THE ACT

JOURNEY OF THE PILGRIMAGE

creative director and stylist Leonardo Martins

Leonardo Martins is the visionary behind The Act, an independent fashion project that weaves emotion, identity, and conceptual storytelling into every editorial. With a deeply personal approach to creative direction and styling, Leonardo explores the fragile dance between strength and vulnerability. His latest project, The Act – Journey of the Pilgrimage, is a transformative collaboration with FG Alfaiataria, Goulart Jewelry, and Adolfo Turrion — a powerful visual exploration of rebirth, mental health, and surrender. We sat down with Leonardo to uncover the heart behind his work and the evolution of his artistic voice.

How did The Act first come to life, and what inspired its name?

First, I want to thank you for the space and for the kindness toward my work. The Act was born as a theater piece, where each act represents a trauma I’ve lived through. There were six acts covering rape, domestic violence, depression, the rupture of my faith, sexual discovery, and the loss of my identity throughout childhood and adolescence. I became an empty shell, constantly trying to please those around me. From there, I realized I could turn that pain into art. I dove deeply into each trauma to bring to life the thirteen editorials that exist today.

Your latest project, Journey of the Pilgrimage, dives deep into mental health and healing. What was the starting point for this concept?

The new chapter came from my health diagnosis. For the past seven months, I’ve been treating an autoimmune disease a journey that became my personal pilgrimage. The first stage was shock the fear of dying and the painful beginning of treatment. Then came anger, the struggle to understand why I had been chosen for this path, what I had done wrong, and why worse people seemed to face nothing. Finally, acceptance arrived accepting the pain, the diagnosis, and rediscovering myself as a human being. Burning the red rose symbolizes my rebirth: the decision not to be vulnerable to my fears anymore, to face treatment head-on, and to choose life. I know I will be victorious in the end.

Collaboration plays a big role in this chapter — how did your partnerships with FG Alfaiataria, Goulart Jewelry, and Adolfo Turrion shape the final vision?

The brands walking with me now are partners that have been part of my journey for years. These are relationships that go beyond money, content, or sales. They are brands that embraced my project and my ideas brands courageous enough to open space for such sensitive conversations. That demonstrates vision, empathy, and a true connection with their audience. These are incredible Brazilian brands I’ve always admired, and it’s a dream come true to bring them into my universe. I’m deeply grateful for their presence in this new chapter of my life and career.

You often explore identity and transformation. How has your personal journey influenced the themes in your work?

As a creator, I’ve always challenged myself to connect with real people. My dream isn’t to have thousands of followers, but people who truly identify with me and my story. In Brazil, subjects like rape especially when it involves women remain taboo, and watching lawmakers attempt to ban safe and legal abortion even in cases of rape is heartbreaking. Domestic violence is still taboo. Being gay in the country that kills the most LGBTQIA+ people in the world is still taboo. My family still doesn’t accept me. So I bring these themes into my work they live within me, and through my art, I give them voice.

Fashion is at the core of your storytelling. How do you balance style with emotional narrative in your editorials?

Fashion is my life. I love celebrating Brazilian fashion and feel honored to have brands that believe in my project and take risks alongside me. I believe that through this movement, we can dismantle the idea that fashion is superficial it can be a powerful vehicle for expression and freedom. The Act breathes fashion, concept, and above all, soul.

Vulnerability is a powerful theme in your visuals — what does it mean to you in the context of art and fashion?

Art has always reflected what the artist feels, or the moments that define humanity’s history. To me, The Act takes us back to the Stone Age when blood was used to draw on cave walls. The Act is raw; I speak of traumas that once drained my blood, and by a twist of fate, today that same blood is what I fight to heal. Art is The Act, and The Act is art.

What do you hope people feel or take away when they experience The Act?

I want people to see themselves in The Act to feel what I felt, to be moved, disturbed, and connected. I don’t live the dream. I build it, so others can find hope and keep moving forward, even when life gets hard. I am not defined by my traumas, but through them, I became stronger and more resilient. I end with a phrase that defines my journey: “It’s not about what they did to us, but what we choose to do with it.”

I made art and if one day I’m no longer here, The Act will live on through others.

Leonardo Martins is not just telling stories through fashion — he’s creating spaces for reflection, healing, and authenticity. With The Act, he invites us into a world where style meets soul, and vulnerability becomes an act of strength. We’re honored to share his voice and vision with our HOLLYWAY community.

Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Director/Publication/Male Model/Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist/Retoucher: Leonardo Martins @leonardmartinsm

Photographer: Thiago França @tgoensaios

Fashion Designer: Filipe Gomes @filipegomesx

Accessory Designer: Goulart Jewelry @goulart_jewelry

Accessory Designer: Saint Germain @saintgermain

Fashion Designer/Shoes: Adolfo Turrion @adolfoturrion

Stylist/Assistant/Wardrobe Stylist: Talita Costa @talitacosta_

Publication: The Act @theacteditorial