Sebastián Villaverde: Strong for You
For Sebastián Villaverde, there were never half measures. In his home, he learned a rule that stayed with him forever: "you are either black or white, never both." That is how he tackled everything he did. There was no middle ground when it came to training before dawn, riding his motorbike, picking up a camera, or stepping in front of the spotlights.
On set and backstage, Sebas was the person who immediately broke any tension. He would flash an easy smile, joke that he was going out to "tirar rostro" (strike a pose), and completely transform the energy in the room. There was no pretense, no aloofness; for him, it was simply about doing his craft well, enjoying the moment, and thanking every single member of the crew.
"Strong for You": The Driving Force Behind Every Step
On his profile and in every meaningful conversation, four words summarized his guiding compass: STRONG FOR YOU (Fuerte por ti), alongside Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me").
That motto was never an aesthetic phrase for social media. It was born during the hardest chapter of his life, when his father, Pepín Villaverde, was battling cancer and a close friend shared those exact words: "Be strong for your dad, strong for you."
That commitment stayed with him forever. When his father passed away, Sebas embraced the promise with his whole heart: to honor his name, take care of the women in his family, and live like a true warrior. From that moment on, every challenge he took on—in sports, at work, and in his personal life—he ran thinking of him.
The Mountain Makes You Humble
Many knew him from photographs and runway shows, but where his character was truly forged was on the steep volcanic slopes. Sebas was an athlete through and through. He came from a disciplined background in karate, where he learned healthy competitiveness and striving for excellence, but it was in ultra-endurance trail running that he discovered his greatest classroom.
"This sport has taught me to keep my feet firmly on the ground, to listen to my body, and to push it with wisdom," he wrote after reaching the podium at Atitlán Trails. For him, the mountain was never a stage to show off; it was where mind and body collided head-on: "Mountains make you humble; they bring you back down to earth and remind you that out here, nothing is guaranteed."
That mindset drove him to become a true 100-miler. He tackled brutal elevations on Acatenango, Pacaya, and Fuego volcanoes. In November 2024, he ran the 100K Puerto Vallarta by UTMB, earning second place in his category (MU23) and direct qualification to the pinnacle of world trail running. In August 2025, he realized that dream at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB): over 170 kilometers across the Alps through France, Italy, and Switzerland, with 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain. It took nearly 44 continuous hours of racing that pushed his body to the absolute limit, with his heart dedicated entirely to the memory of his father.
As he often reminded others: "A race is celebrated for a day, but the process transforms you forever."
Runway Trajectory: The International Fashion Week Circuit
That same endurance and effortless charisma were the hallmarks of his journey within the agency. Everything began when he debuted as a New Face at Guatemala Fashion Week 2022. From that very first walk, his progression on the runway was continuous, disciplined, and unwavering.
Sebas grew into a recurring presence across the regional Fashion Week circuit:
- Cali Distrito Moda (2025 & 2026): Set an unprecedented agency record as the only model to walk consecutively on the major Colombian platform.
- Guatemala Fashion Week: Following his GTFW 2022 debut, he appeared in key editions including GTFW 24 and GTFW 25, as well as GTFW Summer 24 and GTFW Summer 25.
- Regional Projection: Brought his stride to Quito Fashion Week 2025 in Ecuador, El Salvador Fashion Week (SVFW 25), and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week El Salvador runway.
- Designer & Academic Shows: A frequent featured face for Saúl E. Méndez (Saúl Fashion Show 24, Saúl Fashion Show 2025, and Saúl Agua), Intecap 2023 shows, SDM 2024, and prestigious university stages like Unisfashion.
Alongside his runway work, he starred in high-profile editorial productions and commercial campaigns for brands including Distefano, Seek, Estilo Quetzal, Camaleón Artesano, special projects for Miss Universe, Basalto, The One, and numerous other collaborations.
The True Lesson
He treated everyone with the exact same warmth and respect—from the assistant handing him a glass of water to the lead creative director. His talent behind the lens as a filmmaker and his love for motocross revealed someone endlessly curious, active, and deeply in love with life.
Sebastián understood the journey with a clarity few achieve at 24 years old:
"For me, the beauty of life lies in enjoying every moment, doing what I love, surrounded by people I cherish who share defined or similar goals. And above all, enjoying the process of each opportunity God gives me in life, turning it into an experience filled with memories."
There are lives that cannot be measured in years, but in the light they leave behind.
Sebastián was a tremendous friend, an extraordinary professional, and above all, a wonderful human being. His talent, discipline, dedication, and genuine warmth raised the bar everywhere he went.
He lived with fierce passion, chased his dreams fearlessly, and navigated every chapter of life with determination. Just as in every race he ran, he moved forward with strength, carving a path that will forever inspire those of us honored to have known him.
His talent took him far, but it was his authentic character that made him truly unforgettable.
Today his race has ended, but his light endures in his legacy, his example, and the indelible imprint he left across so many lives.
To his beloved family, all our deepest love and devotion in this tribute to an unforgettable life.
With profound love and admiration,
IZ MANAGEMENT
