Remote Profile: Fernanda Prats — Remote Year

What do you have a knack for?

I’ve an eye for trends and a unique point of view to showcase my ideas. But I think my “talent”, so to speak, is to be spontaneous, unafraid of taking risks, being ridiculous or awkward.

What’s the most fortuitous or lucky experience you’ve had while traveling?

A couple of years ago, I went to Asia for the first time (this was my dream for a long time), then I saw myself like a celebrity in a small city I visited… everybody wanted to take a picture with me. I asked why and they said: because you are a tourist!

Where/when did you catch the travel bug?

This I think is in my DNA. Since I was a kid my parents could only put me into sleep by pretending we were on a plane. My grandparents did their first round-the-world the year I was born and they used to visit a different county each year. Then, while my cousins waited for the presents they’d bring us, I was more interested on the stories they’d tell.    

Who is the most interesting person you have met while traveling?

I met a brazilian guy at my hostel’s lobby the day I’ve arrived in Helsinki. He showed me the city like an insider because he had some friends living there. We walked together everyday, day and night, and only by the end of the week we’ve added ourselves on Facebook. Then, we noticed we had a lot of friends in common… Actually, we had worked before on the same photoshoot (he was the assistant photographer) but we never REALLY talked to each other!    

Any advice or tips for others looking to bring travel into their lives?

Just leave behind as much as possible preconceived ideas about people and places to find out what really happens there.

What book should everyone read?

I love books, from cooking books to dictionaries, I have no restrictions. My favorites change with time and life stages. I always recommend the book “Paixões” de Rosa Montero. Even people who are not that into reading can’t refrain loving it!

What film should everyone see?

I graduated on Cinema, love many movies so much I can’t choose only one. So I suggest “La Familie Bélier” which most recently got my support for the Ceasar Prize – the French oscars  Don’t expect something “artsy”, it’s just a captivating movie with lovely french songs that keeps playing on my mind.

What is your favorite spot on the globe for food/people/culture/music/etc?

The first that comes to my mind is Italy but I’m always curious about Japan.

What recent innovation are you most excited about?

I’m quite low-techie… sometimes I think “there’s too much smoke for so little fire”. I hope to learn about the best innovations this year.

If you could have lunch with one person (dead or alive), who would it be? Why?

First that comes to my mind is Jamie Oliver (lol) But, seriously, I would appreciate having a meal prepared by him in one of the exotic places he’s been cooking. I’ve decided my trip to Scandinavia last year after watching one of his TV shows.    

What about your current work inspires you?

It’s all about inspiration. I’m willing to inspire viewers with the images and stories I’ll be living this year.    

What do you believe that nobody else believes?

That Styling is not some superficial job. We have to study people’s culture, habits, behaviours… to create an image that tells it all in as organic way.

What has been your biggest success so far?

When 4 magazine covers I styled were running for a major award on Brazilian press – and they all won as an exceptional achievement.

What is the best saying/quote you know?

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon

(and this year I feel like updating it: “Life is what happens when you’re busy following Google Maps”)    

What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t currently?

Respect – that comes naturally if you learn how to put yourself in other person’s shoes.