Paloma Cruz: Brains and Beauty can go hand in hand

It has always been her passion to pursue modeling and cut against the preconceived notion that a woman must choose between beauty and intellectual rigor. Paloma Cruz strives to maintain both

Fox fur, Saga furs. Blouse, Zimmermann. Pant, Dolce & Gabbana. Purse, Bottega Veneta. Heels, Saint Laurent

At some point, we will realize that money is not the most valuable asset in life. It must be wisdom. Our mind can be like a secret garden and helps us expand our horizons. Therefore Paloma Cruz is focused on education. She wants to be a role model for women and empower women to achieve their goal.

Blazer, Giuseppe di Morabito. Blouse, St. John. Pants, Saint Laurent. Gloves, Chanel. Heel, Saint Laurent

Paloma Cruz, a true Harvardian

Cruz has recently completed her graduate coursework and received a certificate in Business Economics from Harvard University. Cruz recalled her experiences as a Harvardian, “I really enjoyed my time at Harvard. As a graduate student I learned from amazing professors, many of whom pursued ground breaking case studies and were very kind and helped me further my research on emerging markets in light of Covid.”

She also worked as a teaching assistant at Harvard University for the Principles of Economics. “As a teaching assistant, I enjoyed engaging with the students and helping them make connections between current events and fundamental economic theories,” Cruz told us.

Cashmere Coat, Theory. Blouse, Theory. Pant, Theory. Loafer, Gucci. Clutch, Elleme.

Paloma Cruz’s love for languages

Having been born in Chicago, Paloma Cruz is ethnically Spanish, French, and Italian, “I attribute my social nature to my Spanish Blood. I am a lively person and enjoy conversing and meeting new people. My French side exemplifies itself in my attention to detail and appreciation for the aesthetic. My Italian blood shows through in my love for food and my ability to take risks. However, I am a true American in the sense that I have adopted a fast-paced consumer focused lifestyle and am very competitive.”

Cashmere Coat, Theory. Blouse, Theory. Pant, Theory. Loafer, Gucci. Clutch, Elleme.

Cruz is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Her love for languages has helped her acquire a globalized perspective. From studying French, Cruz went to experience the life in Paris. Earlier, she went to live in Beijing while learning Mandarin, “I had the opportunity to travel to the north and south and discover each regions unique characteristics.” What she discovered in Asia excited her, “As a whole, Chinese culture is based on respect of elders and an appreciation for academics. These are two values that are central to my way of life.”  

What was her Asian favorite food? Cruz was gleeful, “My favorite dish are chicken dumplings with scallions. I love the crunch of the outside and the soft warmth of the chicken mixed with scallions.” 

A passion to pursue modeling

Paloma Cruz wants to cut against the preconceived notion that a woman must choose between beauty and intellectual rigor. She enjoys modeling because it allows her to express herself. Each photo tells a story. “Through modeling, I have had the opportunity to travel, make great friends, and have new experiences,” she said

For this photo shoot Cruz styled all the looks herself. She used a combination of instudio and outside shooting to showcase the transition to a hopeful winter season. 

Top, Maison Femalien.

The black instudio looks showcase a strong blazers with feminine details such as crystals on lapels or outline stitching on the bushy, highlighting that a woman should be both delicate and strong. The next series of images are outside and showcase the grit of the city with light. This brings an element of hope and surprise to life’s ordinary daily activities such as going for a walk or getting in a car. 

Jacket, Helmut Lang. Belt, Louis Vuitton. Pant, Jitrois. Shoes, Isabel Marant.

“In light of Covid, it is important that society maintains normalcy and finds strength from sharing in common experiences. I am hopeful that we will overcome obstacles this winter.”

Currently, the public figure who inspires Paloma Cruz is Greta Thunberg. She explained, “What inspires me about Greta is her resilience, ability to take risks, and stand up for what she believes.”

Cruz revealed that she wished to run an organization that improves people’s access to higher education. “I believe social progress stems from investment in people. I would like to make advanced education more accessible, and encourage people to make sustainable lifestyle choices.”

You can connect with Paloma Cruz via her new Instagram page for styling, @stylchic.paloma.

Jacket, Helmut Lang. Belt, Louis Vuitton. Pant, Jitrois. Shoes, Isabel Marant.

*** Team Credit *** 

Model/Stylist: Paloma Cruz @stylchic.paloma
Photographer: Emil Sinanagic
Editor: A.V
MUAH: Frances Tsalats
PR: LSA Publications

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