Our November’s issue front cover model is rising fashion model sensation Anastasia Bondarenko, her striking beautiful looks with cheekbones that look as though they were carved from crystal, deep blue eyes and a mane of glistening blonde hair. Anastasia who has made a big name for herself in high fashion editorial spreads including our very own “cast away” themed editorial shoot, Vogue Turkey and front covers for Grazia Italy and Denmark’ s Costume Magazine. We took a moment to ask about her life in modeling, discovering that she’ s also a music loving beauty who is unafraid to speak her mind with words of wisdom about the true meaning of luxury and happiness.
Name: Anastasia Bondarenko
Nationality: Ukraine
Age: 22
HomeTown: Lvov
Agency: Karin Paris, TFM Oslo, Modlewerk Hamburg
SJ: How did it all begin with your career in modeling can you tell us a little how it all started?
A.B: It all started l couple years ago when I was discovered in my hometown in Ukraine and was proposed to foreign agencies. My first trip was to Milan and since then I’ve been traveling around.
SJ: What is the most important lesson you’ve been taught so far in modeling?
A.B: Patience and persistence
SJ: You recently modeled for the “cast away” editorial shoot for our Moi Ostrov October issue, what was it like shooting with Fashion Photographer Stefani Imielski?
A.B: It was truly great experience. We were on the same page. Stefan is super fast and easy to work with; he also let me help him choose the final pictures – I couldn’t be happier!
SJ: Out of all the clothes you wore, what was your favorite piece you particularly liked during shoot?
A.B: My favorite piece would be the luxurious green fur coat of Red Valentino from the Dolce Vita Shop in Limassol, when I wore it, it was so beautiful I would definitely include this in my winter wardrobe, it’ s colour stands out so much more than your usual winter season colour pallet.
SJ: You currently live in Paris the capital of the fashion industry, but to you personally what is luxury?, does Paris really have it all?… even though it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
A.B: Paris is amazing. I love it more with every year as I get older and see it differently. Of course it can be difficult city with all the luxurious and snobbish Parisians in it; but I somehow got used to it and sort of like it now, it has its charm.
SJ: What do you consider to be the epitome of happiness?
A.B: Happiness comes from within… Harmony and peace in your soul. But of course as human beings we are not satisfied easily; we need to be satisfied with every aspect of our lives: success at work, personal life, social life..etc if something is missing you can’t be truly happy.
SJ: That is very true but I’m sure you have something of yours that in a way completes you fashion wise; what possession will you never throw away?
A.B: My Birkin bag!
SJ: We are all very familiar with your talents in modeling, though do you have any other hidden talents?
A.B: I think I could be a great DJ if I’d take it more seriously and invest more time in it. Perhaps in near future…
SJ: As an image to many designers’ clothes is your personal style influenced by this? How would you describe your everyday style, is it portrayed by the clothes you model in or do you like to keep it based on what you like to wear instead of following fashion’s ever changing trends?
A.B: My everyday style is based on basic things like your usual “model outfits”. For me my style is chic simple and comfortable at the same time. I think I don’t really care about what is trendy but fashion trends end up inevitably affecting what I wear.
An enormous thank you to Anastasia Bondarenko, a model whom is proof that a strong point of view and being true to yourself can take you far, including in your own style. A model who is more than capable play the role of muse in the more traditional sense channeling spirits, conjuring states of mind and mood which says so much more than just her perfect image on the final result that you see on the freshly printed front cover of a magazine, it was Anastasia’ s attitude and spirit that drove her to where she is now proving to us that she is the ultimate skillful professional in today’s modeling industry.
SarahJane Kyprianou
Fashion Columnist
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]