Watch out world—Spain’s newest bombshell has just arrived! The country’s latest fresh-faced beauty first made her grand debut into the world of modeling with stunning fashion editorials and even graced the runway at Christopher Kane’s SS20 show. Now, a few fashion campaigns later from the likes of Bottega Veneta to Nodaleto, garnering her the eyes of the global fashion industry, Paula is making sure that she brings the Spanish heat everywhere she goes.

Spanish V: If you had to choose just one, what unique message are you trying to express with your work? What are you trying to tell people?

Paula Anguera: With my work, I try to convey the message of being natural, that without the canon of beauty established by society and by this industry, one can go where one wants.

V: What is something that you think is missing in today’s society?

PA: I think that in today’s society, there is a lack of empathy, knowing how to put ourselves in the place of the other from the heart. I always treat others as I would like them to treat me—respect and humility are fundamental, and more so in this industry. I use my social networks with total naturalness, being myself and showing my way of understanding art and treating the world.

V: Do you believe that Spain is more popular as a creative destination today than it was five or 10 years ago?

PA: Yes, I feel that right now, in Spain, there is a very strong wave of creatives in all aspects of art. We have many artists, entrepreneurs, and young artists willing to fill Spain with good vibes.

V: How has COVID and the ensuing lockdowns shaped you personally and professionally?

PA: Luckily, I have not had a professional block. I have not missed work during this year, and I am very grateful for that. I have meditated and read a lot during the pandemic and this, I think, has been the key to not blocking myself on a personal level.

V: What parts of Spanish culture make you proud to be a part of it?

PA: Art in general. I think Spain has a very rich culture. I love Almodóvar’s films, how color works in its aesthetics, and the whole universe that it has created around it. We also have flamenco, cuisine, architecture, painting, etc. which make me feel very proud of having been able to nourish myself with all these references. I think we are raising a generation without fear, [that is] very diverse and eager to generate changes.

V: What does the future of Spain look like to you?

PA: I trust the universe, for a better future, not only for Spain but in the world, in general.

V: How were you discovered as a model? Were you nervous when you first started?

PA: I was discovered by a stylist on Instagram, (@ mariavitores), who is now my best friend. Between her and my agency, Traffic Models, they were the perfect combo to do it in a very organic way. The day I feel nervous before a shoot, I will stop being a model. I think it is very important to stay motivated, nervous, and eager in your work. But it’s true, I never felt “bad” nerves when I started. I was going through a bad time on a personal level and then started to travel, meet people, change cities—it was healing (and a blessing) for me.

V: With the modeling industry ever-evolving, what do you see has changed for the better?

PA: I think the industry is changing, very little by little. It is improving in terms of diversity, but it still lacks a lot.

V: As the world reopens, what is next for you? What are you most excited for?

PA: I like the world of fashion, but during this time I have realized that I like being in front, as well as behind the camera. I don’t want to close any doors, I like to experiment and learn. Now, for example, I am starting with analog photography. KEVIN PONCE

Cuidado, mundo: ¡acaba de llegar la nueva bomba de España! La última belleza del país hizo su gran debut en el mundo del modelaje con impresionantes editoriales de moda e incluso adornó la pasarela del desfile SS20 de Christopher Kane. Ahora, algunas campañas de moda desde Bottega Veneta hasta Nodaleto, atrayendo los ojos de la industria de la moda mundial, Paula se está asegurando de llevar el calor español a todas partes.

Spanish V: Si tuvieras que elegir solo uno, ¿qué mensaje singular intentas expresar con tu trabajo? ¿Qué intentas decirle a la gente?

Paula Anguera: Con mi trabajo intento transmitir el mensaje de ser natural, que sin el canon de belleza establecido por la sociedad y por esta industria, uno puede llegar donde se proponga.

V: ¿Qué es algo que cree que falta en la sociedad actual?

PA: Creo que en la sociedad actual falta empatía, el saber ponernos en el lugar del otro, des del corazón. Siempre trato a los demás, como me gustaría que me trataran a mi, el respeto y la humildad es fundamental, y más en esta industria. Uso mis redes sociales con total naturalidad, siendo yo misma y mostrando mi forma de entender el arte y de tratar el mundo.

V: ¿Crees que España es hoy un destino creativo más popular que hace cinco o diez años?

PA: Si, siento que ahora mismo en España hay una ola de creativos muy fuerte en todas las vertientes del arte. Tenemos muchos artistas, emprendedores y jóvenes artistas dispuestos a llenar España de buena vibra.

V: ¿Cómo le ha formado COVID y los consiguientes bloqueos personal y profesionalmente?

PA: Por suerte no he tenido un bloqueo profesional, no me ha faltado trabajo durante este año, y estoy muy agradecida por ello. He meditado y leído mucho durante la pandemia y esto creo que ha sido la clave para no bloquearme a nivel personal.

V: ¿Qué partes de la cultura española te hacen sentir orgulloso de formar parte de ella?

PA: El arte en general, creo que España tiene una cultura muy rica, me encanta las películas de Almodóvar, como trabaja el color en su estética y todo el universo que ha creado entorno a ello. También tenemos el flamenco, la cocina, la arquitectura, la pintura, etc. los cuales, me hacen sentir muy orgullosa de haberme podido nutrir de todos estos referentes.