Kika Gomes: „Be patient, and don’t try to please everyone!”

At just 22, Portuguese model Kika Gomes has already captured the attention of over 1 million followers on Instagram.

She lives in motion—between cities, runways, and red carpets—carrying an effortless grace that transcends her signature style and beauty. But what truly sets Kika apart is something far rarer: authenticity. She’s not afraid to share unfiltered glimpses of her life, and she embraces vulnerability as a quiet, unwavering strength. „Be patient, and don’t try to please everyone,” she says, a mantra that guides her both personally and professionally. 

We met Kika at the newly opened Maison 45 hotel in Budapest, where she opened up to us about the importance of mental health, the small joys that fuel her outside of work, and the serendipitous arrival of Simba, her beloved puppy, who has become her daily reminder to slow down and be present.

ELLE: You’ve built an incredible career in fashion and modeling, having appeared on numerous red carpets and campaigns—what moment are you most proud of so far?

KIKA: There have been some incredible moments, but the one I’m most proud of is actually something that’s confirmed but I can’t talk about yet. It’s a huge step in my career, and I can’t wait to finally share it with the world.

ELLE: What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in the industry?

KIKA: Oh there are so many! (laughs) But the first thing that comes to mind is: be patient, and don’t try to please everyone.

ELLE: Walk us through a day in your life when you're not working—what’s your perfect off-duty routine?

KIKA: Now that I've officially finished my studies, my daily routine is changing. A perfect off-duty day for me starts with a slow morning with my dog and my boyfriend, followed by a nice walk and some quality time with close friends or family. Very simple things, but they mean the most to me.

ELLE: What are three non-negotiables in your daily routine that keep you grounded?

KIKA: Regular exercise, walking my dog (usually without my phone), and daily contact with my family. 

ELLE: How do you take care of your mental health in this fast-paced industry?

KIKA: I’ve learned to set boundaries, like saying no when necessary. Also, I strongly believe in therapy, and talking to people I trust completely.   

ELLE: What do you think is the source of your confidence? 

KIKA: I have to say therapy again. For me, feeling good in my skin has much more to do with what’s going on inside than with how I look.

ELLE: You travel so much—what city or destination has influenced you the most and why? Do you have a favorite hidden gem or off-the-radar destination you keep returning to?

KIKA: Paris will always be the city that influenced me the most. It was the first place I moved to on my own, away from home, and it really pushed me to become more independent and stronger. As for a hidden gem, it has to be Bahia in Brazil. I’ve been going there every year since I was a kid, and I just love the energy, the people, and the food. I always come back feeling completely recharged.

ELLE: And speaking of travel, What’s always in your carry-on no matter where you go? 

KIKA: I always carry a small makeup bag with me everywhere I go, just in case! And I never travel without my AirPods and iPad — those are essentials for me.

ELLE: Is there a beauty routine or treatment you think everyone should try? Do you have a beauty icon or someone who’s influenced your approach to self-care?

KIKA: I don’t really do anything crazy or out of the ordinary. Maybe a draining massage now and then, it really helps me with swelling, especially with all the travel and workouts. And I love a lash lift, just because it makes it easier to skip makeup. My mom’s always told me, „less is more,” and I’ve kind of kept that with me.

ELLE: What’s one item in your closet that you’ll never get rid of?

KIKA: A good pair of jeans or a cool jacket — these never go out of style, and I always feel like myself wearing them. 

ELLE: Pierre often calls you his „lucky charm.” Do you believe in that kind of energy? 

KIKA: I’m definitely the kind of person who believes everything happens for a reason, so I do believe in that kind of energy.  It’s funny, but whenever my dog and I are at Pierre’s race, things always seem to go well for him. Maybe he’s calmer knowing we’re close, who knows?

ELLE: Do you have any relationship non-negotiables? What advice would you give on how to stay true to yourself?

KIKA: Trust is definitely non-negotiable for me, and also being with someone who knows how to take life lightly. Honestly, I think when you’re with the right person, staying true to yourself happens naturally. You don’t feel the need to shrink or change.

ELLE: We’ve seen how much you adore your puppy Simba—what’s the story behind how you two found each other? Has having him taught you anything surprising about yourself? 

KIKA: With the amount I travel and how much time I also spend alone, I felt it would be really special to have that kind of company in my life. Pierre and I thought about it for a long time because we knew how big of a responsibility it would be, but I can say for sure it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Simba has taught me so much about unconditional love, organization, patience, and how to care for someone more deeply and responsibly. 

ELLE: If Simba could talk, how would he describe you? 

KIKA:  He’d probably say I’m „clingy,” a little too attached, and that I’d do anything for him. He knows exactly how to get what he wants from me. Maybe he’d also add that I could be more chill sometimes… and give him more treats. 

As our day with Kika came to a close, it was clear that her glow comes from more than good lighting — it’s grounded in intention. She values simplicity, chooses presence over perfection, and nurtures a life that feels just as good off-camera as it looks on it. With exciting news on the horizon and her feet firmly on the ground, Kika Gomes isn’t just one to watch — she’s one to remember.

Photo: Márton Kecskés
Makeup: Zsombor Ágoston  with Dior Beauty
Makeup Assistant: Berta Vincze
Hair: Balázs Barsi - Glam House Buda
Styling: Melinda Csík
Stylist Assistant: Bogi Fodor