Swirl (she/her) is an advocate model™, a term she has coined herself to describe the new generation of models who also advocate for a personal cause, challenging old stereotypes through their body, words, and actions.
She personally advocates for mental health and for bald women. Her lack of hair derives from trichotillomania, a widespread and yet still stigmatized form of BFRB (body-focused repetitive behavior) – a sub-category of OCDs – which is just now being studied.
She moved to London 2 years ago to work as a beauty and fashion model. Now signed at Brother Models, seen on Hunger Magazine (both print and online), after being with BMA as a talent/ influencer, she has also worked with Warner Bros., HBO, Disney, currently on 2 Marvel jobs as a model/ supporting artist. She is often involved in the movie industry where prosthetics are used to create other-worldly creatures.
She supports queer art, she enjoys singing, acting, and speaks 4 languages.
As a mental health advocate for body diversity and inclusivity, she has partnered with TLC in the US as one of their ambassadors and co-hosts of the Italian support group for BFRBs.
She relentlessly invites women to be open about their mental health journey and encourages thriving in their body diversity as the highest form of beauty.
Previous to London: Swirl was an artisan, former milliner (hat maker). She was born and raised in Florence, IT. She has also worked as an event manager, tour manager, and production manager in the fashion and music industries.
FACTS: Being quintessentially Italian, she treats food as a religion.
Favorite movies: Cabaret, Amélie Poulain, The legend of the pianist on the ocean.
Favorite song: “I am what I am” – Gloria Gaynor
Favorite quote: “If you were waiting for a sign, this is it.”
Brother Models
Portfolio | Measurements
Bookings: Isobelle – Email: info@brothermodels.com
Female Narratives
narrative-led and female made agency
TLC foundation for people with BFRBs
Italian support group info: italia@bfrb.org
Modeling: brothermodels
Advocating and activism campaigns: femalenarratives
TV: guysanddollscasting
Movies: rachelspeople
Prosthetics: castingcollective
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What is trichotillomania? It’s a BFRB.
Also called hair-pulling disorder, trich is part of body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Some self-grooming repetitive behaviors have been recently classified under this category that also includes nail and cheek biting, skin picking, and a few others.
How many people are affected? If not yourself, many people that you know!
It is estimated that 1 or 2 people out of 50 experience a form of trichotillomania during their lifetime. It is usually developed at an early age and it tends to be a chronic condition, meaning that you can experience it throughout your life.
Can you treat it? Possibly.
The best results have been seen with CBT which it’s one of the most used types of therapy right now that focuses on identifying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are problematic and teaches individuals how to change these elements to lead to reduced stress and more productive functioning.
Where to find more information? TLC foundation.
TLC BFRB is the foundation that globally provides support for people affected with BFRBs. There are a number of support groups for the adults directly involved, but you can also find support for children, teeneagers, and their parents.
An new Italian support group for people with BFRBs is available every Sunday.
If you are interested, you can find this and more information on www.bfrb.org
Swirl’s personal note:
"I developed trich at 11 yo. It has extremely impacted my life, my family, and my friends, especially when I was a teenager. Even though I was personally never able to get rid of the symptom, today I am perfectly comfortable around it, and I feel happy in my body. Surprisingly, the fact that I was problematic with my hair, or that my hair wasn't perfect, or that I am bald right now, has never changed the way people have been attracted to me. Instead, being hurt, depressed, insecure, and lacking self-love has led to many dysfunctions within my relationships. It wasn't the hair. A lot of people think they would be ugly without their hair. They think their head is too big, too small, or bumpy or weird. I have heard every sort of excuse made to seem like hair is indispensable for their beauty. But, if there is one thing that I have learned, is that hair is not as important as one might think. Because when you lose your hair you don't lose your identity. Actually, you discover more about your identity. You find out who you really are without the safety of the confidence your hair gives you. You come to understand hair is a side of beauty, but it's not indispensable. And believe me, you find that same confidence in something else. I heard most say, you find it in your smile."
