Fashion thrives on individuality, and Brooke Raquel epitomizes it. Just a few years back, she was not the familiar face on glossy magazine covers. Instead, she was at a car dealership, taking lunch break photos with her coworker, Tyler. This everyday ritual of capturing her ever-changing work outfits soon propelled her towards a professional modeling journey. Her approach? An ingenious mix of passion, money, creativity, and an undeniable sense of self-worth.
The foundation of Brooke’s success in the modeling industry can be traced back to an unwavering pillar of support – her father, Frank. The sacrifices he made, his unyielding love, and the dreams he set aside for Brooke have made him her biggest inspiration. Her admiration for him is palpable in every step of her journey.
Brooke’s resilience and dedication are evident. She beams with pride while discussing her accomplishments, whether it’s her myriad of photoshoots, runway walks, music videos, or her remarkable graduation from makeup school without missing a day. Every accolade and achievement are a testament to her grit and determination.
One might wonder what sets Brooke apart on the ramp or in front of the lens. It’s her signature pose – hands aloft, legs widespread with a slight bend in one knee. For Brooke, this isn’t just a pose; it’s an embodiment of vulnerability with confidence and power.
Distinguishing herself in Miami’s bustling modeling scene, Brooke’s gothic appearance certainly turns heads, but it’s her mindset that truly sets her apart. In a world where beauty often coincides with a lack of self-confidence, Brooke’s self-assuredness shines. She emphasizes that beauty isn’t always about being prim and perfect. Sometimes, it’s about embracing the ‘ugly’, challenging conventional standards, and redefining them.
Brooke recalls the exhilarating experience of her first runway show – the nervous anticipation, the overwhelming joy as she stepped into view, and the whispering murmurs of an entranced audience. The event, set in a stunning mansion, became the platform where she met many of her fellow models and designers.
In the modeling world, every detail counts. For Brooke, some staples never change – the moisturizer from Paula’s Choice, the KimChi Translucent setting powder, and an assortment of other essentials. Yet, she’s quick to note that she doesn’t religiously follow trends. While she anticipates the rise of colored eye contacts, mesh clothing, capri pants, and platform sandals in 2024, she remains true to her unique style.
Brooke’s relationship with photographers is paramount. She likens a photographer’s role to that of someone in customer service – making their subject feel special is essential. Whether it’s the cinematic captures of Emmanuel Edel, the whimsical shots by Sara, or the captivating work of Gabe Medina, Brooke’s collaborations with photographers have been instrumental in shaping her image.
The challenges in her career have been numerous, from battling imposter syndrome to learning the art of handling criticism constructively. But Brooke’s mantra is simple: belief in oneself is paramount. She advocates for genuine representation, using her platform to champion self-confidence, acceptance, and unbridled expression.
This October, Brooke gears up for her annual “Brooke’s Halloween Bash” on Instagram. Collaborating with some of South Florida’s best photographers, she promises a visual treat of costumes and makeup looks. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Brooke has an unusual aspiration – attending a circus school to hone her entertaining skills further.
When she’s not captivating audiences on runways or through camera lenses, Brooke dives deep into her passion for makeup artistry. From body painting to special effects, her creativity knows no bounds.
To those aspiring to carve their niche in the modeling world, Brooke’s advice is clear: Be authentic. Embrace your individuality. After all, she emphasizes, “Love yourself first, because that’s who you spend the rest of your life with.”
In featuring Brooke Raquel this October, we celebrate not just a model but an icon of self-expression and resilience. Through her journey, she reminds us all of one simple truth: Live authentically and unapologetically, for life is fleeting.
