Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles with Brazilian roots, Fontes had wanted to be an actress for as long as she can remember. Known for her roles in the blockbuster Babylon, Hulu series "Body at Brighton Rock", and horror film "Southbound". Apart from acting and modeling, Karina recently collaborated with renowned American jewellery designer Loren Stewart, and designed an incredibly chic capsule made from recycled silver & gold by local artisans in Los Angeles.

Interviewed by Secily Viviana. Shot by Andie Jane.

S: Hi love! How are you?

K: I'm so good, really excited for this!

S: Shall we dive right into it?

K: Yeah, let’s do it! 

S: Ok amazing so I’ll start off with some light, cute questions. Who was your first celebrity crush as a teenager?

K: Oh my god, my first celebrity crush…god, honestly Brad Pitt.

S: I sooo get that, and then you worked with him!

K: Yeah, I know, it’s so funny. I ended up working with him, it’s crazy. Dreams do come true!

S: And how was it working with him?

K: It was amazing, he is honestly such a great human, we just laughed the entire time and joked and we really bonded. He’s amazing, he is so awesome and we just had so much fun together on set. 

S: That’s amazing. That’s actually my next question, what’s it like being such a huge set of a blockbuster like Babylon?

K: It was wild, it was by far the biggest production that Ive ever been on, it was so big. Its kind of crazy because I remember every day feeling like wow this is such a privilege to be here, because you’re working amongst the best of the best. Everyone is so gracious and so nice, so warm and welcoming. I really got along well with everyone. I would sit every morning in the makeup chair, either next to Jean Smart or Margot and we would just laugh and joke. I mean it was honestly a dream. Even watching them work was pretty amazing and it was such an honor to be working with them too.

S: God that must be so amazing, being surrounded by powerhouses like them.

K: Yeah I mean, no one was a diva, which also was so refreshing, everyone was super chill and so easy to be around and work with. I'm honestly super grateful to have that experience.

S: And who would be your dream director to work with?

K: Umm, Yórgos Lánthimos or Alfonso Cuarón. They’re honestly my dream directors, I love them so much. 

S: And what’s your favorite project that you’ve ever worked on? It can be acting or I know you said that you just did a collaboration…

K: With Loren Stewart yeah!

S: Yes! They're truly such beautiful pieces.

K: Thank you! Honestly I'd say that that was one of my favorites by far, besides working on Babylon. I mean two completely different experiences. With Loren Stewart, it was so much more of a singular intimate collaboration and I was really able to kind of regurgitate every single idea I ever wanted in for my own jewelry collection. And then just being heavily inspired by old Bulgari and old Harry Winston. Working with Rachel was honestly such a fluid seamless process. And of course, I'd say that Babylon is definitely my other favorite project, just because I was so high on adrenaline all the time. Even after I wrapped my scenes, the producers would be like “just stay and watch with us!” So I'd stay on set until 3 am, until everyone was wrapped, because I just wanted to be around that energy as much as possible.

S: I so understand that, those are both two incredible projects. Both so different but feeds your creative soul on so many levels. What would you say your favorite place on earth is?

K: Rio! I mean as you know, you just feel so connected to your roots and heritage. Just being in that environment and the energy of the people is really something that I thrive off. The culture itself of going to the beach, there’s no rush for anything…I feel like in the States, if you’re not constantly busy all the time, people are like “what the fuck are you doing?” But there it’s like people don’t have to be busy in order to be accepted by society, it is actually looked down upon. You should actually be moving at a pace that feels right and just slower.

S: No that’s so true and I mean it’s kind of similar to Copenhagen in the sense that they really value a work life balance, and in LA I just felt like everyone's wondering “what’s the next thing that we’re doing?” and just constantly planning your next projects and work. Never a time to breathe.

K: Yeah and I also feel like it’s so detrimental to society in this way because we have to really celebrate our success and our wins and if we’re constantly moving to the next thing, we’re never going to be fulfilled.

S: Exactly, slow down and take in the moment. And do you have an outfit that you know will boost your confidence every time you wear it?

K: Yes I actually just got this vintage Cavalli skirt that just makes me feel really sexy and young at the same time. It kind of transports me back to 2003 Giselle. I also really love my blue OpéraSPORT look, I'm just obsessed with it.

S: Ah yes the Cynthia and Sana skirt, the dreamiest set! And last question, have you ever been to Copenhagen? And if so, what do you think are the biggest differences between LA and Copenhagen?

K: I haven’t, I’m dying to go actually. Two of my friends are always there in the summer. From what I see, it just seems like the most idyllic life. Everyone is so beautiful and well dressed and the food looks amazing. Also, I'm a big walker so I feel like I'd really thrive in Copenhagen.

S: Oh my god, you would fit right in. And it’s so small too so you can really just walk everyone, it’s so nice. But yeah you definitely have to visit.

K: I know, I’m dying to come. Hopefully for fashion week!