From a small town in Colombia to Paris Fashion Week, Valeria Nazarit Machín is slowly becoming one of the most talented and renowned models after being discovered for her beauty at a young age, and now walking the runway of Louis Vuitton at the Musée d’Orsay.

Born in Santander de Quilichao in Cauca, Colombia, Valeria has made history as the first Colombian model to make her debut for the famous fashion house. The 17-year-old model was surrounded by fashion personalities, celebrities and supermodels during the runway show for Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2022 Read-to-wear collection.

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Creative director for Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière, highlighted “the impermanence and beautiful volatility of adolescence” for the collection, making Valeria a key part in showcasing the edgy looks, walking on the same show with none other than ‘Squid Game’ star HoYeon Jung.

Valeria detailed the moment her life changed forever when a modeling agent discovered her as she was about to watch a movie with her family in a shopping mall in Cali, Colombia. The supermodel explained how it all began.

“I was going to the movies with my aunt, my brother and my cousin when a man approached me and told me he had a modeling agency and gave me his card. I took the card and the next week we went to his office. I signed a modeling deal on the same day and everything began.”

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The young model signed with NV Models and her journey quickly began with the help of director Fabio Arias. “Fabio prepared me and taught me how to be a model, how to be photographed, runway walk, everything.”

Valeria then went on to sign with IMG Models and was chosen to walk for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week. “After the casting the IMG director congratulated me for becoming a Louis Vuitton girl,” revealing that she “started crying.”

There is no doubt that Valeria will continue to become a successful model in the fashion industry, always proud of her Afro-Colombian roots and indigenous heritage.