Beautiful Bela has been kicking some major life goals since we hung out with her in the park last year. The (supa) model was recently over in Paris work, work, working up a storm.
The most rewarding part of living in the city of love, for her, was the way it “opened up [her] world” and “introduced [her] to so many new opportunities that [she] never thought would be within reach.” Get it, gurl. The most challenging aspect would no doubt be “arriving in a foreign country on the other side of the globe, not knowing anyone nor the language, and then having to find your groove.” We think she did a damn fine job of overcoming that obstacle. Outside of modelling, she spent her days in Paris exploring all the cute bars, art galleries and vintage stores, and also learnt how to ski. For anyone considering jetting over that way, she reckons you def should for the food, architecture and fashion especially.
Bela is originally from Melbourne. She believes the city itself didn’t influence her worldview, but rather the people she grew up with. “Having a father that immigrated from Argentina, and my mum’s parents from Holland, I grew up with a very diverse group of family and friends,” she says. “That taught me acceptance, but also made me aware of the unfairness in our world.”
When she’s not #werking it in front of the camera, she likes to get active, read a good book and “of course, party!” Her ideal day involves a good sleep in (same), followed by a lazy sunny afternoon on a tropical beach with a close group of friends. If she could wine and dine with five people (alive or dead), her dinner party would consist of Snoop Dogg, Chloë Sevigny, David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood and Cleopatra.
The one thing that she’s most curious about in life is what happens after it! She’s “definitely more spiritual than religious” and was brought up with a respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). The best piece of advice she’s ever received is, “Do whatever the f*** you want, as long as you keep your moral compass.” In the next 10 years, she hopes to see a shift towards the acceptance of refugees and immigrants across the globe. “I also strongly believe that there needs to be a push for further acceptance and complete equality for all minorities,” she continues.
She believes that female relationships are v important, because they provide women with “a supportive framework” in a male-dominated society. If she could wind back the clock, she’d tell her lanky, awkward 15-year-old self (her words) to not worry about what people thought of her, and instead be comfortable with who she was in her own skin. A+ advice!
Words: Maddy Woon Photos: Daphne Nguyen Fashion: Coco Adorjany
Bela is represented by IMG SYDNEY
Shot on location in Sydney