Brazilian model Giane Alves, who built an international fashion career after being discovered while working at a gas station, has died suddenly at age 32.
Alves suffered an acute heart attack on Oct. 2 while accompanying her 45-day-old son, Felipe, to a routine medical appointment in Condeúba, in the Brazilian state of Bahia.
Her husband, José Pereira Sobrinho, their 7-year-old son, Gael, and a friend were also reportedly present when Alves suddenly became ill.
She collapsed at the medical facility and received immediate treatment but could not be saved.
Her longtime agent and friend, Miguel Crispim, confirmed that Alves died from an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
Crispim said her death came as a tremendous shock because, according to him, Alves had no known previous health problems.
He said she did not smoke or drink alcohol, was not taking medication and had kept up with routine medical care.
Alves had also given birth to her second child only a little more than a month before her death.
Her agent said the pregnancy had progressed normally and there had been no apparent warning signs that she was facing a serious health problem.
Alves’ path into the fashion industry was itself unusual.
Before becoming a professional model, she was working as a gas station attendant in São Paulo when she caught the attention of a modeling scout.
Alves later recalled that she had never planned on pursuing modeling and initially agreed only to meet with an agency after being approached at work.
That chance encounter ultimately transformed her life.
After attending auditions, castings and photo shoots, Alves began landing professional work and, by age 21, was working with international brands.
Her career eventually took her around the world.
She was represented in fashion markets including Milan, Barcelona, Hamburg, Oslo, São Paulo and Tokyo, while also working in cities including New York and London.
Alves appeared on the cover of L’Officiel Brasil in 2016 and was featured in an editorial for Vogue Italia.
Her résumé also included work for British publication Stella Magazine, Madame Germany and other fashion projects.
She also appeared at major fashion events, including São Paulo Fashion Week.
Despite her international success, Alves eventually decided to return to the quieter surroundings of her home region in Bahia.
Her agent said she wanted a calmer, healthier lifestyle where she could raise her family away from the constant travel and demands of the international fashion industry.
In recent years, Alves continued balancing modeling work with life at home alongside her husband and their two sons.
Crispim, who represented her for more than 12 years, remembered Alves as an exceptionally kind and loving person.
He described her as honest, dedicated and deeply devoted to her family.
News of her sudden death prompted an outpouring of tributes in Brazil, particularly in the fashion industry and around her hometown.
Alves was laid to rest on Oct. 3 at the Municipal Cemetery in the district of Alegre, part of Condeúba.
She leaves behind her husband, José, and their sons Gael and newborn Felipe.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.