Tributes are flooding in for an international catwalk model whose promising career has been tragically cut short. Cristina Perez Galcenco, the 21-year-old daughter of retired Spanish footballer Nacho Perez, was found deceased at her residence in Caleta de Velez, Costa del Sol, near Malaga on Tuesday.
A Rising Star in Global Fashion
Cristina, originally from Lanzarote, had already established herself as a rising talent in the competitive world of high fashion. Her modelling portfolio included prestigious catwalk appearances in major fashion capitals such as London, Madrid, Milan, and Paris. She had also secured prominent advertising campaigns with well-known brands like Stradivarius and had the honour of presenting new collections for luxury houses including Versace and Louis Vuitton.
Early Recognition and Career Beginnings
Graciela Suarez, director of the Pasarela Campoamor fashion event in Oviedo, northern Spain, where Cristina first gained recognition as a teenager, expressed profound sorrow. "I am devastated," Suarez stated, reflecting the shock felt across the fashion community. The young model's participation in events like Madrid Fashion Week showcased her potential and dedication to her craft.
Authorities have indicated that her death is not being treated as suspicious, providing some clarity amidst the grief. Her body is expected to be transported to Asturias in northern Spain, where she was raised, in the coming days to allow for funeral arrangements to proceed.
Heartfelt Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
Cristina's parents, former goalkeeper Nacho Perez and her Moldovan-born mother Tatiana Galcenco, have not yet made public statements on social media. However, friends and professional associates have shared emotional messages honouring her memory.
Photographer Xana de Jesus paid a moving tribute, saying, "I have no words for this sad news, except to tell her parents Tatiana Galcenco and Nacho Perez and her family that a star shines eternally in our hearts. I offer my deepest condolences in such a time of grief. I will never forget your words, Cris. You were and always will be a role model and an example to follow, both in your modelling career and as a person. I was very fortunate to have known you and worked with you. How unfair life is."
Another close friend added, "Cristina is an angel and always was," capturing the sentiment of loss felt by those who knew her personally.
Insights into the Modelling Profession
In a recent interview, Cristina offered candid reflections on her career, highlighting both its rewards and challenges. She described her job as "being the image of what a brand wants to represent to the public, whether through catwalks or advertising campaigns." She noted that the most satisfying aspect was "the number of people, cultures, and mentalities you get to know," which forced personal growth and adaptation.
However, she also acknowledged the darker side of the profession, stating, "I feel that this comes with loneliness, which is the worst part of this job. It is a fact that, being constantly on the move, no one in your close circle can keep up with you, so learning to get along with yourself is one of the most important things." Cristina admitted that starting modelling at a young age had presented obstacles in confronting these difficulties, and she was reportedly studying a course in Malaga around the time of her death, indicating her efforts to balance education with her burgeoning career.
The fashion world mourns the loss of a young talent whose life was filled with potential, as friends, family, and colleagues remember her as both a professional inspiration and a cherished individual.
