IN CONVERSATION WITH LÍVIA NUNES MARQUES

interview by JANA LETONJA

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents rising star Lívia Nunes Marques, a trailblazer in 2000s paparazzi aesthetics and 3D augmented reality. Known for viral moments, like her 2024 video with Nobody Sausage, and trends such as bikini layering and straight eyebrows, Lívia has collaborated with top brands including Dior, Miu Miu, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. Shot by Paola Velásquez in Paris, with styling and creative direction by Alexandre Dornellas, this story transforms Lívia into different personas, all connected by her undeniable fashionista essence.

full look BALENCIAGA

You’ve pioneered trends like 2000s paparazzi aesthetics and 3D augmented reality videos. What inspired you to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge technology in your content?

I pull inspiration from so many places, music, movies, different cultures. I love blending what inspires me into something fresh. For example, the paparazzi aesthetic came from wanting to share my daily life in a way that felt intriguing and new. It was a format no one had really explored, and it felt like the perfect way to let people into my world, without me having to spell it all out.

I also leaned into sensory details, the sounds, the atmosphere of the environments, and that made people feel closer to me and my life. As for augmented reality, I saw brands like Jacquemus using it and thought why not do this my way. I’m always looking for innovative ways to communicate and create. I think that’s what keeps me relevant and creatively ahead of the curve.

Trends like bikini layering and straight eyebrows have taken off because of you. How do you balance setting trends with staying authentic to your style?

I’ve always loved doing things differently. Even if I wear something trendy, I try to put my own spin on it to make it feel authentic and original. I’d never follow a trend just because it’s popular. Sometimes, I see something on the runway and immediately want to wear it, not because it’s trendy, but because I can see how it fits my style.

It’s a natural process for me. I might research something, find an idea, and wear it exactly how I imagined. But it’s never about chasing what’s in fashion. My style comes instinctively, it’s all about what I feel like wearing and how I edit or style it in the moment.

dress FERRAGAMO
earrings HSTERN

You’ve been a standout at events like Haute Couture Week and Cannes, even wearing vintage Dior. How do you decide on your looks for such iconic events?

In my free time, I love researching. My mom is super creative and is always by my side. We bounce a lot of ideas around with Pedro Salles, who styles me in Brazil. Recently, I’ve started working with Dan Sablon, an incredible Parisien stylist who’s helped me explore this chic streetwear vibe I love, paired with minimalist touches.

When it comes to Cannes and the Jolie dress, it was a team effort. Pedro, my mom, and I were all set on finding a vintage piece. When we saw that yellow-and-black Galliano dress, it was love at first sight. It’s practically a museum piece. Dior is also close to my heart and I prioritize long-term relationships with brands that have always supported me.

Sometimes Pedro suggests a look, other times, I bring an idea and he styles around it. It’s always collaborative, one completing the other.

What was it like being invited to the CFDA Fashion Awards for the first time, and how did that experience influence your perspective on fashion?

The CFDA Fashion Awards were surreal. It was one of the most impactful events I’ve attended. Being surrounded by so many brilliant designers was incredible. It’s a space where you really get to understand how these creative minds think, their strategies, and their purpose.

I was there with Cult Gaia and Jasmin Larian, a dear friend, which was such an honor. The raffia look she designed for me was stunning and she finished sewing the dress directly on my body. Experiences like this are so inspiring because you meet amazing people and creative minds. It’s unforgettable.

full look BALENCIAGA

As the leading Brazilian influencer at Copenhagen Fashion Week, what was the inspiration behind your collaboration with (di)vision?

Copenhagen came into my life by chance. I originally went just to visit the city, not for Fashion Week. I’ve always been curious about Denmark, their lifestyle, culture, and when I got there, it was a revelation. Copenhagen made me feel like I could approach fashion in a way that truly reflected who I am. The people there have such unique, disruptive styles. That first visit was a turning point, and now I go back every year for inspiration.

As for (di)vision, I saw people wearing cool pieces in Copenhagen and asked what brand it was. It quickly became a favorite, alongside Ganni. I met Simon Wick, their designer, at an event, and later, when he came to Rio, we decided to start working on this collab. Simon loves Brazil, and his girlfriend is Brazilian, so it all clicked and we all became friends. We brought together Brazilian symbols, sports influences, like boxing, cycling, and swimming, and streetwear vibes to create something dynamic and versatile with pieces that can be used. The collection was a hit, especially the black bodysuit with the Brazilian flag. 

(di)vision is all about innovation, sustainability, and creativity, values I align with deeply. The collaboration blended bold fashion, conscious design, and Brazilian lifestyle effortlessly. It was all about pushing boundaries while staying playful and light.

bodysuit styled as shirt ALAÏA
shirt and legging BALENCIAGA
harness MISCI
hair accessory Stylist’s own

Your first collaboration in 2024 was with Alok for the launch of ‘Deep in Your Love’. What was it like merging music and fashion in this project?

My winter seasons are always fun and eagerly anticipated by my audience. It’s a time when I have fun, play with clothes and characters while sharing a bit of travel, fashion and sports.

This project came unexpectedly. Alok and his wife Romana Novais were in Aspen at the same time as me, and we decided to launch the song there. Alok gave me full creative freedom for the video direction, so I hired professional skiers who performed stunts to the rhythm of the song. We even incorporated artificial intelligence, which both Alok and I love Alok is super innovative and modern. Collaborations like this inspire me because I learn so much from them and their fresh perspectives. These moments are truly valuable.

dress LOEWE
ring and earring ARA VARTANIAN

Among your collaborations with brands like Dior, Calvin Klein, and (di)vision, which one stands out as the most fulfilling, and why?

It’s hard to pick a favorite because each brand has its own story and vibe. I love stepping into a new persona each day. That’s why I find it tough to define my style. I love to be the Dior girl one day, as I love being the Vuitton girl, or Miu Miu girl. But if I had to highlight one recent standout, it would be the new Balenciaga campaign for the City Bag. Being part of such a disruptive and creative project was a huge milestone for me. The campaign was unique, the brand is incredibly bold, and getting to know the team behind it all made it extra special. The campaigns that truly excite me are the ones that offer a completely new experience, and this global Balenciaga campaign was unlike anything I’d done before.

Being named to Forbes Under 30 in Visual Arts, Photography, and Fashion is an incredible achievement. How has this recognition impacted your career or opened new opportunities?

Being recognized by Forbes Under 30 was such an amazing honor. It’s a respected and prestigious press vehicle, and it’s definitely influenced how I’m perceived in the industry and by the Brazilian press. The support I’ve received has been incredible. It helped solidify my accomplishments and build a foundation for a long-term career.

This recognition is especially meaningful now, as one of my biggest goals is to expand my career internationally. Having that credibility from my work on major campaigns and the validation from the public has been a huge boost for me.

ring and earring ARA VARTANIAN
dress and shoes FERRAGAMO

As someone deeply involved in luxury and editorial work, how do you see the intersection of fashion and technology evolving in the next few years?

I think fashion and technology will become inseparable. With tools like augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, we’re entering a new phase where fashion can be experienced and personalized in entirely fresh ways. But the key is to keep it human. The magic happens when you balance tech with ethics, inclusivity, and creativity. Continuing to maintain this humanized environment is the big difference in this process and I believe that this is done through care with ethics and diversity, using technology, in terms of communication and audiovisual, to create a fun and inspiring environment.

How do you stay grounded and creative in an industry that’s constantly evolving?

I look for inspiration outside of fashion, through music, art, architecture, travel, food, and different experiences, cultures. Another big part of staying grounded is having a strong support team around me, they are aways pulling ideas from so many different sources. Most importantly, I remind myself why I started in the first place. Staying connected to that purpose keeps me focused, even when the pace of the industry feels overwhelming.

bodysuit BALENCIAGA

What’s your ultimate vision for your career? Do you see yourself expanding further into design, production, or other creative fields?

Over the past few years, I’ve been asking myself: What do I really love doing? And while my work is rooted in communication, I see myself first and foremost as someone driven by creativity and aesthetics. I’ve discovered a real passion for creative direction, and I want to keep growing in that space, not just as the face of campaigns but also behind the scenes.

Photography has always been a love of mine. I recently signed my first international modeling contract with Silent, a renowned model agency in Paris. We share many goals, and my focus over the coming years is to expand internationally and collaborate on major projects with iconic brands.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent LIVIA NUNES MARQUES
photography PAOLA VELÁSQUEZ
styling & creative direction ALEXANDRE DORNELLAS
beauty IVAN BARRIA using DIOR BEAUTY
beauty assistant KATHÊ PORTILLO
fashion production assistant KAIO BERGUER
support on set THIAGO MASCARENHAS
fashion film JADER CHAHINE
retouch BRUNO REZENDE
executive production MONICA BORGES
support STÚDIO TINO
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN