In girl power news…
This week Nike announced the launch of their chic footwear collection, Beautiful X ‘Powerful’ inspired by the first female gold medalist in the Olympic marathon, Joan Benoit.
Facing the campaign is world renowned Victoria’s Secret model Izabel Goulart who is incredibly inspired by Joan as she is an avid runner herself.
Miss FQ gained an exclusive interview with Brazilian beauty – who achieved a new 10km personal best during Paris Fashion Week at Nike’s We Run Paris event – to talk about the stylish set of four black leather and four jacquard patterned lifestyle shoes, her approach to wellness and how girls should be more body positive.
Miss FQ: What does strength mean to you?
Iza: Strength is when my motivation, my dedication, and my focus meet and work together despite the goal.
Being part of Nike Beautiful X campaign makes you a powerful spokesperson in terms of style and sport. How does it make you feel to have such a powerful impact on girls everywhere?
I have been a huge fan of Nike since I was little so to be a part of this collection where Nike is hero’ing athletes and her story is extraordinary. I see myself as an athlete and an advocate so to be able to represent this shift of how sports and women are being perceived today is amazing.
Do you have any favorites from the collection?
I love the diversity of the collection. The all black capsule can go with everything from running errands to going out to meet my girls and traveling. It’s such a great basic piece. And the jacquard has the most fantastic colors coupled with the whole story behind the sneaker design. It’s so incredibly unique — I immediately wanted it!
Do you have a favorite sneaker in your own closet?
I dress by the mood of the day but Air Max has definitely been my go to. When I’m not in heels for work, you will find me in Nikes. When women wear heels, they feel powerful, beautiful, and strong. Sneakers make me feel the same!
Let’s talk about your training. What are you doing right now?
Everything! I do Pilates, kickboxing, running, and a lot of training with my own body weight. But when I do those things, I want to do them the best that I can. I tell my trainers all the time to train me like I will become a professional in that sport.
Does training unlock a certain emotion for you?
Training, fitness and sports in general keep me motivated and focused. I am a model professionally but I’m also an athlete, a friend, a daughter, a sister and many other things. Training keeps me focused and has helped me overcome stress and fears to be successful in other aspects of my life.
Are you the type of person who doesn’t see a finish line?
I don’t have a finish line. I always have a goal, but for some reason, with sports, I never see a finish line. I just keep going!
You are very goal oriented. What’s your day-to-day goal?
I don’t wake up everyday thinking I have to look good, but I wake up everyday thinking I want to feel happy. I want to walk in a room and be able to make people smile and laugh. It’s all about confidence. And all I want is to show people that if you have focus, motivation, dedication, you can accomplish your goals.
What are your favorite must-have wardrobe pieces?
Comfort and style are big and Nike has always been a head of the game in that aspect. Every piece has a function and benefit and looks great. I love wearing black skinny jeans with knee high boots, a Nike T-shirt, leather jacket, and a Nike hoodie. That is my go-to, every day look. I’ll dress up a bit more when I go out. I’ll wear a blazer but you’ll still find me in my Nikes!
Do you think that sneakers are here to stay as part of a women’s wardrobe?
In my wardrobe, absolutely. Sneakers are my high heels. They make me feel powerful, beautiful and strong.
What do you love about your job as a model?
Being able to travel the world, and experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. I love speaking different languages, being able to learn and see new things. I also try to run on the streets wherever I am to experience the city.
What do you think it means to be body positive?
Being body positive means feeling good in your own skin. Being comfortable with who you are and being confident and happy with yourself. Something that I always do to feel this: I always make time to be active.
What’s your typical meal?
I travel a lot, but when I’m home, I cook everyday. In the mornings, I’ll make my morning juices with fruits and vegetables mixed together and protein. Though most of my food at home is gluten free, I love bread, too, so I’ll also make a lot of bread in my kitchen. I try to keep the foods I put in my body as basic as possible: protein, carbs, and vegetables. When I go out, I just try to make the healthiest choices on the menu.
What advice do you have for young women if they want to achieve their dreams?
The most important piece of advice I could give is to be close with your family. Family will always bring you back to the center, and when you’re centered, you’re able to see directions better.
