Introduction
When Fernanda Liz appeared on the spring 2014 cover of Vogue Brazil, it marked more than just another magazine milestone-it represented the arrival of a Brazilian model who would go on to work with fashion's biggest names while maintaining an authentic connection to her roots. From her childhood dream of appearing in a telenovela to walking exclusive runway shows for Givenchy and building a relationship with one of the world's top male models, Fernanda's journey offers a fascinating look at perseverance, talent, and staying true to yourself in the competitive world of international fashion.
In this comprehensive biography, you'll discover the complete story of Fernanda Liz from her unexpected entry into modeling at age 13 to her current status living in New York with partner Sean O'Pry, her music career, social activism, and everything in between. All facts have been verified with credible sources to give you the most accurate, up-to-date information available in 2025.
Quick Facts About Fernanda Liz
Detail | Information |
Full Name | Fernanda Liz |
Profession | Fashion Model, Singer, Actress |
Birthday | January 9, 1991 |
Age | 34 years old (as of 2025) |
Birth Sign | Capricorn |
Birthplace | Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (raised in São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo) |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Height | 5'9" (175 cm) |
Mother | Helenice Lizidati Tavares Soares |
Current Residence | New York City, USA |
Partner | Sean O'Pry (2020-present) |
@fernandaliz (430,000+ followers) | |
Modeling Agencies | Next Models (Worldwide), Mega Model Brazil (Mother Agency) |
Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 - $1.2 million (2025) |
Early Life: From Telenovela Dreams to Modeling Stardom
The Chiquititas Audition That Changed Everything
Fernanda Liz was born on January 9, 1991, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, though she grew up in São Caetano do Sul, a municipality in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. Her childhood dream surprised her family-it had nothing to do with modeling. At just eight years old, young Fernanda became obsessed with landing a role in "Chiquititas," a popular Brazilian children's telenovela that was holding auditions.
She begged her mother, Helenice Lizidati Tavares Soares, to help her find contacts to get to the audition. After much searching, Helenice found an agent willing to help her daughter. However, this agent, while not familiar with "Chiquititas," had extensive experience in the audiovisual market and saw something special in young Fernanda. Instead of pursuing the telenovela audition, the agent suggested Fernanda participate in a children's modeling contest.
Fernanda won that contest. Looking back, she's never forgotten the irony: "It's really funny because we never found the Chiquititas people, but it was because of them that today I'm celebrating 20 years of my career, living in New York for 10 years," she shared in a 2023 interview. What started as a quest for acting became the foundation of an international modeling career.
Discovery at the Shopping Mall
The pivotal moment came when Fernanda was just 13 years old. While walking through a shopping mall with her mother in São Caetano do Sul, she was spotted by the owner of Mega Model Brazil, one of São Paulo's premier modeling agencies. The agency head immediately recognized her potential and invited her to join their roster of models.
This chance encounter at the mall marked the true beginning of her professional journey. At 15, Fernanda took her first international trip to New York City, and as she recalls, "since then I haven't stopped." Growing up in São Paulo's cosmopolitan environment, surrounded by diverse cultures and fashion influences, had prepared her well for the global stage that awaited.
Family Background and Values
Fernanda's mother, Helenice, played a crucial role not just in helping her daughter pursue her dreams but in keeping her grounded throughout the whirlwind rise to fame. The support system provided by her family gave Fernanda the confidence to pursue opportunities abroad while maintaining strong ties to her Brazilian heritage.
As a Capricorn, Fernanda displayed the determination and ambition typical of her zodiac sign from an early age. These traits-discipline, responsibility, and hard work-would prove essential in navigating the demanding world of international fashion.
Career Breakthrough: The Road to Vogue and Givenchy
Building a Foundation in Brazilian Fashion
After joining Mega Model Brazil at 13, Fernanda spent several years developing her craft and building her portfolio in the Brazilian market. She worked with photographers, learned runway techniques, and appeared in local fashion shows and editorials. This foundation in her home country prepared her for the international opportunities that would soon come.
By 2014, Fernanda had caught the attention of major fashion publications and designers. That year would prove to be her breakthrough, establishing her as more than just a promising newcomer but as a serious force in high fashion.
The Givenchy Moment: A Dream Come True
One of Fernanda's most cherished career memories is how she landed her first major international runway show. The story demonstrates both the modern nature of model casting and the impact of being selected for such a prestigious opportunity.
"It was in Paris at the Givenchy show during Fashion Week," Fernanda recalled. "I was digitally chosen by Ricardo Tisci to do his exclusive show. The next day, they were flying me to Paris. It was a dream come true, mainly because when it happened to me, I had been working as a model for 10 years."
Ricardo Tisci, then creative director of Givenchy, selected Fernanda based on her portfolio and digital presence-she never had to audition in person. Within 24 hours of being selected, she was on a plane to Paris to walk in one of fashion's most anticipated shows. This fall 2014 Givenchy show marked her arrival on the international stage and opened doors to opportunities with other major luxury brands.
Vogue Brazil Cover and Editorial Success
Spring 2014 saw Fernanda grace the cover of Vogue Brazil, one of the most prestigious achievements for any Brazilian model. This wasn't just a standard cover; it represented recognition from her home country's most important fashion publication that she had made it to the top tier of the industry.
Throughout 2014, Fernanda appeared in multiple high-profile editorials:
Vogue Brazil April 2014: "Classe 2014" editorial, photographed by Jacques Dequeker
Vogue Brazil May 2014: "A Moda de Wall Street," photographed by Renam Christofoletti
FFW Magazine May 2014: "#36 Colecoes| Express Yourselfie," photographed by Fabio Bartelt
Elle France April 2015: "Ligne Directrice," photographed by Takay
These editorial appearances in Vogue, Elle, and other international magazines established her as a go-to model for high-fashion photography, not just runway work.
Alexander Wang x H&M Collaboration
In October 2014, Fernanda walked in the highly anticipated Alexander Wang x H&M show. This collaboration between the celebrated American designer and the Swedish fast-fashion giant was one of the most buzzed-about events in fashion that year. Being selected to walk this show demonstrated her versatility-she could handle both haute couture (Givenchy) and designer collaborations with mass-market appeal.
International Modeling Career: Agencies and Global Recognition
Representation Across Continents
Fernanda's success led to representation by some of the world's most respected modeling agencies:
Mega Model Brazil (São Paulo) - Her mother's agency
Next Models (New York, Paris, London) - Primary international representation
Place Models (Hamburg, Germany)
MIKAs (Stockholm, Sweden)
This network of agencies allowed her to work seamlessly across different fashion capitals, from São Paulo to Paris, London to New York, Milan to Barcelona. As she describes it, she's "always traveling in search of new work and stories," having lived in New York, Chile, Barcelona, Germany, and frequently visiting London, Paris, Milan, and Bali.
Major Brand Collaborations
Throughout her 20-year career, Fernanda has worked with an impressive roster of fashion houses and brands:
Luxury Fashion Brands:
Givenchy (exclusive runway show)
Alexander Wang
Versace
Balmain
Calvin Klein
L'Oréal
Victoria's Secret
Magazine Features:
Vogue Brasil (cover and multiple editorials)
Elle France
Harper's Bazaar
Marie Claire Czech Republic
Lui Magazine France
ODDA Magazine
FFW Magazine
Current Career Status (2025)
As of 2025, Fernanda continues working with Next Model Management across their London, Paris, and New York offices. While she's become more selective about her projects, focusing on quality over quantity, she remains active in the fashion industry. Her Instagram following of over 430,000 demonstrates her continued relevance and connection with fans worldwide.
Beyond the Runway: Music Career and Creative Ventures
YouTube Channel and Music Videos
What many people don't know about Fernanda Liz is that she's also a singer with a growing presence in Brazilian music. She joined YouTube on April 16, 2011, and has since built a dedicated following for her music videos and performances.
Some of her most popular music videos include:
"ME SEDUZ (OFICIAL)" - Fernanda Liz
"DOSE DUPLA" - Fernanda Liz
"MARCA DE BATOM" - Fernanda Liz featuring Danilo Dyba (Official Music Video)
"Bumbum Da Maldade" - Official Music Video
Her music blends contemporary Brazilian pop with funk carioca influences, showcasing another dimension of her artistic talents beyond modeling. While music isn't her primary career focus, it demonstrates her creative versatility and willingness to explore different forms of artistic expression.
Personal Style and Fashion Influence
Fernanda's personal style combines Brazilian beach culture aesthetics with high-fashion sophistication. Whether she's posting athleisure looks or red carpet glamour on Instagram, her fashion sense resonates with fans who appreciate both accessibility and aspiration.
She's particularly known for:
Effortless beach-to-street style transitions
Bold color choices that reflect her Brazilian heritage
Mixing high-end designer pieces with more accessible fashion
Fitness-focused athleisure that shows her dedication to wellness
Personal Life: Love, Relationships, and Life in New York
Relationship Timeline
Fernanda's romantic life has attracted considerable public interest, particularly given her relationships with other notable figures in sports and fashion.
Flavio Sarahyba (2017)
In February 2017, Fernanda got engaged to Brazilian businessman Flavio Sarahyba. The engagement was announced publicly and seemed promising, but the relationship proved short-lived. The couple separated soon after the engagement, though Fernanda has remained private about the specific reasons for the split.
Julian Edelman (2019)
On May 6, 2019, Fernanda made headlines when she was spotted making out with Julian Edelman, the former New England Patriots wide receiver, during the Met Gala in New York. This appeared to be a brief encounter rather than a serious relationship, but it generated significant media attention given Edelman's high profile in American sports.
Sean O'Pry (2020 - Present)
Fernanda's most significant and enduring relationship has been with Sean O'Pry, one of the world's highest-paid and most recognizable male models. The couple began dating in 2020, and their relationship has proven to be both personally fulfilling and professionally synergistic.
Sean O'Pry, born July 5, 1989, in Kennesaw, Georgia, has worked with virtually every major fashion brand and was named the world's highest-earning male model multiple times. He's appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Versace, Armani, and countless others, and famously appeared in Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" music video.
Life as a Model Couple in NYC
Fernanda and Sean share a home in New York City, and their relationship offers unique advantages given their shared profession. In a 2023 interview, Fernanda explained what makes their relationship work: "It is wonderful! In addition to sharing my personal life, having the opportunity to have the same job. Both of them having the availability to be anywhere helps a lot. We love exchanging ideas and planning next steps together."
The couple's understanding of the modeling industry's demands-constant travel, irregular schedules, the pressures of maintaining physical fitness-creates a foundation of mutual support that might be difficult with someone outside the fashion world.
Professional Collaborations
Fernanda and Sean have also worked together professionally. In May 2020, they appeared together on the cover of Numéro Homme Netherlands, creating an iconic image during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the couple participated in Ferrari's Corso Pilota racing education program at the Utah Motorsports Campus, then enjoyed a romantic road trip through Utah's stunning landscapes in a Ferrari Roma.
"The Roma is so comfortable that I just sat back and enjoyed the ride and the scenery," Sean shared about their Ferrari adventure. "Although Fernanda sometimes forgot we use miles per hour, not kilometers per hour, over here!" The couple's adventures together- from racing Ferraris to horseback riding under Utah's stars-demonstrate their shared appreciation for experiences beyond the fashion industry.
Current Relationship Status (2025)
As of January 2025, Fernanda and Sean continue their relationship, now in its fifth year. While neither has publicly announced engagement or marriage plans, their Instagram posts and public appearances show a stable, supportive partnership. They continue to balance their individual modeling careers with their life together in New York.
Social Activism and Causes
Environmental and Social Engagement
Beyond her modeling and music careers, Fernanda is engaged in meaningful social and environmental causes. She's particularly involved with #TOGETHERBAND, an initiative organized by the United Nations Assembly that promotes the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
This involvement reflects her broader interest in:
Sustainable fashion practices
Environmental conservation
Social justice initiatives
Supporting young artists and models from Brazil
Wellness and Self-Care Advocacy
Fernanda is open about her personal wellness practices, which she shares with her followers on social media. As a fitness enthusiast, she regularly posts about her workout routines, healthy eating habits, and the importance of mental health through practices like meditation.
"In her personal life, she seeks balance through meditation, a healthy diet, and daily body care," according to her PopSize interview. This holistic approach to health, combining physical fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness, resonates with her audience and positions her as more than just a fashion model but as a lifestyle influence.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2025)
Based on multiple financial analyses, Fernanda Liz's estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1.2 million as of 2025. While this is modest compared to supermodels like Gisele Bündchen (a fellow Brazilian with an estimated $400 million net worth), it represents solid financial success for a working model.
Income Sources
Fernanda's wealth comes from multiple revenue streams:
Modeling Income:
Runway shows for major fashion houses
Editorial work for international magazines
Brand campaigns and endorsements
Commercial modeling assignments
Additional Revenue:
Music royalties from YouTube and streaming platforms
Social media partnerships and sponsored content (with 430,000+ Instagram followers)
Appearance fees for events and fashion weeks
Potential Investments:
Real estate (though specific properties haven't been publicly disclosed)
Fashion or beauty ventures (unconfirmed but common among models of her caliber)
Financial Comparison and Industry Context
The modeling industry's pay structure varies dramatically. While top-tier supermodels like Gisele Bündchen, Kendall Jenner, or Cara Delevingne earn millions annually through major contracts and business ventures, working models like Fernanda typically earn between $50,000 and $500,000 per year, depending on their bookings, contracts, and additional ventures.
Fernanda's net worth reflects a successful 20-year career in competitive international fashion, supplemented by her music career and social media presence. Living in New York City with her partner Sean O'Pry (whose net worth is estimated at $8 million) provides additional financial stability and opportunities.
Challenges and Industry Pressures
Navigating a Competitive Industry
The fashion modeling world is notoriously difficult, with intense competition, constant rejection, and pressure to maintain specific physical standards. Fernanda has been remarkably open about some of these challenges, particularly regarding body image and industry expectations.
In interviews, she's discussed the Brazilian cultural attitude toward body image, particularly regarding curves and fitness, and how that sometimes conflicts with the ultra-slim standards of high fashion. She's found balance by maintaining fitness through regular exercise while embracing her natural Brazilian physique.
Longevity in a Youth-Focused Industry
At 34 years old in 2025, Fernanda has achieved something many models struggle with: longevity. The fashion industry is notorious for favoring very young models, with many careers peaking in a model's late teens or early twenties. Fernanda's ability to remain relevant and work at 34 demonstrates both her professionalism and her strategic career management.
Her approach includes:
Maintaining excellent physical fitness and health
Diversifying into music and other creative outlets
Building a strong personal brand beyond just modeling
Selecting quality projects rather than accepting every opportunity
Leveraging social media to maintain a direct connection with fans
Privacy in a Public Relationship
Dating another high-profile model brings its own challenges, particularly regarding privacy and public scrutiny. Fernanda and Sean have managed to maintain a relatively low-key relationship despite both being well-known in fashion circles. They share selected moments on social media but largely keep their personal life private, avoiding the constant tabloid attention that plagues some celebrity couples.
Reflection: From 13-Year-Old Dreamer to International Success
What Would She Tell Her Younger Self?
When asked what she would tell 13-year-old Fernanda, the girl discovered walking through that São Paulo shopping mall, she responded with wisdom gained from two decades in the industry: "When Fernanda was 13 years old, she was already a dreamer, but she would never have imagined that one day she would live in NY. I would tell her to be calm that everything happens at the right time and at the right time."
This perspective-patience, combined with persistent effort, characterizes Fernanda's journey. From the Chiquititas audition that never happened to winning a modeling contest instead, from being discovered at a mall to walking exclusive Givenchy shows, her career has been defined by seizing unexpected opportunities while staying true to herself.
Impact and Legacy
While Fernanda may not have reached the supermodel status of compatriot Gisele Bündchen, she's built a sustainable, respected career internationally. Her accomplishments include:
20+ years working as a professional model
Cover appearances on Vogue Brazil and other major publications
Runway shows for luxury fashion houses like Givenchy and Alexander Wang
Global representation by premier modeling agencies
Successful parallel music career
Stable personal life and meaningful relationship
Engagement with social and environmental causes
For young Brazilian models, Fernanda represents an achievable success story-someone who worked hard, seized opportunities, maintained professionalism, and built a life that extends beyond just modeling.
Current Activities and Future Outlook (2025)
Present-Day Focus
As of January 2025, Fernanda maintains an active presence in the fashion industry while also exploring other interests. Her Instagram account shows a mix of professional modeling shots, personal moments with Sean, fitness content, and glimpses into her New York lifestyle.
She continues to be represented by Next Model Management and accepts selective modeling assignments that align with her brand and values. The emphasis has shifted from quantity to quality, choosing projects that excite her creatively rather than accepting every opportunity.
Social Media and Digital Presence
With over 430,000 Instagram followers, Fernanda has built a significant digital platform. Her social media strategy includes:
Behind-the-scenes content from photo shoots and fashion weeks
Fitness and wellness inspiration
Personal moments and travel experiences
Music promotions and creative projects
Partnership with brands that align with her values
Potential Future Directions
While Fernanda hasn't publicly announced specific plans, several possibilities seem likely based on her interests and career trajectory:
Continued Modeling: At 34, she has several more years of high-fashion modeling ahead, particularly in editorial and campaign work where experience and personality matter as much as age.
Music Development: Expanding her Brazilian music career, potentially releasing a full album or performing live shows in Brazil and internationally.
Fashion or Beauty Entrepreneurship: Like many models, she may launch her own fashion line, beauty products, or wellness brand, leveraging her industry experience and personal brand.
Advocacy Work: Deepening her involvement with environmental and social causes, particularly those related to sustainable fashion and supporting young Brazilian talent.
Content Creation: Expanding her digital presence through YouTube, podcasts, or other platforms to share her experiences and connect with fans more directly.
Conclusion: A Model of Authenticity and Perseverance
Fernanda Liz's journey from an eight-year-old dreaming of telenovela stardom to a successful international model living in New York demonstrates that the path to success is rarely straight. The Chiquititas audition she never got led to a modeling contest win. That contest win led to a mall discovery. That discovery led to New York at 15. And that first New York trip led to a 20-year career spanning continents, fashion houses, magazine covers, and a life she couldn't have imagined as a child in São Caetano do Sul.
Her estimated $500,000-$1.2 million net worth reflects solid financial success, but her true wealth lies in the experiences she's accumulated-walking for Givenchy in Paris, appearing on Vogue Brazil's cover, building a music career, finding love with a fellow model who understands her world, and using her platform to support causes she believes in.
What sets Fernanda apart is her authenticity. In an industry often criticized for superficiality, she's remained grounded, open about her journey's challenges, and committed to wellness and balance. Her relationship with Sean O'Pry shows two professionals who've found partnership both personally and in understanding the unique demands of their shared profession.
As she continues navigating her mid-thirties in a youth-obsessed industry, Fernanda Liz proves that longevity in fashion requires more than good genetics and luck. It demands professionalism, adaptability, strategic thinking, self-care, and the courage to pursue multiple creative outlets. From the mall in São Caetano do Sul to the runways of Paris, from music videos in Brazil to a home in New York City, Fernanda's story continues to unfold-a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity and perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fernanda Liz
1. How old is Fernanda Liz in 2025?
Fernanda Liz is 34 years old as of 2025. She was born on January 9, 1991, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, making her a Capricorn. She celebrates her birthday each January and has been modeling professionally for over 20 years since being discovered at age 13.
2. Is Fernanda Liz still dating Sean O'Pry?
Yes, as of January 2025, Fernanda Liz is still in a relationship with American supermodel Sean O'Pry. The couple began dating in 2020 and currently shares a home in New York City. They frequently appear in each other's Instagram posts and have collaborated on professional projects, including a Ferrari campaign in 2023. Their relationship is now in its fifth year, making it Fernanda's longest public relationship.
3. What is Fernanda Liz's net worth?
Fernanda Liz's estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1.2 million as of 2025. Her wealth primarily comes from her 20-year modeling career with major brands like Givenchy, Alexander Wang, Versace, and Victoria's Secret, plus editorial work for publications like Vogue Brazil and Elle France. She also earns income from her music career on YouTube and social media partnerships with her 430,000+ Instagram followers.
4. What modeling agencies represent Fernanda Liz?
Fernanda Liz is represented by several prestigious modeling agencies worldwide. Her mother agency is Mega Model Brazil in São Paulo, where she was discovered at age 13. Internationally, she's represented by Next Models in New York, Paris, and London, which are her primary agencies. She also works with Place Models in Hamburg, Germany, and MIKAs in Stockholm, Sweden. This network of agencies allows her to work across different fashion capitals globally.
5. What major fashion brands has Fernanda Liz worked with?
Throughout her career, Fernanda Liz has worked with numerous luxury fashion houses and brands. Her most notable collaborations include walking the exclusive fall 2014 Givenchy show in Paris (selected personally by creative director Ricardo Tisci), the Alexander Wang x H&M collaboration in October 2014, and campaigns or runway shows for Versace, Balmain, Calvin Klein, L'Oréal, and Victoria's Secret. She's also appeared in editorial spreads for Vogue Brazil, Elle France, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Lui Magazine France.
6. Does Fernanda Liz have a music career?
Yes, Fernanda Liz is also a singer with an active YouTube channel that she launched on April 16, 2011. She creates Brazilian pop and funk carioca music videos, with some of her most popular releases including "ME SEDUZ (OFICIAL)," "DOSE DUPLA," "MARCA DE BATOM" featuring Danilo Dyba, and "Bumbum Da Maldade." While modeling remains her primary career, music represents an important creative outlet and additional income source through streaming royalties and YouTube monetization.
7. How tall is Fernanda Liz?
Fernanda Liz stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 centimeters) tall, which is typical for high-fashion runway models. Her height, combined with her striking features and professional runway walk, has allowed her to work with major luxury brands and walk in prestigious fashion shows throughout her 20-year career. Her Brazilian heritage contributes to her unique look that combines natural beauty with cosmopolitan sophistication.
8. Where does Fernanda Liz currently live?
As of 2025, Fernanda Liz lives in New York City with her partner, supermodel Sean O'Pry. While she was born in Porto Alegre and raised in São Caetano do Sul (São Paulo metropolitan area), Brazil, she's lived internationally for most of her modeling career. She's resided in various cities, including New York, Chile, Barcelona, and Germany, while frequently traveling to London, Paris, Milan, and Bali for work. New York has been her primary base for approximately 10 years.