Personal Details :
- Full Name: Valentina Sampaio
- Date of Birth: December 10, 1996
- Place of Birth: Aquiraz, Ceará, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Height: 5′9¾″ (177 cm)
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Green
- Body Type: Slim
- Gender Identity: Transgender woman
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Languages: Portuguese (native), English (fluent)
- Ethnicity: Mixed Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous descent
- Sexual Orientation: Not publicly specified
- Family Background: Raised in a humble fishing village; her father was a fisherman and her mother a schoolteacher. She was supported by her family in her gender identity from a young age.
- Education: Initially studied architecture in Fortaleza but switched to fashion and enrolled at a modeling school.
- Modeling Discovery: Discovered by a makeup artist at age 16, who introduced her to the fashion industry in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @valentinasampaio
- Twitter: @valentinasampaio
- TikTok: @valentts
Career Overview :
- Modeling Debut: Walked her first runway at São Paulo Fashion Week in November 2016. Shortly after, she was signed as a L’Oréal Paris ambassador, marking her entry into the international modeling scene.
- Vogue Covers: In February 2017, became the first transgender model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris. She also appeared on Vogue Brasil and Vogue Germany later that year.
- Beauty Contracts: Became a global L’Oréal Paris ambassador in 2016 and was named an Armani Beauty ambassador in late 2021.
- Victoria’s Secret:
- In August 2019, became the first openly transgender model signed by Victoria’s Secret Pink.
- On October 15, 2024, she walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show alongside Alex Consani, becoming part of the first two transgender models to participate in the show’s history.
- Sports Illustrated: In 2020, became the first transgender model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
- Runway & Campaigns: Has walked in shows and shot campaigns for top-tier brands like Marc Jacobs, Dior, Moschino, Balmain, H&M, Philipp Plein, and L’Oréal. Featured in editorials worldwide.
- Film & TV Appearances: Acted on Brazilian TV in “A Força do Querer” (2017) and in the film Berenice Procura (2017).
- Advocacy: A vocal advocate for transgender rights and representation, she frequently uses her media platforms to speak out against discrimination.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Early Life: Born in a humble fishing village in Aquiraz, Ceará, Brazil, to a schoolteacher mother and fisherman father. Discovered her gender identity at age 8 and began using “Valentina” by age 12. She received strong support from family and classmates.
- Cultural Roots & Family: Proud of her Afro‑Brazilian, Dutch, and Indigenous heritage. Maintains close ties with her family and frequently returns home to recharge.
- Education & Discovery: Initially studied architecture in Fortaleza before dropping out at age 16 to pursue fashion. Discovered by a makeup artist and signed to a São Paulo agency.
- Hobbies & Passions:
- Enjoys painting, often reflecting her Brazilian roots and nature in vibrant art.
- Avid music lover with a taste for Brazilian bossa nova and international pop.
- Loves returning to the ocean and beach—spaces tied to her upbringing and reflection.
- Wellness Rituals: Practices yoga and meditation, which help her stay grounded amid a busy career. Also incorporates daily boxing workouts as part of her self‑care and stress management.
- Beauty & Self‑Care: Favors a natural, glowing makeup style—BB creams, NARS concealer, and Benefit lip tint. Uses Kerastase and Leonor Greyl hair masks for her curly hair. Adopts detailed skincare routines and prioritizes rest with loved ones for mental recharge.
- Mindset & Values: Believes beauty comes from within—rooted in soul and self‑acceptance. Emphasizes self‑love and self‑care as daily practices.
Net Worth :
As of late 2024, Valentina Sampaio’s estimated net worth is approximately $13.9 million, according to modeling industry financial trackers.
Her wealth has steadily grown over recent years:
- 2020: ~$8.36 million
- 2021: ~$9.75 million
- 2022: ~$11.1 million
- 2023: ~$12.5 million
- 2024: ~$13.9 million
These figures reflect her earnings from runway work, beauty campaigns for L’Oréal Paris and Armani Beauty, magazine cover fees, brand endorsements (including Victoria’s Secret Pink and Sports Illustrated), as well as income streams like NFTs and potential media appearances.
Awards & Achievements :
- Vogue Paris Cover (2017): Became the first transgender model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris in February 2017, later followed by Vogue Brasil and Vogue Germany.
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (2020): Broke barrier as the first openly transgender model featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
- Victoria’s Secret PINK (2019): Hired as the first openly transgender model for Victoria’s Secret PINK catalog, marking a groundbreaking moment for diversity within the brand.
- Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (2024): Walked the runway on October 15, 2024, alongside Alex Consani, becoming one of the first two transgender women ever to participate.
- L’Oréal Paris Ambassador (2016): Signed as a global ambassador in 2016 after being signed by the brand; subsequently became an Armani Beauty ambassador in November 2021.
- Armani Beauty Ambassador (2021): Announced as the face of Armani Beauty in late 2021, furthering her influence in the beauty industry.
- Model of the Year – Glamour Germany (2024): Named Model of the Year at the Glamour Germany Women of the Year 2024 awards.
- NFT Philanthropy (2021): Created a charity NFT in collaboration with LUKSO and The Lions at the 2021 Met Gala, with proceeds going to LGBTQ+ causes.
Fun Facts :
- Trailblazer: Valentina is the first openly transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret and appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
- Beach Lover: Growing up near the coast, she’s deeply connected to the ocean and often finds peace and reflection at the beach.
- Originally Studied Architecture: Before pursuing modeling, she briefly studied architecture in Fortaleza, Brazil.
- Multilingual: Fluent in Portuguese and English, and has done interviews in French as well.
- Skincare Enthusiast: She has a meticulous skincare routine and often shares her beauty tips, favoring clean beauty and glowing skin.
- Artist at Heart: She enjoys painting in her downtime—often drawing inspiration from nature and her Brazilian heritage.
- Met Gala Moment: In 2021, she helped launch an NFT at the Met Gala to raise money for LGBTQ+ causes.
- Activist: Valentina uses her platform to advocate for transgender rights and mental health awareness worldwide.