This stunning Australian model, lures us with her piercing eyes and luscious lips and will have you blissfully rapt to her Instagram feed for life.
Hey, Belle, big congrats on your first MAXIM cover. How do you feel?
Thank you! I’m so excited to be on the cover, especially because it is shared with my good friend and one of my favourite photographers, Bonnie Cee.
Tell us about this photo shoot.
We both wanted to achieve a European summer-vibed shoot and it all came about very quickly and spur of the moment. We found a little hidden harbour beach in Sydney called Kutti Beach as it was the closest thing to what we wanted to represent. Shooting with Bonnie never feels like work because it’s super cruisy, we can both get silly and be ourselves.
Any funny anecdotes you can share?
Well, we brought lemons as props to emphasise the “European mood”, but as I was cutting them I didn’t realise the acid would burn the paper cuts in my fingers. So, I had to put my poker face on and it was very funny at the time.
What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you on a photo shoot?
One time I had to get a tetanus shot after a nail went through my leg climbing a rusty fence for a shoot, that was mixture of laughter and tears.
What goes through your mind whilst doing a shoot like this?
Nothing really, it’s a bit like meditation. My mind goes through a state of zen — HA! Not really, but I think it’s better not to be consumed by too many thoughts. Wish I could think of something a little more interesting but really I’m just chilling.
When do you feel sexy?
It’s impossible to feel sexy when it’s forced – jeans and a T-shirt work for me, although heels and a dress are also beautiful. Being comfortable makes all the difference and there’s nothing sexy about blisters from uncomfortable shoes!
OK. What is your best asset?
I like to think I’m a little bit of a weirdo — I’ll just randomly break out into a Disney song or get my groove on at Woolies.
For those who don’t know a lot about you, tell us a bit about.
I grew up in Australia in a typical European family — we always travelled and lived with family overseas which is probably where I caught the travel bug from. After I finished university — I’m a registered nurse — I started to take modelling more seriously. I knew I could always be a nurse in the future so I focused on modelling.
You are half-German, half-Portuguese – do you speak these languages?
Eu falo um pouco de português, principalmente com meu pai e avós [translation: I speak a little Portuguese, especially with my father and grandparents] and I only speak German when I’m drinking beer during Octoberfest.
What would people be most surprised to find out about you?
I’m more on the introverted side – a lot of people would think I’m extroverted because of how I portray myself on Instagram and through modelling, but really I’m a little scaredy cat.
How long have you’ve been modelling?
I began modelling very young. I was scouted at 14 and worked part-time during my schooling. Only recently, since I finished university, I’ve been working full-time as a model. If I wasn’t modelling I would be working as a registered nurse. I’ve always been passionate about helping others and I’m not scared of the sight of blood.
What’s the biggest misconception about the modelling industry?
People often think the industry is full of conceited and stupid people, but most of the models I know are kind, hardworking and well educated. I rarely come across unpleasant people. We really are just regular folk.
Describe a typical day in your life.
For starters, it usually entails at least one flight. I wake up around 4am if I am flying from Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Byron, etc… for the day. When I get to the location I’m straight into hair and make-up and once I’m all beautified I start shooting and go until lunch — my favourite time of the day! Then it’s back into shooting until I’m rushing not to miss my flight home. I always end my day with a tea and a long talk with my Nana.
You have over 847,000 followers on Instagram — how do you keep them coming back for more?
I like to keep my page looking creative and colourful. I love sharing my travel journeys with everyone — it’s a bit like a public photo album and I can revisit countries by looking back through my photos. I don’t know what exactly keeps people coming back but I’m glad they do.
The tabloid media has compared you to Kylie Jenner and Carmen Electra to name a few. How do things like this make you feel?
I think the media compared me to them because that’s who was trending at the time. It’s flattering but you can’t take these things too seriously.
What’s the funniest rumour you’ve heard about yourself?
Probably the rumour I’m a man. People come up with the craziest stuff.
Huh?! Speaking of men, what have you learnt about them over the years?
I’ve learnt that men and women are more similar than everyone thinks. The famous line “men are from Mars and women are from Venus” is funny, but in reality we are all from Earth. Right?
What do you look for in a man?
A kind heart and a good sense of humour. I really don’t care too much about aesthetics because at the end of the day it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Looks will always fade except if you’re Clint Eastwood — cheesy, I know, but it’s the truth.
What can we get you at the bar?
[singing] If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain… but yes, I’d love a piña colada.
If you had to take MAXIM magazine on a date what would it entail?
I love really quirky dates, so maybe a marathon of Lord Of The Rings and visiting a cat cafe.
Done. What’s next for you? Any exciting in the works?
There is lots of travel coming up and I’ve recently signed with an American agency, so I’ll be skipping the Aussie winter and spending a lot time over in Europe and the US. I’d like to maybe get back into nursing eventually, but for now I’m just going to see where this road takes me. ■
INSTAGRAM: @belle_lucia
SNAPCHAT: @belle-kitten
For the full article grab the December 2017 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
