With an impeccable aesthetic sense and one of the feeds most beautiful in the country, Victoria Yamagata already has over 70,000 followers on Instagram and an incredible portfolio of partnerships with the world’s most important and notable brands.
With just over six years working in social media, Vic brought together the best of fashion and design to create her branding. With an à la française aesthetic, the Rio-based influencer with a degree in visual communication shared a bit more about her passions, habits, and personal tastes with Lifestyle Mag. Check it out:
Lifestyle Mag: How did your work as an influencer begin?
Victoria Yamagata: “Started” (in quotes) in 2016, when they featured me on a super-famous blog in a “People to Follow” post and I was one of them. I was already posting a lot on Instagram and had a vlog channel on YouTube since 2013, but I did it as a hobby and didn’t know I could make a career out of it! In Rio de Janeiro, people didn’t really talk about that…
LM: Does your academic background impact your everyday work?
VY: Absolutely! My graphic design course was literally called “visual communication.” Is there anything more ME than that?! Haha!
LM: What is the coolest thing about your job these days?
VY: Being in touch with brands that want my eye on their products. Being able to create things my way, putting my stamp on everything I do… And every single day, I’m blown away by brands I never dreamed I’d work with noticing me! I’ll never get used to it!
LM: What has surprised you most about working as an influencer so far?
VY: Being invited to be Chanel’s Fragrance Guru!
LM: You spent a few months living in Paris; what’s your favorite part of the city?
VY: Being able to walk everywhere! I put on some music and just go. I make my own movie in my head! The place is so fitting, isn’t it?
LM: Do you have a favorite hotspot there?
VY: I love Saint Germain!
LM: What’s the main difference between Rio and São Paulo?
VY: São Paulo never stops! After a while here, I had to pause, breathe, and realize how essential that is. In Rio, I feel more laid-back…
LM: What was this move like for you as an individual and as a content creator?
VY: Wow, surreal. I moved to São Paulo 100% focused on work and how good it would be for my career, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made as a person! In three and a half years, I’ve lived more than I did in 23 years in Rio de Janeiro! The number of cultural events, restaurants, and incredible people here amazes me! As Caetano would say: “Something happens in my heart…”.
LM: You’re one of the top fashionistas on social media today—how did you discover your style?
VY: Wow! I read that and was shocked by the compliment (thank you so much haha). I’ve always been very free with how I dress, but I think the key is that my mom never encouraged me to follow the “standard” or “what’s in fashion.” She urged me to wear what I liked and what was different from everyone else’s style so I wouldn’t get stuck in the same bubble. I’ve always kept that in mind, and it’s helped me choose pieces I truly love and that make sense to me.
LM: What’s your favorite clothing item at the moment?
VY: Trench coat!
LM: Your Instagram feed inspires so many people, but how do you stay inspired day to day?
VY: I treat my work like I’m an artist. I need free time to do nothing and let inspiration come. I’ve already developed my “modus operandi”! If I keep doing one thing after another, I feel lost; everything goes automatic and I don’t like that. I need time!
LM: Your aesthetic eye is remarkable, but when it comes to photos specifically, how did you develop that skill?
VY: I’ve always been a very visual person. My friends say I’ve had this since I was very young—that it’s something inside me that’s always flowed naturally. I couldn’t tell you where it comes from, but I can say I train a lot with analog photography. And I have future projects in the works! Stay tuned!
LM: Is there any habit in your routine you never give up?
VY: Having coffee as soon as I wake up! No matter the time, I need it to start my day! And saying good morning to my cat Francisco!
LM: Do you have a favorite movie and book?
VY: I don’t have a favorite movie. As for a book, I’d say Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking.” But everything she’s written is great!
LM: Is there a dream you haven’t achieved yet?
VY: Many! Traveling internationally for work is one of them!
To learn more about Victoria Yamagata, just click here.
