Maria Ines Rivero emerged from Argentina to become one of the most recognizable faces in international fashion during the 1990s and early 2000s, celebrated as a quintessential supermodel. Born on June 7, 1975, in Cordoba, Argentina, she was discovered at the age of 17, which propelled her from her home country to the competitive runways of Paris. Her striking features and commanding presence quickly secured her a place among fashion's elite, leading to a prolific career defined by high-profile runway shows, magazine covers, and iconic advertising campaigns.

Rivero's career breakthrough was solidified when she joined the prestigious roster of Victoria's Secret models, becoming one of the select group honored with the title of 'angel'. This role made her a fixture in the brand's renowned fashion shows and catalogs, significantly elevating her public profile and cementing her status as a global beauty icon. Alongside this, she became a favorite muse for renowned photographers and designers, gracing the covers of international editions of Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. Her runway pedigree included walking for legendary houses such as Chanel, Valentino, and Versace, often sharing the spotlight with contemporaries like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

Beyond the runway, Rivero's image was central to major campaigns for luxury brands including Ralph Lauren, Escada, and Giorgio Armani. Her work in cosmetics, most notably as a face for Maybelline, brought her classic beauty to a vast mainstream audience. While primarily a modeling force, her presence extended to television, with appearances on popular programs like The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she discussed her career and the fashion industry.

In her personal life, Rivero was first married to artist Ales Basseville from 1995 until 1998. She found lasting partnership with financier Jorge Mora, to whom she has been married since January 2001. The couple resides in New York City, where Rivero has transitioned from the forefront of modeling to a more private life, focusing on her family. Her legacy endures as a defining figure of a glamorous era in fashion, remembered for her professionalism, elegant beauty, and her pivotal role in bringing global attention to models from Argentina.