About to turn 50, now in July, Max Weber – one of the most important makeup artists in Brazil – has attracted attention on social networks and at events where he circulates with a new, more feminine “layout”. He also discreetly changed his name and now goes by Maxi, with a female pronoun. The reason for the change is that she is in the midst of transitioning to female.
Born in Paraíba, Maxi Weber began her career in fashion in São Paulo at the age of 14. The self-taught woman stood out in the profession very early on and soon her name was already being disputed by photographers, models and celebrities, such as Naomi Campbell, Tais Araújo, Cara Delevingne, Lenny Kravitz, Marc Jacobs, just to name a few. Her wonderful makes hit the main fashion magazines and advertising campaigns in Brazil, and in international publications such as Vogue America, L’Officiel Paris, Vanity Fair. The list is big. Not to mention recognition through authority awards.
in conversation with GLMRMMaxi talks about the pains and delights of the new phase and how the gender transition has helped her even more in her professional growth.
I’ve always been “the” Maxi Weber
Maxi Weber always had her feminine side out in the open, present. And this way of seeing and living life has accompanied her since she was a child. According to her, the transition was already in her plans, but for family reasons it ended up being postponed. “That desire returned as a purpose from the moment I gained my financial independence”, she says. Owner of a strong personality and creative mind, the make up artist took advantage of the unpretentious verve of the fashion market to fulfill her dream, even though she was already living as a gay man. The Maxi that existed inside her was an emblematic figure in some sporadic appearances at fashion events. “Maxi has always been present, in editorials, on the covers, on fashion shows and at parties”, she says.
I feel alive
Reflecting on whether this really was the way forward happened during isolation because of the pandemic. Discussions on the subject were already shared with close friends and other professionals in the area. “It took me a while to find this sign, but in a conversation with Giovanni Frasson (fashion editor) and photographer JR Duran, I found myself. Today I can say that I feel alive!”.
Beautiful, light and loose!
For years Maxi has invested in the art of makeup and hairstyling. “I created my own technique and I manage to project an image according to the light, the shadow and see how these effects can stand out in the final result”. This expertise, according to her, became even more evident after the transition: “The transition has helped me a lot because that energy that was kept was like a prison. Now I feel lighter, beautiful and free. I know that now I can go much further than what I have achieved”.
Prejudice
For those who grew up in the 1980s, when prejudice was even greater, the current moment was a watershed in this new phase for the makeup artist. “Prejudice still exists, people have different interests and I think we should stick with what we have best. In my case, it’s my job. I put all my feminine energy into my work. I gave up my life to become one of the main beauty artists and hair stylists in Brazil”.
Hormonization
Sleeping well, feeding the body and spirit are the ways that Maxi found to maintain her emotional health. Besides, of course, having family support. “I believe that hormonization (hormone treatment to make the transgender person more comfortable with their body) is a decision that we have to learn to deal with and inspire”. For those who wish to follow the transition process, Maxi emphasizes: “Stand firm and understand who you are and how you can contribute to a better society. What’s your super power? Self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and work are essential for a calm, peaceful and secure mind,” she concludes.
