LUCIA MACRÌ: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE, PASSION AND AUTHENTICITY IN FASHION AND DIGITAL

January 12, 2025

“Focus as much as possible on the people who love you.”

IN CONVERSATION WITH LUCIA MACRÌ

LUCIA MACRÌ

Her big blue eyes conceal a veil of melancholy that should not be mistaken for sadness but rather for a depth of soul that is rare to find today.

Lucia Macrì, born under the Libra sign, turned 24 in September and has clear ideas about her future.

Born and raised in Catanzaro, Lucia is “divided” between two careers: that of a model, which led her to move first to Florence and then to Milan, and that of a digital creator.

Being a creator has led Lucia to collaborate with numerous top brands, such as Yamamay, Bershka, Calvin Klein, and Campari.

“I moved to Milan when I was 21 and started modelling by chance. I had just started an acting course, the culmination of a six-year career in the theatrical world and the crowning achievement of my passion for acting.

“The film agency I signed with asked me to do a makeup shoot, and I accepted.” You could say she started on a whim.

“At the time, I had no expectations of what would become of my future. To date, I am very satisfied, and I must thank Milan because it took me under its wing.” However, Lucia’s journey in the Milanese fashion world was not without challenges.

“Initially, finding myself alone in Milan was difficult. My family was far away, and I had no one to confide in about my fears and worries.

“My job, as good as it is, has ups and downs like any other job. Probably the main challenge I faced was always being compared to other girls, as well as feeling pressure about my body.

“At some point in my career, my image became more important than my professional path. I had become obsessed with the way my body looked, based on others’ prejudices, and I ended up feeling uncomfortable in certain situations.”

Among the darker sides of an industry seemingly made of glitter and sequins are eating disorders, often linked to a modelling career and the accompanying media pressure.

This was a dark chapter in Lucia’s personal history, which she confronted two years ago, emerging victorious.

“I think 2023 was the worst year of my life. I suffered from depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. Overcoming it was extremely difficult, but accepting it was even harder.”

Is there a secret to avoiding it?

I don’t think there’s a real secret to not falling into this terrible disease, but there are definitely ways to prevent and cope. Modelling should be approached in a way that doesn’t harm your mental health.”

What advice would she give to girls suffering from the same struggles today?

“The best advice I can give is to focus as much as possible on the people who love you, the little things that make you wake up in the morning with a smile, the small gestures, and the moments that bring happiness.

“Don’t dwell on what’s going wrong in your life; don’t let pressures and judgments weigh you down; and don’t believe you always have to raise the bar.

For the past two years, after a short break, Lucia has also been working as a digital creator. The transition from fashion to digital was natural.

“When I’m on set, I feel at home. However, I realised I like to share something with the people watching me.

“I wanted to leave a more authentic imprint. Being a digital creator, if done thoughtfully, can be likened to playing a role in a film.

“The difference is that on social media, you play your real life, and you have to serve the people who follow you. What I enjoy most is waking up every day and trying to play a different role. Given my love for cinema, I can say I’m fulfilling my dream through another dream.”

What does a brand look for in its ambassadors today?

“I think brands are looking for a different image than the one conveyed by classic advertising models. They want relatable people who can bring a personal, innovative, and fresh touch to their brand.”

Any advice for those just starting out?

“Be yourself, because what resonates on social media is the image you present to people. Entertainment must be deeply personal.”

A dream brand to collaborate with?

“There’s definitely not just one! (laughs) I have an immense love for Paris, my favourite city of all. If I had to confess my dream brand, I would say Yves Saint Laurent.

“I know the entire history of this renowned French Maison and have spent hours watching its fashion shows. Collaborating with them would truly be a dream.”

Was there a moment when you thought, “Yes, I did it”?

“When I saw the brands I admired as a teenager choosing me to represent them, both as a model and a digital creator. That was one of my biggest wins: living my childhood dream, touching the clothes I admired in shop windows, and knowing I was chosen for a collaboration.”

Plans for the future?

“To focus on the digital world and pursue my true passion: cinema. My dream is to take part in a film.

“I also have several short-term projects you’ll see in 2025, but I can’t reveal anything about them yet. One of them is my graduation, an important milestone I’ll reach in a few months.”

A wish for the future?

“Something I probably never said to my past self: believe in yourself, show who you are without fear, overcome prejudices, and don’t take on others’ expectations.

“Let’s say I can finally feel gratitude toward myself and enjoy every moment as I didn’t in the past because I always put something else first.

“Even if this career doesn’t work out, I’ll cherish some wonderful moments in my heart, and I hope those who follow me can feel what I feel when I do my work.”

LUCIA’S TOP TEN

Q: Pizza or pasta?
A: Pizza. I’m Italian!

Q: Beach or mountains?
A: I was born by the sea, I could never say mountains!

Q: Sneakers or heels?
A: Heels, even if they are not comfortable. I love Jimmy Choo!

Q: Nike or adidas?
A: Nike

Q: Giorgio Armani or Donatella Versace?
A: Donatella, please forgive me. I love Giorgio Armani and his collections!

Q: A song to sing aloud in the car?
A: Di sere nere, che non c’è tempo, non c’è spazio, e mai nessuno capirà! (laughs). Ok, better as a model than a singer.

Q: Your celebrity crush?
A: How many hours do we have? (laughs). James Franco: I am sorry, Brad, but you have competitors.

Q: New York or Paris?
A: Paris, please wait for me. I am coming.

Q: Your favourite book?
A: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. I had seen the movie and I wanted to read the book also.

Q: The beauty product you couldn’t live without?
A: Here it is! There are so many lipsticks and I also use various brands, but this one is definitely my favourite. I apply it to my lips every time I go out. It’s obviously by my favourite brand and, girls, I could not live without it!