I was lucky enough to meet Fluvia many years ago when we were both getting into plus modeling.  Its so great to watch her career and I am so happy to see her success! I hope you enjoy this interview.

1) How did you get into modeling? And what keeps you modeling?

I was on a crosstown bus in Manhattan when a woman who worked for MODE magazine at that time approached me and asked me if I had considered the idea of working as a plus size model. I thought it was a joke since I had no idea that that even existed!

I love modeling, it comes easy to me, there are so many things you learn from it, the traveling is great, I get to meet so many new people, places and cultures. Its definitely what fuels me to keep going.

2) What did you think of the recent plus size breakthroughs into the straight size fashion world, for example the Mark Fast Fashion show, the Glamour editorial, and the new stylist for Marie Claire?

Its all a super amazing revolution and the rest of the world is catching up with it. Everyone needs to be included as we all deserve to be not only happy with ourselves but also have the right to dress just as well. I’m a fashion lover so to me that’s one of the crucial points. I was in heaven with the new stylist column on Marie Claire! I just feel like plus size women are starved for fashion inspirations! Show me how you can dress my body in different styles. That’s just fantastic and really what we need!

3) Tell me about your personal style?
I like to mix and match pieces. I don’t have specific rules about it, it’s more about the feel or mood I’m in that really dictates how I will dress. I love feminine pieces; I have so many dresses and skirts! I love mixing flowy pieces with something hard like a biker jacket or 40’s style booties. But lately Ive been finding great 40’s, 50’s style pieces and I’ve been in that mood. European girls are certainly inspiring me lately, every time I go there I see great ideas that I can definitely use it on my size 16 body.

4) What is your beauty prep pre-photoshoot?
Plenty of sleep!!!!!!!

5) You are an NYC girl like me, where do you go to shop?  I need more places! Any shopping tip, of what to look for?

For plus size women that can tricky. Let’s be realistic, there aren’t too many options out there, well not for the big girls like myself anyways, but it’s definitely getting better. I adore vintage pieces, so when I’m able to find something to fits well, it’s like heaven for me! So definitely vintage shops, and the usual chains like H&M, Topshop and Forever 21 are my typical obsession. I get really lucky finding dresses, skirts and pretty tops although never mind shopping for pants on either place! I wont turn my head away from Target or JcPenny either, some people snob those places away but I often find really cool and cute pieces on places like that.

I often see dresses that it would not in a million years be available on my size, so I rip off the image and take it to my seamstress and have it done. Its pretty much the only way one that a big chick can own a beautiful flowy dress in silk or any other high quality dress, skirt or blouse.

6) Since it’s fair to assume you are a fashionista, what designers/brands do you look towards for inspiration?

I think human beings in general are visual. A great image makes you want to wear it, be it, want it. Lately I’ve been inspired by old 40’s, 50’s images, from books, movies, even post cards. I think women were so elegant then. Its tough to dress the same way head to toe today, but I definitely mix with other pieces I have and that makes it easy to incorporate on my day to day wardrobe.

I’m pretty good at defining my own style, I don’t necessarily follow trends. I just wear what works for me and makes me feel good, sexy and strong.

7)  What piece of your wardrobe can you not get enough of?

Dresses!!!!!I think with time women lost their feminine side. The everyday life forces us to do the usual jeans and t-shirt and that to me is just boring now.

I love dresses, skirts, pretty light fabrics mixed with heavy knits for the winter time is just so pretty.

8)  Modeling allows you to travel a lot, do you have a shop/designer that you love to visit when overseas?  Someone you wish was available in the US.

I really wish Evans and Biluzik stores hit American ground! They have cute, young and fun pieces. I’m a big fan of the Danish brand Carmakoma! They’re edgy and fashionable.

9) You were recently in Paris, other than being the fashion capital of world it is also the culinary capital of the world.  When I am there I have to satisfy my need for good wine and yummy cheese, what food do you indulge in while in Paris?

Oh yeah, the wine and cheese are my favorites as well! I really can’t get enough of Paris! I’ve been coming here more often and Ive made friends, I just love people watching, shopping, it’s such a picture perfect city!

10) What fashion magazine do you read cover to cover?

BUST, Glamour, Nylon, Marie Claire, The New Yorker. I’ve been reading a lot of blogs lately, I love fashion inspired images and ideas, and I think bloggers are a lot more in touch with that.  Its a lot less bias as well, it’s really what they like as opposed to showing stuff that you’re getting paid to show.

If you would like to look into booking Fluvia you can go to her website: www.fluvialacerda.com or contact her agency Ford Models Chicago.

Let us know what you think about this feature!

If you are an established plus model and would like to be featured email us at info@madisonplus.com.