In a city as dazzling and dynamic as Lisbon, I meet people who fascinate me everywhere—when going out at night, walking down the street or even in my studio. Their beauty, their attitude, their way of being sparks my senses and my spirit. In honor of the people who inspire me and make life more brilliant for all, this series is my labour of love to mark the moments.
This moment is all about Ana Carmo.
Creative direction and Beauty by ZOOT beauty editor Antonia Rosa with Clarins
Featuring Ana Carmo Patwary from Face Models and at PARS Management
Special appearance by Julie
Photos Nuno Beja
Assisted by Barbara Martons
Styling Vera Telles
Hair Madalena Costa with Sebastian Professional for Griffehairstyle
Special thanks to Kirsten Michl and to Ines Teves
Words and interview Leticia Lima
In this editorial, we met Ana Carmo, a pioneering model, devoted mother and dedicated yoga teacher. Ana’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a seasoned model is nothing short of inspiring.
Raised in Switzerland by hard-working Portuguese parents, Ana found herself drawn to the world of fashion from a very young age. Surrounded by luxury in her upbringing, she was captivated by the allure of designer dresses, sparking a desire to one day parade on the catwalk. Despite facing the skepticism of others, Ana’s determination never wavered, and she declared her ambitions to pursue modeling; setting her on the path to a remarkable career.
Now, as the muse of this editorial directed by Antonia Rosa, Ana reflects on her journey with gratitude. At 40, she embraces this opportunity with a mixture of enthusiasm and disbelief, cherishing the chance to rekindle her passion for modeling. Working alongside with Antonia, Ana marvels at the creativity and inclusiveness, appreciating the collaborative spirit that permeates the project.
You chose a 40 year old ex-model, mother of two, wife, yoga teacher. I find it absurd and exciting. I also feel very lucky, and honored. I came back to modeling not even a year ago, and I just purely enjoy when an opportunity is being given.
— Ana Carmo
Photographer Nuno Beja captured Ana “paparazzi-style”, catching her offguard in intimate moments. Vera Telles dressed Ana with sensual but classic looks, meeting her personality with style.
ZOOT had the opportunity to interview Ana, we spoke about her unconventional path to success, her collaboration on this editorial with Antonia Rosa and her perceptions on beauty, fashion and self-care.
ZOOT: Could you tell us a bit about your upbringing and background? How did you first become interested in modeling, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
Ana Carmo: My parents came to Switzerland when i was a baby, in search of a better life like many portuguese at the time. My mom and dad ended up working in a house full time (and we were living there too), where my mom was the household help and my dad their cook and driver. My upbringing was a bit like the tv show “Who’s the boss”. My parents and I had very close and good relations with their bosses.
Living in a house full of luxury and wealth, I was awed by the gorgeous designer dresses. I thought I would like to wear those one day. I was unusually tall and skinny as a kid and people around me would tell me that I should be a model. The combination of that and the desire to wear those beautiful clothes, the seeds of the idea were planted. Even today my classmates remember when I stood up in class and stated that I will be a model. They laughed.
ZOOT: What were some of the highlights of your early modeling career? Can you recall any particularly memorable photoshoots, runway shows, or campaigns that stand out to you?
Ana Carmo: I was signed by FACE models in Lisbon when I was 14 years old. When I look at pictures of myself at 14, it’s pretty shocking someone could see through the goth rebel persona to see possibility in me. It took about two years but afterwards I was booked on a wide range of TV commercials, shootings and runways. One especially memorable commercial was the Nicola Café. I was young, without any adult supervision and making my own money you can imagine the life I was leading. The time in Lisbon and Barcelona was kind of my school, preparing me for the bigger markets that followed, Paris and New York. But the road to get to New York was not a straight path.
People might imagine that modeling is glamorous but there is a lot in between the photos. First winter in Paris, I was wearing ballerinas, in 5 degrees weather slogging through rain to get to the castings; because I didn’t have any money to buy winter shoes, weeks of eating ramen noodles that were 0.50 euros per pack.
100’s of castings with constant criticism and rejection I wondered if I was going to make it, if all of this was worth it but with the support of great friends, and the confidence and opportunity to change agencies and go to IMG models, my trajectory started to change.
They sent me to Sydney and that was fun! Worked so much that i was heading there for three months non stop during almost two years
When IMG brought me to New York at 20 years old, the Frank Sinatra song “New York, New York” was running through my head for a long time… But quickly, I ended up with the Sephora Campaign, as well as Revlon. That was super exciting and a real turn for my career; fashion week in New York is insane!
ZOOT: Could you share with us how you feel about being chosen as the muse for this project, and what was the experience like working with Antonia Rosa on bringing her vision to life?
Ana Carmo: You chose a 40 year old ex model, mother of two, wife, yoga teacher. I find it absurd and exciting, I’m actually laughing thinking about this. I also feel very lucky, and honored. I came back to modeling not even a year ago, and I just purely enjoy when an opportunity is being given. I felt my 40 year old crisis coming by the age of 38; being a mom and a wife all these years, I felt the need to have something for myself. And to be perfectly honest, I missed the recognition of being “someone” other than a wife and a mum.
I absolutely ADORE Antonia; she was 20 years ago and is still today a power force of a woman and pioneer in the industry. She always had this open mind that makes her special and inclusive of everyone. Being the professional that she is, her visions are always pretty clear but she leaves some room for your personality to come for the story. And the team that she surrounds herself with, are just genuine professional good people.
Antonia is witty! And that’s just the cherry on top.
ZOOT: Throughout your career and personal life, who have been some of your own muses or sources of inspiration?
Ana Carmo: My mother and her strength, determination. She did absolutely everything possible to give me and my sister a better life. It’s not an easy job what she did, and I respect her so much more than that.
In France and Switzerland, or Europe may I say, there are always these stereotypes about Portuguese people. Less, but still… My other source is whenever I see some portuguese out there, proudly representing their country like Armando Cabral, Sara Sampaio or even our Ronaldo.
ZOOT: As someone that worked directly with the fashion industry, can you share with us who your favorite designer or stylist is, and what draws you to their work?
Ana Carmo: Going back to my childhood dreams, fast forward to years later and actually working face to face with Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera was surreal. I absolutely adored all the precision, details, little hands and the teams they had. For many it might sound like a classic taste, but everything today was born out of people like them, who learned and grew in that environment.
I also worked with this stylist; Ann Caruso when I was in New York, she never stopped amazing me with all the imagination she had, and still has, of pulling these amazing looks for magazines or red carpets.
ZOOT: In your opinion, what steps can the modeling industry take to become more inclusive and representative of diverse backgrounds, body types, and identities?
Ana Carmo: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And truly believe that it starts with you looking at yourself in the mirror and loving what you see. Doesn’t matter what other people think.
There is beauty everywhere. We all have it, we all own it, but we all live with our own demons. We can’t please everyone, it’s impossible, mainly in fashion. But I think that this industry has changed quite a bit in the past years and will continue to do so because the public eye is asking for it.
Personally I think we should talk more about “YOU” feeling better about yourself and your own body. A person needs all the possible “arms” to embrace this journey. And fashion should maybe have something in place to “prevent and prepare” for possible issues, ie; rejection, when you start.
ZOOT: You’ve had a diverse journey in the fashion world, from modelling in your 20s to now living in Switzerland and embracing motherhood. How has this journey influenced your perspective on beauty, fashion, and self-care?
Ana Carmo: I stopped following all or any type of fashion since I moved to Switzerland. I was fully committed to my family and adored every moment of it. I wanted to stay home to care for the kids, and was lucky that my husband was able to be the sole provider of the family. Two kids that are 18 months apart will take all your time and energy; so I wasn’t careful with myself as I used to. It’s hard to be a working mom, but psychologically being with them all the time is exhausting. People think that being home is the easier job, well… for those out there that knows what I’m talking about, I invite you to step in our shoes for 24 hours. But saying this, I still wouldn’t change a thing, they are the terrors that i love the most in the world.
Now that they are bigger, I’m able to take care of myself a bit more. It’s a newfound freedom. I’m actually able to look decent when I step out of home. Something stupid like just having my hair washed, to the surprise of many around me that always saw me in jogging clothes, no make up, or no effort at all whatsoever.
My view on fashion is the one I’ve been telling my kids for a long time; “ fashion is not them following it, but creating it”, which my daughter keeps being so proud of when she starts something at school and tells me “ I created a trend!”.
Coming back into the modeling world, social media or Instagram is a kind of a mandatory step; that wasn’t easy for me as I was a hermit for all these years, and that suddenly I had to show “ME” or “my life” to everyone. My daughter became my “unofficial child labor photographer” (laugh). Everything in life happens for a reason at a determined time. Social media is very present in our kids’ lives, and they get so easily influenced. I refuse to retouch my face or body in the pictures I post as beauty for me is what you exactly are, the story of your life told by every wrinkle, mark, spots or anything else that you’ve got.
But there is always that retouching that you need to do for the lights, or color balanced because it just looks better. For every 50 pics you take in different angles, you only post one. And the kids have seen the difference between the original and the one that got the color retouching right, just that little change makes all the difference.
I wanted and needed them to understand that what you see is created for, staged and not the reality. Everyone is beautiful at their early age, 20’s or 30’s. As you get older that’s when things get more out of control. It’s only up to you with the lifestyle, efforts and whatever really works for you to feel good about yourself at the different stages of your life, getting older is actually a privilege.
ZOOT: How has practicing yoga impacted your mental well-being and overall lifestyle, especially as you navigate the demands of motherhood and a busy schedule?
Ana Carmo: I became a yoga teacher right before the Covid lockdown. So needless to say that I had my diploma in hands, but not able to actually practice, as it’s a huge difference to be able to speak, teach and be comfortable with the movements or indications that you have to give.
Like many out there, my husband and I started drinking a bit too much during lockdown, and after two weeks we decided that it was the moment to change something. Because if Covid didn’t kill us, cirrhosis would. I started giving him 15/20 minutes classes every morning before kids would wake up. And that helped us so much! We felt energized for the day, and because we needed to be up early, drinking was basically gone (It was Covid, couldn’t make it go a 100%)
Very quickly we started seeing the difference in my husband’s mobility and overall strength. Few months later I put into place a little live online program, where you do 4 days a week for 15/20 mins. And so proud that it keeps going on today. Things were slow, and about a year after creating this program I started being more and more recommended by clients to friends.
I wake up every day at 6, walk the dog, prepare breakfast and clothes for my kids to be ready for the 7 am online first class, and really put a healthy, controlled week day lifestyle that has helped me and my husband as we have a busy social life (and my early birds clients).
Once kids leave for school, mornings are for private lessons. It’s a hectic non stop schedule, but I really like it. When you really want something, you always find a way to make it work. And this ability to work in the mornings, while still being able to be fully present in my kids’ lives has given me a confidence and balance that was needed at this stage. While teaching and practicing with my clients, I have this feeling of peace, giving and also seeing the progress of my clients. It’s really rewarding.
ZOOT: Could you share with us your daily beauty routine? Are there any favorite skincare or makeup products you swear by?
Ana Carmo: Around the age of 20, I was told that the two main things are good moisturizers, morning and night and to not put foundation everyday because your skin won’t be able to breathe, and you’ll have bad skin afterwards. Not sure if it’s true, but I’ve lived by that. The specialist here, Antonia Rosa, can correct me.
I constantly change my product routine, meaning every time I finish a jar of cream, I jump to another brand. But there are a few that always keep coming back. just because I love the smell, texture and obviously the results.
Clarins; Double serum, Multi-protection hydrant spa 50, toning lotion, cryo-flash mask (obsessed with this one) and total eye lift.
Weleda: Firming face oil
Annemarie Börlind: Iintensive night facial oil
SkinCeuticals: Blemish + age defense
Caudalie: Vinosource hydra
Makeup-wise, I’m a bit lazy. I like something that doesn’t take much of my time, as I don’t have much. I have a monthly routine which is the threading of my eyebrows, as well as eyelash perm every six months. And this for me makes all the difference as I look like I have make up, but I actually don’t. I only swear by Zoya on that (sorry she is a local).
Once skin is nicely hydrated, I might hide a little pimple or a redness with the YSL touche éclat. As my eyebrows and eyelashes are already done, I just need to add my red Valentino lipstick and I’m good to go.
ZOOT: What’s one item you never leave the house without? Whether it’s a skincare essential, accessory, or sentimental item, what makes it a must-have for you?
Ana Carmo: Many people that know me will laugh, because they know it’s true. 99% of the time i leave home, my sentimental item is my dog, Chocolat, a mini american shepherd. I always loved animals, grew up with them, and cared for them.
Figo, my 17 year old chihuahua, was always with me in New York and traveled everywhere I went.
When my mother in law lost her husband 3 years ago, Figo went to live with her (temporarily) to fill that gap, to never come back. As both were so happy with each other, I couldn’t take him away from her. So Chocolat arrived a few months later…
ZOOT: Looking ahead, what are some of your aspirations and goals, both professionally and personally? Are there any exciting projects or endeavors on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
Ana Carmo: Main one, short term, fingers crossed; stop smoking. I know, for a yoga teacher is shameful, but hey, as said before we all struggle with something.
Keep my yoga routine, with all these amazing clients I’ve got, with whom I learn constantly (and not only the other way around).
This secret little project… but that will take a few years until it can actually see the light.
And finally, see what this retirement/back to modeling at 40 brings. I am excited to see what’s next, if it works I’ll be over the moon. If it doesn’t I’ll still be proud of putting myself out there. Because I did my best and had the courage to do so, with my full family’s and friends’ support.
After a certain age, there are a lot of things you stop going for because you think that it’s too late or that you are too old or any other doubt; never have that as an excuse to at least not try your chance. If it doesn’t work, it will not be the end; as let’s not forget that there are worse things out there.
Teaming up with Clarins for this production, we delve into Ana’s skincare routine, preparing her skin to radiate confidence and vitality from within. Here we want to share with you some of the CLARINS products we used.
CLARINS makeup
Lipstick 742V Joli Rouge
Eye Pencil 01 Carbon Black
Lip Comfort Oil 05 Apricot
Lip Comfort Oil 10 Plum
CLARINS skincare
Body Balm Baume Corps Super Hydratant
Dual-Phase Serum Double Serum Hydric + Lipidic System
Tinted Serum Tinted Oil Serum
Sunscreen UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Translucent
Hand Cream Crème Jeunesse des Mains
Firming Treatment Extra-Firming Energy
Night Cream Extra-Firming Nuit
Toning Lotion Lotion Tonique Purifiante
Foam Cleanser Doux Nettoyant Moussant Purifiant
FASHION REFERENCES
A OUTRA FACE DA LUA @aoutrafacedalua | www.aoutrafacedalua.com
For vintage fashion and accessories.
ANDRÉ ÓPTICAS @andreopticas
For eyewear from
BALENCIAGA @balenciaga | balenciaga.com
BY SANTANA PIRES @by_santana_pires I www.bysantanapires.pt
ENTOURAGE @entourage_lx
FÁTIMA LOPES @fatimalopes.official | www.fatimalopes.com
Model´s own shoes
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN @louboutinworld
GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI @giuseppezanotti
MINELLI @minelliofficiel
NEW BLACK CONCEPT STORE @newblackconceptstore
For
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
UNRAVEL
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
SHOWPRESS @showpress.pressoffice
For
HOUSE OF WILDFLOWERS @houseofwildflowers.brand
VIRZI @virzijewellery | virzijewellery.com
To boot…
Check out Antonia’s reverie: Part I, all about the inimitable Ivvi Romão.
View Part II, III (featuring our stylist Vera Telles), IV and part V here on ZOOT.
