Why this former Miss Argentina has a special connection with Australia

Valentina Ferrer,29,is a model,businesswoman,Miss Argentina 2014 and the partner of reggaeton superstar J Balvin (full name Jose Balvin). The former Miss Universe hopeful and her chart-topping partner welcomed their son,Rio,in July 2021. She talks toSunday Life about motherhood,her wellness brand and her special connection to Australia.

What brings you to Australia? Australia is a country that was on the top of list to visit. My company[wellness brand] Kapowder is based here. I love that Australia is huge on health and wellness,and my products are based on that. I wanted to find out what it was all about.

How are you enjoying motherhood? Being a mom is probably the best thing ever for me. Being a mom is so surreal – you learn so much from your little one. I always try to stay present and enjoy every day.

How do you deal with fame as a couple? I always say that out in the public eye we are “Valentina Ferrer&J Balvin” which is work,but when we are in private with our family and our baby Rio,it is “Valen and Jose”.

What was a recent highlight in your life? Definitely having a baby. It all changed but I’d say for the better. I feel like I grew up faster,became a better person.

How did you get into modelling?I started my modelling career in the funniest way possible. I was walking down Miami Beach and the director of[modelling agency] Wilhelmina at that time stopped me and said,“You should really consider modelling.”

Describe your personal fashion style? It depends on the mood. I can go from being extremely girly to a tomboy in 2.5 seconds. I love a little black dress as much as oversize pants with a hoodie and a good sneaker.

Who inspires you? Gisele Bündchen. I have always looked up to her and the way she’s had a beautiful trajectory in her career.

Why did you launch Kapowder?My business partner is from Australia and is also a dear friend. She knows I’ve always been into wellness and overall physical health. She came to me with the idea one day and Kapowder blossomed from there.

What are your future plans? To keep growing Kapowder and to visit Australia more often.

Common Hours “Nip of Licorice” dress,$1900. Balenciaga “Witch” boots,$3850.

Common Hours “Nip of Licorice” dress,$1900. Balenciaga “Witch” boots,$3850.Jesse-Leigh Elford

Christopher Esber “Arced Palm Drape” dress,$1095. Balenciaga “Witch” boots,$3850.

Christopher Esber “Arced Palm Drape” dress,$1095. Balenciaga “Witch” boots,$3850.Jesse-Leigh Elford

Dior trench coat,$6900. Roger Vivier “Très Vivier” hat,$1210,and “Belle Vivier” boots,$2590.

Dior trench coat,$6900. Roger Vivier “Très Vivier” hat,$1210,and “Belle Vivier” boots,$2590.Jesse-Leigh Elford

Louis Vuitton dress,$6850. Versace “Medusa Anthem” boots,$2400. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello sunglasses,$1380.

Louis Vuitton dress,$6850. Versace “Medusa Anthem” boots,$2400. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello sunglasses,$1380.Jesse-Leigh Elford

Fashion editor,Penny McCarthy;Hair,Darren Summors for Oribe;Make-up,Aimie Fiebig using Sisley Paris;Fashion assistant Emmerson Conrad

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