing editorials. Photographer, modelo, mua, hair, moda (stylist), art / set, assistant. Wrong.
You need a modelo that can tell a story just with her eyes. Her attitude. You need a photographer that can use any element to make it chic. Anything works when you allow the flow of the styling, her, and the setting to intertwine. Of course, if the model is also a designer and can cut your fabric perfectly into a piece, that’s another thing. I am so mad I didn’t record Hadito while she cut and pinned this grey piece she is wearing. It took her 5 minutes.
What you need is passion plus confidence. Natural beauty features do help a lot, not gonna lie, but it is possible. Just way harder. Photographer plus modelo. That is it. Both with multiple side gigs, like me doing some styling using my archive, and well, my own look. I did find it pretty cool when Valeria wore my look essentially. I was playing it cool, but internally thought it was the best day ever.
It was like watching a friend that you haven’t met, but have. The parasocial attachment thingy is real. I remember Valeria was trying to remember when we met, but we hadn’t. I told her. I confirmed it. But after endless digital encounters, we bonded fast.
I’ve always loved this vintage D&G polo, and extra heavy Carhartt pants. They were a safe look, but I ended up vibing with it.
Thank you Valeria for visiting.
See you at the office,
LUi.