Covered in gold valued at $150,000, actress Taís Araújo is the new face of the largest gold producer in Brazil

Possessing a beauty typically Brazilian, she is the perfect representative of the mosaic of races and cultures that characterize Brazil, the actress from Rio de Janeiro will be the image of the competition in the years 2012 and 2013, when she will participate, as the “Golden Girl”, in photos, parades and events to publicize the image of the contest, sponsored by the South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti. AngloGold Ashanti is the largest gold producer in the country and one of the largest in the world.

In an ironic switch reminiscent of the 1982 Eddie Murphy film Trading Places, the actress trades her current role playing a maid in the novela (soap opera) Cheias de Charme to model gold pieces valued at R$300,000 (US$150,000). AuDITIONS Brazil, the largest design competition of gold jewelry in the world, is also held every two years in China, India, South Africa and United Arab Emirates, besides Brazil. The Brazilian edition this year with the theme “Brasilidade” (Brazilianness), has open enrollment until the 8th of June and will have a special category celebrating 10 years of existence in the country.

In her new role as ambassador of bling, the country’s most popular black actress once again shows why Black Women of Brazil named her one of Brazil’s Beyonces. Speaking of her selection to represent Brazilianness, Araújo says: “When I hear talk about Brasilidade what comes to mind is a flood of Brazilian culture, obviously. Our music, our food, our people… I hope that designers are very inspired and can bring it all together and give a real face of Brazil to the collection. We have a rich, vast culture. There’s a lot to enjoy”, she adds.

See the video of the photo session below.

 Sources: Revista Época, Portal Fama