𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐫í𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐳 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐨: A New Face Making Her Way With Patience

The European fashion scene has become a space where young creatives can grow at their own rhythm. Among them is Nicole Rodríguez Villarino, a Venezuelan model who is taking her first steps in Spain with quiet determination.


Her story is not about sudden fame, but about a slow and genuine progression—driven by curiosity, dedication, and the encouragement of the people who have believed in her from the very beginning.

2018: A First Glimpse Through a Family Lens

Nicole’s earliest encounters with the camera were tender and familiar. In 2018, in the heart of Miranda, Venezuela, her uncle Leonardo Villarino, a skilled cameraman and photographer, captured some of her first photographs. These images were simple, unpolished, and entirely candid — a young girl discovering the language of the lens without expectation or ambition.

“There was no pressure, no agenda,” Nicole recalls. “I was just learning to be myself in front of the camera, to feel comfortable in my own skin.”

These early snapshots, taken in the warmth of family, would later become the first visual markers of a path she would decide to follow with purpose and intention.

Early School Involvement: Learning Confidence Without Fashion Ambitions

Nicole’s first steps into public life were far from fashion runways. She immersed herself in school activities at Colegio Champagnat, serving as S. Vocal of Special Events for the Fénix Student Center. She also participated in Gaitas Champagnat, the school’s music and dance program in Caracas.

These modest beginnings — organizing events, performing, and stepping in front of the camera for school projects — allowed Nicole to grow comfortable in public spaces, gradually nurturing her confidence and poise.

The playful experimentation continued years later with the viral #voguechallenge, where Nicole dabbled in editorial-style photography. What began as a fun experiment revealed a spark — a hint that the world of fashion could be more than an abstract dream.

2021: Leadership, Personal Growth & CHAMUN

Before fully embracing modeling, Nicole dedicated herself to personal development. In 2021, she became deeply involved with the Human Rights Council and was appointed President of CHAMUN (Champagnat’s Model of the United Nations), a position she held for five formative years.

This chapter of her life instilled qualities far beyond aesthetic appeal: responsibility, confidence, empathy, and an understanding of leadership. Nicole’s mantra during these years was inspired by Rafiki’s wisdom:

“Mira más allá de lo que ves.”

Nicole reflects on her experience with quiet humility:

“I think I’m extroverted and fun because I’m always moving, always curious. Even though I enjoy being organized, I dislike routine. Meeting new people and being empathetic in everything I do is important to me.”

She credits her MUN experience with helping her define her future, surround herself with supportive people, and understand the value of collaboration — a lesson that would later become essential in the modeling world.

2019–2023: First Shoots and Early Learnings

2022: The First Professional Photoshoot

Nicole’s initial structured photoshoot took place in 2022, under the lens of Mario Alarcón at Valencia Marina. The collaboration extended across three sessions, each contributing to her first fledgling portfolio.

Portrait Work with Toni Carratalá López

Soon after, she worked with Toni Carratalá López, known for intimate and elegant female portraits. These sessions became lessons in light, posture, and expression, offering Nicole a patient and thoughtful education in presence — a skill far more subtle than a mere pose.

2024: Her First Real Steps Into Fashion

Commercial Work: La Vespa Roja

Nicole’s first commercial opportunity arrived with La Vespa Roja, Valencia’s iconic vintage shop. Photographed by Delia Denis, Nicole experienced firsthand the rhythm and discipline of campaign work, still through a lens of humble curiosity.

Signing With IM Model Agency

Later that year, Nicole signed with IM Model Agency — a turning point not celebrated with fanfare, but with gratitude. Guided by creative director Lucía M. Sarria, Nicole began refining her personal style, learning the nuances of professional modeling, and understanding the collaborative essence of fashion projects.

Local Collaborations

Beyond agency work, Nicole supported local businesses, such as Uñitas Studio Torrent, combining practice with a commitment to her community. These early experiences shaped a sense of authenticity and grounded professionalism.

Late 2024: First Runways

Alba Besalduch – “Coquette” Collection

Nicole’s first runway came courtesy of designer Alba Besalduch, showcasing the Bridgerton-inspired “Coquette” collection at Escuela Andrespert. Though modest in scale, the moment symbolized a meaningful milestone: she was walking her first steps into fashion’s live, performative dimension.

MADI SS25 – Palau de Les Arts & Oceanogràfic

In December 2024, Nicole Rodriguez Villarino stepped onto the runway for MADI SS25, an eagerly anticipated fashion presentation orchestrated by visionary designers Diego and Marcos Pereira. Set against the architectural grandeur of Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía and the ethereal backdrop of Oceanogràfic Valencia, the show merged Valencia’s artistic heritage with contemporary design, creating a stage that felt both monumental and intimate. Nicole’s walk was not merely a display of garments but a choreography of presence, translating the designers’ vision into a living, breathing story. Each step, each glance toward the audience, radiated a newfound poise — the culmination of years of preparation, from early portraits to local shoots, and her growing understanding of rhythm, posture, and expression in front of the lens.

The moment was immortalized through the lens of acclaimed photographer Empar Ros, whose artistry captured the subtle elegance and fluidity of Nicole’s movement, while TV fashion presenter Rafael Villora shared her debut with a wider audience, offering unexpected encouragement and recognition for a newcomer. Beyond the lights and applause, this runway experience became a profound lesson in professional confidence, allowing Nicole to internalize the intricate dynamics of a high-profile fashion environment. It was a pivotal point in her journey, a moment where vulnerability met artistry, and where the quiet determination of a young Venezuelan talent began to shine unmistakably on an international stage.

2025: Building Confidence and Expanding Horizons

The year began with a session photographed by Joaquina Rave, with makeup by Alejandra Llanos MUA, further refining Nicole’s growing presence and versatility.

Campaign Work: Zia Brand & Greta by Claudia

Nicole modeled for Zia Brand, a Spanish label specializing in luxurious parkas, under VLCStudio direction. Her work with Greta by Claudia marked a milestone, featuring intricate pieces such as the Claudia Suit in bluish-grey, a sequins and satin nude ensemble, and standout dresses like Geranio and Ivanna. Collaborating with seasoned models, Nicole learned to observe, adapt, and carve her own niche.

High-Fashion Debut: Alcalá-Ortiz Atelier

Her first foray into high fashion came with Alcalá-Ortiz Atelier at The Westin Valencia, showcasing a brocade silk ensemble and a voluminous skirt. Photographed by Beyondshot with makeup by Gemma Ponce, the session combined elegance and poise, reinforcing her adaptability across fashion genres.

2026: Belaguer SS26 – The Urban Fashion Leap

Nicole’s collaboration with Belaguer, Valencia’s rising urban fashion brand, marked her first engagement with mainstream streetwear. Known for minimalist silhouettes and contemporary designs, Belaguer’s SS26 collection allowed Nicole to explore urban sophistication while maintaining her humble approach.

For a newcomer, this represented a meaningful bridge into contemporary fashion — a world where creativity, discipline, and identity converge.

Conclusion: A Humble Heart in a Growing Fashion World

Nicole Rodriguez Villarino is a model who moves thoughtfully, embracing each opportunity with gratitude and curiosity. Her journey — from family snapshots and school performances to first runways and high-fashion shoots — reflects patience, humility, and dedication.

The European fashion industry may be vast and competitive, but Nicole’s early career demonstrates a quiet promise: a talent growing with intention, supported by mentorship, and rooted in authenticity. Her evolution is not defined by sudden fame, but by deliberate steps, an openness to learn, and a heart attuned to both art and humanity.

Nicole is still at the beginning of her journey, yet every frame, runway, and collaboration tells the story of a young model whose presence, poise, and promise are quietly yet unmistak