The model Liya Santos19 years old, born in Suzano (SP), she was the record holder for fashion shows in the 60th edition of SPFW, which celebrates 30 years of existence. Liya participated in 19 fashion shows, but made 20 catwalk appearances, wearing two looks for Ronaldo Fraga, becoming the first trans model in the world to reach this historic milestone in a fashion week.
Organized by Elian Gallardo Model, Liya opened the fashion shows of Catarina Mina, Foz, Normando and Fauve Brand and closed those of À La Garçonne, Sou de Algodão, Cria Costura, Gustavo Silvestre and Weider Silveiro. Liya was also part of the casting of big names such as Lilly Sarti, Marina Bitu, Bold Strap, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Amir Slama, LED, Mercado Livre, Apartamento 03 and Lino Villaventura.
In the fashion sector, opening or closing a fashion show is a position of prestige and maximum visibility; a clear gesture of trust and recognition from the brands. “I’m very, very happy. I don’t even know if I can explain it well, because even now I feel like I’m dreaming, you know? In the midst of the bustle of the fashion shows, I felt such a strong certainty… it was as if everything made sense. Someone looked into my eyes, with affection, and said: ‘Daughter, you did it’. In that moment I froze. I didn’t know whether to laugh, whether to cry, whether to be grateful. I simply felt the tears coming and I let them happen,” he said in publicity material.
The fact is even more emblematic if we remember that Brazil is the country that kills the most trans people in the world, for the 17th consecutive year. According to the report, there were 105 trans murders in the country in 2024 alone “Dossier: National registry of deaths of trans people in Brazil in 2024: from death expectation to looking at the living presence of trans students in Brazilian basic education”from Rede Trans Brasil.
“Being here (at SPFW) today is much more than a personal achievement. It’s about every trans girl, every discredited person, every silenced story. I was thinking about all of this at that moment. I thought of you, who were with me along the way, believing even when I doubted. This weighs on me a lot. I have lost a lot, but I have gained strength, I have gained a voice. And to see this transform into presence, on the catwalk, into recognition, is very beautiful,” she said. model.
And she goes further: “It’s not just about me. It’s about all the trans girls who dream and who, for a long time, were told that this place wasn’t theirs. I’m here to say that it is. And that with truth, strategy and courage we can get there,” added Liya, who has also worked for international brands, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Dolce & Gabbana.
Liya is grateful to those who have always guided her in her career, creating solid foundations, such as Elian Gallardo and at IMG Models, under the guidance of Luiz Matos, an agency that also represents names such as Gisele Bündchen. “I have always thought that one of the greatest gifts that life gave me was to meet people who truly believed in me. From the beginning, Elian was always like this with me. Without promising me castles in the air, he gave me clarity. He taught me about time, image and the right choices. Elian was with me when doubt screamed loudest. He reminded me of who I am and why I am here. And Luiz Matos was also fundamental. I they prepared, strengthened. me and they really believed in me.”
“From the first moment I saw Liya in front of my table, next to her mother, I knew that I was in front of something much bigger than a model. I looked at both of them and said: ‘Girl, you bet. But for this I need you to trust me, study every detail that I give you, know the job market, the brands, understand what is behind the creations of the creative directors of each of them and, above all, the moment that each one is living. Because, in addition to being a model, you are a trans girl — and you carry within you the voice of an entire generation of young people who dream like you.”, Elian Gallardo told “Them on the red carpet”.
He added: “Today, seeing her break records at Sao Paulo Fashion Week and make history as the trans model with the most shows in a season is a symbol of what is most transformative in Brazilian fashion. It is the reflection of a perspective that believes in the power of talent, not appearance. Liya represents the future, a future that begins when someone truly believes it. And I believed it. I’ve seen it before. And making that vision a reality is what three decades in fashion has moved me more than now.”
Elian has already discovered many important names, but he goes further and guarantees that Liya is not just a name. “It’s the development of a brand, a symbol. When I saw what she became, I didn’t think twice about bringing her from Paris to host Sao Paulo Fashion Week. I spoke to each casting director, one by one, talking about who she is and what she represents. And they understood. Liya is not a trend, she is a milestone,” concluded the agent.
And yes, Liya is a milestone that will go down in history, just as the black model Amira Pinheiro was the record holder in 2019, and in this edition she performed 15 fashion shows. At the time, Amira said in an interview with “Them on the red carpet”that “having black models on the catwalk should not be taboo.” May it be the same for indigenous models too (Dandara Queiroz was the record holder in 2022)models with different bodies (Rita Carreira was the record holder in 2021)and for top trans. Liya is another person who opens this door.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
