November 2021

BRENDA COSTA

Photography by Filbert Kung

Many know Brenda Costa as the Brazilian sensation who has walked a variety of runways since 2004, where she’s appeared in shows for designers such as Andres Sarda, Jorge Gomez, Juanjo Oliva, Montesinos Alama, Roberto Diez, Guru, and Phard. Her pearly white smile has also graced the covers of prominent publications such as Trip, Elle, Sie7e, Cosmopolitan, and Zink.

Prior to being the spotlight on the runways and covers, Costa’s story is one of a kind as she is a deaf model advocating in the creative industries in honor of deaf culture. Despite the fact that she was born profoundly deaf, her parents decided to raise her in a hearing environment, enrolled her in traditional public schools, and encouraged her to play with other hearing children. Associating Costa with the status quo wasn’t always easy for her parents; however, she soon overcame her disability by becoming a master at lip-reading, along with finding acceptance in sports such as running and swimming, which she excelled in.

“It is challenging for anybody to be in this situation, but I never thought of giving up on my life and dreams,” said Costa. “Instead, I have used it as a motivation and to develop myself to create the future.”

Her natural beauty made her stand out amongst all her peers, which resulted in her being discovered at the age of 16 by Agencia Mega, a prestigious agency representing some of Brazil’s most alluring models. With her charm and drive, she triumphed over her disability as she became a favorite among local fashion photographers.

“Modeling was my way of showing the world that even with special conditions, it is still possible to make it in life and I’m thankful to have been able to work as I did, meet so many special people, and places on my way this whole time,” she expressed.

Her greatest success as a model came from advertising, since she’s obtained high-profile ad jobs for notorious campaigns for brands such as Baby Phat, Jasmine de Milo, L’Oreal, Bourjois, Bum- Bum, Calzedonia, Cesare Paciotti 4US, Cortefiel, Elegance Boutique Catalog, Énfasis Lingerie, Giusu Slaviero, Guerlain “Shalimar” fragrance, Mango, Sergio Rossi, The Roc, Wolford, and others.

As she’s hit her 20 year mark in her modeling career, Costa feels it is time for her to give back by assisting others in achieving what she was able to do in her career. Her recently launched agency, Belle du Silence, is a space where Costa is aiming to provide a better world for all and all inclusive. She will utilize her agency as a tool to include the people in a judgement free market.

“I’m looking forward to making a difference than other agencies in offering services for all types of people with a more human approach than any conventional fashion agencies,” said Costa. “Having people with special conditions like me as well and including them into the market.”

Although Costa is not the first model with a hearing disability to be signed to a major modeling agency or to walk major runways she is one of a couple that has ignited conversations surrounding the inclusivity and compassion the fashion industry has towards models with hearing disabilities. She does not view her deafness as a disability, as it pushes her to make use of visual communication throughout her everyday life.

“I’m a very intuitive person and also have a strong personality to keep moving forward,” said Costa, in regards to honoring her deafness in the modeling industry. “Special thanks to my friends and family who were very supportive along my way to get here.”

Costa also mentions that being deaf provides her with an opportunity along with an asset enabling her to utilize her eyesight and her visual communication, as she’s always used it as a force element. As a result, visual communication has worked for Costa at photo shoots as well as a for direction for major shows.

Nowadays, Costa is a mother to two children which has made her a stronger individual. While she is operating Belle du Silence, she is trying to find balance in life; however, her personality and passion just make things happen.

Catch Costa and her new creative venture, Belle du Silence on Instagram over at @belle_du_silence, where a snapshot of her everyday life along with upcoming projects is providing.