The Cult Style Secrets of Brazilian Model Mari Giudicelli

Mari Giudicelli may not be a household name, but having modeled for Sandy Liang, Eckhaus Latta, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh, the 28-year-old Brazilian beauty has become a recognizable face—at least in the indie-fashion crowd. Among her legion of Instagram fans, the Fashion Institute of Technology grad is also known as a burgeoning shoe designer, who has been teasing us with glimpses of her eponymous line for the past year. Officially launching this fall, her collection, which will be available on Moda Operandi, includes four basic styles—a block-heel mule, a flat ankle boot, a loafer, and a slide—all crafted in Brazil in an array of luxurious materials like lizard, suede, and rabbit fur. “I’m all about utilitarianism and practicality,” says Giudicelli. “The beauty of this line is that you can wear the shoes to go anywhere.” Here, she shares more about her personal style.

Define your style in three words: Holistic, unobtrusive, utilitarian.

Daily uniform: In summer, cutoffs, a white tee, and Converse; in winter, vintage denim, a turtleneck sweater and a furry coat.

Greatest hits: White cotton and linen button downs from Celine and & Other Stories, vintage denim, and my shoes.

Finishing touches: My stack of little gold rings that I never take off—they all mean something different—my Quarry bracelet, a little bit of perfume (I rotate between Center of the World by Mondo Mondo, Water/Wood by Regime des Fleurs and Narcotic V by Nasomatto) and sunglasses.

Evening look: Anything comfortable as I know I’ll be dancing and walking around town. I don’t wear high heels.

Best recent discovery: Dr. Cow, a tree nut cheese shop.

Favorite stores: The Strand will always be a favorite. But also, Mast books, 10 Ft Single, The Line, and MNZ.

Style pet peeve: Too much perfume, heels that are too high, jewelry that makes noise, and fake leather.

Style icons: Patti Smith, Ada Kokosar, Lucy Chadwick, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Elina Halimi… there are so many fantastic women out there.

Last purchase: Flowers from the deli.

Lusting after: Buying a house for my mother.

Favorite haunts: Commodore, Samurai Mama and Bakeri in Williamsburg; Gjusta in LA; Adega Pérola in Rio, Boteco do Pará in Caraíva, Bahia; Du pain et Des Idees in Paris.

What’s always in your bag: Wallet, keys, phone, fan, lipstick and a book.