Antonia’s reverie: Spotlight on Ana Rita Clara

 

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 Rita Clara.

 

Creative direction and beauty  Antonia Rosa with Clarins

Featuring Ana Rita Clara

Photography Sergio Santos
Studio A25 StudioBox 

Fashion editor Anderson Vescah

Hair Jordan Alves

Makeup assistant Rita Tavares

Interview  Eduardo Alves

 

Ana Rita Clara struck us as a force of nature — calm, sharp, and unmistakably present. Born in the north, shaped by Lisbon, she’s more than a familiar face on screen. She’s a founder (Change It), a voice for Portugal at the EU, and a woman who moves with purpose. Whether in conversation or in front of the lens, Ana doesn’t perform — she connects. This editorial captures her exactly as she is: grounded, driven, and effortlessly magnetic.

The first time I saw Ana Rita Clara I was fascinated by the feminine power that some, more than others, have. Her smile, good mood, professionalism and her shining halo make her a super woman at the height of her beauty.

Antonia Rosa

 

 

ZOOT: How would you introduce yourself to someone who’s never met you?

Ana Rita Clara: My name is Ana Rita Clara. I am a determined woman who is passionate about life. I have been a communicator by nature and profession for over 20 years, but over time I have built a multifaceted career in television, acting, content production and creation, media management, and digital communication. In addition to being a presenter, I am the deputy director of a television channel, a businesswoman, a brand endorser and the creator of ‘Beauty Diaries’ and ‘Momentum’ for Clarins. This creative restlessness drives me to always want to innovate, create new concepts and authentic narratives.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: How did you start your career, and what moments have shaped you the most?

Ana Rita Clara: I started working in fashion at a very early age, when I was 14, while I was still studying. And it was during my university studies (at the University of Minho, where I graduated in Sociology) that, between work trips and a lot of studying, I started working in television.

When I presented a television programme for the first time, live, without anxiety and with deep joy, I felt that I belonged there and that communication would be something very special in my life. The subsequent invitation to SIC / Grupo Impresa was a strong commitment to building my career (a channel where I spent 16 years, presenting various formats, including a talk show for 11 years) and the move to TVI / Media Capital gave me the opportunity to evolve as a producer (I created the television format ‘Humanos’), content creator, presenter, manager and deputy director of a television channel.

It has been a consistent journey of constant learning and I have so much more that I want to achieve.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What values are most important to you — in your work and in your life?

Ana Rita Claro: Authenticity, Purpose, Courage, Gratitude, Respect, Empathy, and Love.

All values in balance are fundamental to a happy and fulfilled life.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What are five beauty or fashion items you always carry with you?

Ana Rita Claro: I always carry my face and hand cream in my bag, as well as my favourite Clarins red lipstick and a lip gloss to add shine to my lips. And, of course, my sunglasses and perfume.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: Can you walk us through your daily beauty routine? 

Ana Rita Clara: In the morning, I cleanse my skin thoroughly before and during my shower, then apply moisturiser and serum. During the day, if I am in a hot environment or exposed to the sun, I apply thermal water spray, and at night I always remove my make-up thoroughly and apply a re-energising ampoule and night cream.

I eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water during the day, and I try to be attentive to the signals my body gives me and what my skin needs.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: Do you think fashion has changed for the better over the past 20 years? What do you love about it now, and is there anything you think could have gone in a different direction?

Ana Rita Clara: Fashion has undergone a profound transformation over the last two decades — not only aesthetically, but also culturally, technologically and ethically. In the 2000s, we were still very much under the influence of the big fashion houses, with very marked and imposed trends. Today, there is a clear democratisation of style. Fashion is no longer just about clothes, but has become an extension of each person’s identity. Social media and digital technology have amplified this freedom of expression, bringing with them a new generation of creators and consumers who are much more conscious.

At the same time, there is a growing appreciation for sustainability, inclusion and authenticity, something I greatly appreciate and find fundamental. Luxury is no longer just about branded accessories, it is also about knowing where the item comes from, who made it, and whether it respects the values we identify with. And that is deeply inspiring. We are living in a time when fashion is, more than ever, a reflection of society.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: These days, there’s a lot of focus on sustainability and ethical fashion. How do you personally approach that in your everyday life?

Ana Rita Clara: For me, sustainability is a daily choice — it’s not about perfection, but about awareness. I try to apply this principle in various areas of my life, from fashion to consumption at home. When it comes to clothing, I favour quality pieces that last, and I try to buy from brands I know, which have ethical and sustainable production. I also reuse a lot, give new life to old pieces, and am a fan of “less is more”.

At home, I try to reduce waste, use eco-friendly cleaning products, and am always looking for more sustainable solutions, whether in food or in the materials we use. I also have this concern as a mother — I want to teach my son to respect the planet, people, and the resources we have.

I believe that every little choice counts. And if we all do a little, we can achieve a lot.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: With such a busy lifestyle, how do you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being?

Ana Rita Clara: I try to maintain certain healthy routines and moments in my daily life. Meditation and sport, rest, ice baths and reiki, yoga, music and good reading. Or simply being with my son Caetano and my family gives me enough positive energy to face each day with joy, balance and purpose.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What’s one issue in the world right now—political, social, or environmental—that really concerns you? And why?

Ana Rita Clara: All these issues are crucial for a peaceful, fair and balanced society. I see all these areas as deeply interconnected and feel a greater responsibility (or at least I have been relating to them more closely) towards social issues. I am concerned about people’s emotional well-being, equal opportunities, poverty and living conditions, access to education, violence, gender equality and citizenship issues, and above all the impact we have on human relationships.

I try to apply this awareness every day, in the choices I make, in my work and team management, in how I treat others, in the causes I support and in the messages I share.

Of course, I am also concerned about the environment and follow political issues that directly affect our quality of life, but I believe that change really begins with the attitudes we take towards each other.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: What’s been inspiring you lately—whether in music, literature, art, or film?

Ana Rita Clara: I love reading and I read lots of books. But right now, I would recommend the book I am currently reading by Yung Pueblo, How to Love Better, which is deeply inspiring; Jeff Wall’s exhibition at Maat; and Madeleine Peyroux’s song, Fun Out Of Life.

 

 

ZOOT: You founded “Change It” (2014) to bring people together and inspire change — around wellbeing, gender equality, sustainability, and climate action. What inspired you to create it, and how does it reflect your bigger vision?

Ana Rita Clara: I created the platform and creative meetings ‘Change IT’ in 2014 because I felt surrounded by disbelief in politics and society, and I have always been proactive and eager to make a difference, cause an impact, and change things.

We were at a critical moment in the country and everywhere you looked you could feel people’s demotivation, their lack of ‘presence’ or integration. And that’s how it all started, from my desire to leave the television studio and be closer to people. I started these creative breakfasts, bringing together well-known personalities (Changers) with anyone who wanted to attend and participate. The community grew to around 10,000 Portuguese people.

The idea was always to question, debate important issues, provide concrete answers and points of view, and create support networks and human connections. It was an absolutely enriching four years, and we had to stop when the pandemic hit.

Change IT symbolises my role as an activist and someone deeply interested in creating projects that are relevant to people and society. Above all, it symbolises someone who believes that an active voice promotes change and that this change begins with each one of us.

 

 

 

 

ZOOT: In May, you visited Brussels with the European Commission and met leaders like Ursula von der Leyen. Ten years after being an EU ambassador for Portugal, you returned with new insight and hope. What did this visit mean to you? And which European values do you think are most important to protect today?

Ana Rita Clara: Yes, it was indeed a very special trip. Being invited again, 10 years later, to travel with the European Commission to Brussels and have these unique encounters was very memorable. It also gave me the opportunity to develop new ideas and perceptions about Europe, to exchange opinions and to discover the real role of our connection to this ‘European family’ and its challenges in the present and in the future.

Being an ambassador for the European Commission in Portugal gives me greater responsibility, and I believe that the values of freedom of expression, equality, respect for human rights, social sustainability, human dignity and solidarity are values that we must always defend and preserve. So that this growing family can help each other, find balance, protect each other and evolve.

 

 

Thank you Ana Rita!

 

 

 

 

 

BEAUTY REFERENCES

CLARINS @clarinsportugal
• Spray Hydra-Essentiel Brume Hydrante
•⁠ ⁠Primer Beauty Flash Balm 
•⁠ ⁠Primer SOS Peach Camoufle
•⁠ ⁠Foundation Tinted Oleo-Serum
•⁠ ⁠Ever Matte Loose Powder
•⁠ ⁠Eyeshadow Ombre 4 Couleurs, brown sugar and onyx gradation
•⁠ ⁠Lip Comfort Oil 

 

 

FASHION REFERENCES


ATELIER CHILAZE @atelierchilaze



CALZEDONIA @calzedonia

ELISABETTA FRANCHI @elisabettafranchi



LACOSTE @lacoste

PR@showpress.pressoffice


STIVALI @stivali_boutiques  for

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER  @jeanpaulgaultier
ALAÏA PARIS @maisonalaia

SWAROVSKI @swarovski

 

 

 

 

To boot…

Ana Rita Clara @anaritagram 
www.changeit.world I @changeitworld