DELFINA MORBELLI

Jewellery wore throughout, model's own. Rust tie wrap, rust and grey bodysuits, pale pink leggings and pink ribbon wrap heels, all by Ferragamo

Architect, model, actor... that only touches the surface when it comes to describing Delfina. Regularly hopping between her home in New York, her birth place Buenos Aires, and the Spanish island of Ibiza where she grew up – plus pretty much everywhere else for work – Delfina takes the world and her work in her own stride. From performing different personas in front of the camera to designing the interiors, here’s how Delfina does it all.

Interview by Ella Mansell.

Photographed by Edwin S Freyer. Styled by Tasha Arguile. Makeup by Anna Inglis Hall at Stella Creative Artists using Dr. Loretta. Hair by Michela Olivieri at Caren Agency using Bed Head by TIGI. Socials and videos by Boram Lee Freyer. Hair Stylist assisted by Kathy Jung. Shot at Motherlight Studios. Delfina appears courtesy of Linden Staub.

Hi Delfina! Where are you from?

I'm from Argentina, I was born in Buenos Aires, but I was raised in Spain, in both Barcelona and Ibiza. When I turned five, my family moved to Ibiza. I had a great childhood here, it felt mind-opening because life in Ibiza has two sides to it: a relaxed, wellness-focused lifestyle and then the wild nightlife.

Shirt with glass buttons by Tory Burch. Blue jeans by AJE. Black ‘DILA’ kitten heels with crystal detailing by Jimmy Choo

Is there an Ibiza side that you swing more towards?

Oh, I'm one hundred per cent the more nature-filled side. I love playing tennis and early mornings on the beach, and the occasional beach at sunrise, though usually I am not awake that early. I definitely lean more towards the wellness side but enjoy a club night too. You will find me at Benirras beach, most likely, or eating at Macao restaurant in Santa Gertrudis. I also love hiking and spend a lot of time outdoors. 

Is your family still based in Ibiza?

Both! I’m lucky because I get to see them at least twice a year this way while travelling with work. New York is my base but I spend time in Europe for work and often head to Ibiza for the summer. Then I usually spend Christmas and New Year’s in Argentina. It’s great because this way I always escape the cold weather. 

Where are you now based for work?

I live in New York, I moved here two years ago. It’s a lot of fun. I used to live in Chelsea but now I am an Upper West Side girl. It’s very nice, I love it. I was supposed to be here in London for just a week but it’s been extended for about three. That’s how modelling usually works – lots of change at the last minute! But that’s fine, it’s actually what I like about my work too; you don’t know what you’re going to be doing next or where you’ll be.

Pinstripe blazer, cotton t-shirt, blue jeans and denim kitten heels, all by Celine

What kinds of modelling work do you enjoy most?

I love doing editorials. I do a lot of campaigns too. I sometimes do shows, but not that often. I enjoy it. I have done New York Fashion Week. But I really enjoy creating with a team and love how collaborative and creative editorial shoots are. I love being on set and seeing how at the start of every shoot the team gets together and each person puts a little grain of sand of what they know and love into it, and what they want to show. At the end of the day, that little grain of sand from each person has created something bigger and beautiful. It’s always exciting to see the final image. Especially when you have watched where it has come together from.

How did architecture begin and how do you fit this in alongside modelling?

When I finished school I knew I wanted to go on to study. I selected architecture even though I knew it’s a long degree to commit to (six and a half years!). While I was studying, I started to do short trips for modelling work, and my modelling career gradually grew alongside this. 

Who and what are you inspired by with your architecture work?

As an architect, I have always enjoyed the creative and have always looked for creativity. Little by little, I have started combining different things that I love to do.  When I was studying, I loved Le Corbusier who really focuses on the proportions of humans with the architecture. I feel that is so important. I also like Japanese architect Tadao Ando’s use of light.

Shirt with glass buttons by Tory Burch. Blue jeans by AJE

Are there any architects who you would have really loved to collaborate with?

I like having the freedom that comes with working independently. But for sure I’d love to collaborate with someone in the future. Perhaps more with artists and designers rather than big architects. I love Axel Vervoordt’s work; he mixes nature with the raw architecture and antique pieces with modern pieces – though not so modern that you feel like you can’t touch them. 

How were you scouted?

I was in high school and went to a fashion week happening in Argentina with a friend. Suddenly, agencies started handing me their cards. I felt confused and was asking “What is this? Why me?” But I have always loved expressing myself with my body and have always loved dancing and things like that. When I was a child I loved drama. Modelling felt quite similar in a way as it’s about becoming a different person in front of a camera, about forgetting about myself for a while, and so it also became an introduction to acting more often professionally. When I finished my architecture course, I started modelling fulltime. 

Tell me more about your acting work so far.

I started drama as a child but stopped at university because I was modelling too, and felt like modelling gave me access to this creative, expressive side. However, when I finished my course and started modelling fulltime – and enjoying expressing myself this way more and more – I thought I would give it another try. I took acting again after the pandemic with an Argentine teacher for a while, however modeling takes up most of my time, and I enjoy it a lot. 

What projects have you worked on?

So far I have worked on short fashion films. I would love to become a character in a longer film. At the beginning of the year, my family and I found a VHS tape of me when I was younger performing different personas to the camera – it’s always been a part of me since day one.

Rust tie wrap, rust and grey bodysuits, pale pink leggings and pink ribbon wrap heels, all by Ferragamo

How would you describe your off-duty style?

Ooh, I'm jeans, a t-shirt, loafers. That's my uniform. And I love a blazer. 

Do you have any style icons on your moodboard?

I have found my own style. It’s simple and elegant, but with a twist I guess. Accessories like jewellery and a great bag are key to dressing up a classic look. 

Have you ever wanted to steal a piece of clothing or something from a project you’ve worked on?

I recently did an editorial shoot with vintage Carolina Herrera. There were amazing, beautiful dresses, and there was one I was desperate to take home. It was very silky and feminine. 

Is there a place in the world where you feel happiest?

Oh, with my family and friends, wherever that is. Even in harsh weather or a difficult place. If it’s on the beach with good food, even better. I feel people make the place. Everytime I travel to a new place, if I am not surrounded by nice people it can feel horrible, even if the location is paradise. Spending time with the right people is what counts. 

Pinstripe blazer, cotton t-shirt, blue jeans and denim kitten heels, all by Celine