This week we spoke to Mafalda Silva (the star behind the camera for much of our imagery) on how she chased her dreams in a foreign country.
When did you move to the UK, and what was it that made you take the decision to come?
“I’m originally from Portugal. I moved to the UK for the first time 11 years ago to do a summer course at Central Saint Martins. After this short period in London, I fell in love with the city and decided to move permanently to study photography. Since visiting for the first time on family holidays, I always had the dream of one day living in London and it felt like the right thing to do when I decided to study photography.”
What are the main differences between your life here and your life in Portugal?
“In Portugal the pace of life is much slower than in London. Even though I work primarily in London I would say Portugal is a great place to get my ideas sorted and to find inspiration.”
What do you miss the most about Portugal, and what would you miss the most about the UK if you ever moved again?
“What I miss the most about Portugal is my family and the sea. I love being by the sea, and in Lisbon you can drive for 15 minutes and be by the coast. If I left London I would really miss all the friendships I have made in the past 11 years, some of them have become the most important in my life. I would also miss all the cultural offer we have in London, it is incredible how there is always something new to see or do.”
Is there anywhere else in the world you think you would be happy to live, and if so, would you ever consider actually moving there?
“I think about this often, but I don’t think there is anywhere else I would move right now. In the past I have considered going back to Lisbon but for work reasons I am unsure, as the creative industry, though constantly growing, still can’t compare to London. Maybe dividing my time between Lisbon and here would be a good solution, but I would have to find an environmentally friendly way of doing it.”
Find Mafalda here: @mafaldasilva
Styles shown: Evie V-Neck Body, Marlowe Underwire Bra, Marlowe High Waist Knicker, Hanna Underwire Bra, Hanna Thong
