APERITIF WITH YOMI: RITA LOPES
With a keen instinct for cultural relevance and a deep understanding of the dynamics between creativity and influence, Rita specializes in connecting talent with purpose. Her expertise spans music, film, art, and sport, allowing her to navigate global cultural communities with precision and intuition. She applies this sensibility to her work, carefully matching personalities with projects—always with an eye towards resonance, authenticity, and long-term impact.
interviews
21/05/25
What's your aperitif of choice, and why does it resonate with you?
Tequila soda — simple, effective, straight to the point. Just how I like things.
What's your aperitif of choice, and why does it resonate with you?
Tequila soda — simple, effective, straight to the point. Just how I like things.
Who are you when you slip into a YOMI blazer? What character do you feel you can impersonate?
Funny enough, I used to act as a kid — but I’m not into playing characters in real life. I like to feel like myself when wearing something, if I feel comfortable and confident I’ll feel at my best, and that’s how I feel in this blazer ;)
Who are you when you slip into a YOMI blazer? What character do you feel you can impersonate?
Funny enough, I used to act as a kid — but I’m not into playing characters in real life. I like to feel like myself when wearing something, if I feel comfortable and confident I’ll feel at my best, and that’s how I feel in this blazer ;)
“My mother, without a doubt. There’s no one I admire and respect more. She’s a force of nature, I try to channel her energy every day."
Rita Lopes
What do you wish you had known when you started this career ?
Oh wow, so many things. Honestly, if I knew everything I do now, I might not have chosen this path — but I love it. And that love is what keeps me in it.
What do you wish you had known when you started this career ?
Oh wow, so many things. Honestly, if I knew everything I do now, I might not have chosen this path — but I love it. And that love is what keeps me in it.
What is your relationship to dressing up, what role does it play in your life ?
I was a very girly girl. I used to dress up my friends and plan photoshoots as a kid. I love getting dressed for each occasion, choosing an outfit is a fun, creative outlet for me — it sounds a bit cliche but it is a big part of how I express myself.
What is your relationship to dressing up, what role does it play in your life ?
I was a very girly girl. I used to dress up my friends and plan photoshoots as a kid. I love getting dressed for each occasion, choosing an outfit is a fun, creative outlet for me — it sounds a bit cliche but it is a big part of how I express myself.
Tell us about a woman who’s had a lasting influence on your life or whom you deeply admire.
My mother, without a doubt. There’s no one I admire and respect more. She’s a force of nature, I try to channel her energy every day.
Tell us about a woman who’s had a lasting influence on your life or whom you deeply admire.
My mother, without a doubt. There’s no one I admire and respect more. She’s a force of nature, I try to channel her energy every day.
What ignites your passion and makes you feel most alive in your work?
Contemporary culture, 100%. I’m obsessed with art, music, film, sports — all of it. Tapping into what’s happening now and what people are into keeps my work fresh, exciting and relevant. I like to know before it’s a trend.
What ignites your passion and makes you feel most alive in your work?
Contemporary culture, 100%. I’m obsessed with art, music, film, sports — all of it. Tapping into what’s happening now and what people are into keeps my work fresh, exciting and relevant. I like to know before it’s a trend.
What are the events or moments that have shaped your journey, both personally and/or professionally?
Definitely the uncomfortable moments. They’ve always taught me the most — how to get through things, shift perspectives, and come out stronger. I really believe the best way to learn is by doing, and being thrown into situations forces you to grow and be better.
What are the events or moments that have shaped your journey, both personally and/or professionally?
Definitely the uncomfortable moments. They’ve always taught me the most — how to get through things, shift perspectives, and come out stronger. I really believe the best way to learn is by doing, and being thrown into situations forces you to grow and be better.
Do you have any regrets?
I don’t believe in regrets and don’t think it’s worth getting stuck in the past — think forward always. Things happen for a reason.
Do you have any regrets?
I don’t believe in regrets and don’t think it’s worth getting stuck in the past — think forward always. Things happen for a reason.
Who or what has been instrumental in helping you become the woman you are today?
Growing up internationally and switching schools constantly shaped me the most. It made me very adaptable and open-minded — I got exposed to so many different cultures and ways of thinking. It was definitely the most important thing on becoming me. Downside? It probably made me a bit too restless.
Who or what has been instrumental in helping you become the woman you are today?
Growing up internationally and switching schools constantly shaped me the most. It made me very adaptable and open-minded — I got exposed to so many different cultures and ways of thinking. It was definitely the most important thing on becoming me. Downside? It probably made me a bit too restless.