Meet Vera Amores, the fashion sphere's new protégée: DJ by night, model by day at only 20, the Spanish model opens up about her high school experience, her career, and the road ahead. As the fashion industry is settling an example to enact and portray transgender figures to open and influence society. Vera is giving us a lesson on how to approach them in everyday life.
Words by Charlotte Coquelin. Photography by Vladimir Marti. Styled by Alex Montoya
Above credits: Floral cotton cape and trousers by Erdem
Could you tell us a bit more about you?
My name is Vera Amores, I’m twenty years-old and I’m a model based in Madrid. I’m also a DJ and host a party here called CULPA. My loves include anime, Pokémon, skincare and water. What were you like in high school?
I used to be incredibly shy, very self-conscious and withdrawn, I was an introvert and enjoyed being with myself, reading a lot, drawing, painting, playing the piano... although I was also someone who loved to make new friends.
You probably have told this story a million times but how were you discovered as a model?
I guess it was when I was cast in Palomo Spain’s show and then in Davidelfin’s presentation as it was then that UNO models, my agency, contacted me and I suddenly found that I started working a lot.
Did entering the fashion industry make you more confident?
It’s difficult because at the beginning it definitely did make me more confident, it made me feel special and it boosted my self-esteem. However, on the other side of this, I’ve been through some times of actually feeling a huge amount of pressure and thinking I’d never be good enough. It’s only now that I truly know that I’m much more than good enough.
We're seeing transgender models like Teddy Quinlivan, Krow Kian or Nathan Westling in the top modelling spots. How important is this for young people?
Having trans role models out there killing it is the best thing that can happen to a child that’s working on understanding their identity. We didn’t have as many diverse references as we do now, the outlook has changed so fast and it’s just beautiful.
What would you like to teach people about how to talk about transgender issues?
To just be easy-going and care less about gender impositions, to listen to us and forget about the things you think you know about us before even trying to get to know us.
Do you have any advice that would you give to aspiring transgender models or teenagers?
Never let anyone underestimate you, trust your intuition, be the thing that surprises you every day.
What has been your most memorable career moment? And what would be your dream job?
It was really amazing to travel to New York to shoot the cover of Vogue CS. I would love to walk for Maison Margiela or to star in a perfume ad.
You shot for Bridal Vogue Spain, was it an achievement for you as a transgender model to shoot such an important magazine as a bride?
I really enjoyed it, I love bridal dresses!
Which would be your goals for the fashion industry?
I would aim for diversity, trying to fade away the beauty standards insisted upon everyone but especially women.
Who are your icons and muses?
Björk, Inuyasha, Federico García Lorca, Carly Rae Jepsen, Arca, Patti Smith, Hannah Montana, Madonna, Remedios Varo, and Lil Wop.
What is your go to outfit?
Lately it would probably be a thermal turtleneck, maybe with an oversized printed t-shirt over it, an olive green pantsuit with a pearl chain, a leather coat, and orthopaedic white working shoes with some warm wool socks.
What outfit would we never see you wear?
I don’t really know, my style changes every two weeks so anything could happen…
Where you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Playing at Grimes and Elon Musk’s wedding at the international space station and living for everything beautiful.
Makeup & hair by Miquel Cristobal using Perrione MD.
Stylist assistant, Beatriz Ballesteros. Vera appears courtesy of Uno Models.
Vladimir, Alex and Miguel appear courtesy of Magna Productions.
Find out Vera's editorial in the Spring Summer 2020 Issue 4. Get your copy here.
