"Valeria"
Valeria Volynkina
Copa: Where are you from?
Valeria: I was born and raised in Lugansk, Ukraine.
Valeria: I was born and raised in Lugansk, Ukraine.
Copa: Have you always been attracted to the world of fashion?
Valeria: Ooh yes! I would say since I was very little, in a very funny and childish kind of way. I remember when my parents went out, I was putting on my mom’s high heels, (which were twice bigger than my foot) and put on some make up, “made” clothes out of different pieces of fabrics, and when my parents came back home, I was introducing them my “fashion line”.
It looked really funny, and hilarious.
When I became older, I started to be interested in photography, I was obsessed with pictures. I always tried to make some different, unique poses, I didn’t like standard boring poses, haha :)
Also, when I was watching different fashion events on TV, as any other girl, I wanted some day to appear on the runway, but I thought it will never happen with me anyway, and I never actually did anything about it, or took it seriously, because I knew that this industry is quite competitive, and there is no place for me. Especially in my country I didn’t see any perspective in this field, that’s why I never even tried to do anything to prove me wrong.
Valeria: Ooh yes! I would say since I was very little, in a very funny and childish kind of way. I remember when my parents went out, I was putting on my mom’s high heels, (which were twice bigger than my foot) and put on some make up, “made” clothes out of different pieces of fabrics, and when my parents came back home, I was introducing them my “fashion line”.
It looked really funny, and hilarious.
When I became older, I started to be interested in photography, I was obsessed with pictures. I always tried to make some different, unique poses, I didn’t like standard boring poses, haha :)
Also, when I was watching different fashion events on TV, as any other girl, I wanted some day to appear on the runway, but I thought it will never happen with me anyway, and I never actually did anything about it, or took it seriously, because I knew that this industry is quite competitive, and there is no place for me. Especially in my country I didn’t see any perspective in this field, that’s why I never even tried to do anything to prove me wrong.
Copa: When and where was your first modeling assignment?
Valeria: When I was 17 years old, in my home town. My neighbor, she was working with a photographer, who had an idea to make a project with creative pictures, which would represent different eras of time. She thought that I could be a very good fit for the project, and she showed him my picture. Later he invited me to do a test shoot with him. It was my very first photo shoot in the studio. I was really nervous and excited. Once we finished shooting, he asked me, who I want to represent in this project and the whole team came up with an idea to make me look like Egyptian queen ‘Nefertiti’. I was more than excited, because I was interested in Egyptian movies, and I always liked their ‘golden’ style.
So when the day had come, it was 5-6 hours of preparation: make up, costumes and poses. I was super tired and exhausted, but it was worth it! At the end of a hard day of work, everyone was satisfied with the final result and those pictures were selected to be present at the library of Art. It was my first small achievement.
Valeria: When I was 17 years old, in my home town. My neighbor, she was working with a photographer, who had an idea to make a project with creative pictures, which would represent different eras of time. She thought that I could be a very good fit for the project, and she showed him my picture. Later he invited me to do a test shoot with him. It was my very first photo shoot in the studio. I was really nervous and excited. Once we finished shooting, he asked me, who I want to represent in this project and the whole team came up with an idea to make me look like Egyptian queen ‘Nefertiti’. I was more than excited, because I was interested in Egyptian movies, and I always liked their ‘golden’ style.
So when the day had come, it was 5-6 hours of preparation: make up, costumes and poses. I was super tired and exhausted, but it was worth it! At the end of a hard day of work, everyone was satisfied with the final result and those pictures were selected to be present at the library of Art. It was my first small achievement.
Copa: What is your opinion of the fashion industry in the Washington, DC area and New York?
Valeria: Well to be honest, in my opinion, I think that Washington DC is not the best place to build a fashion career. I know a lot of talented designers in this area, but a lot of the fashion events are not well organized. Also a lot of times it’s hard to receive compensation for your work. That sometimes show in the final result, as inexperienced models and artists work for free, just to get their foot in the door in this industry. Anyway, I am hoping that people who represent Washington DC’s fashion industry will improve their status and style of work.
New York is another story, there are a lot more opportunities and chances for you to grow as a professional model. Of course, you still need to have patience, talent, look and be ready to work very hard and that will definitely take you somewhere. Sometimes I do travel to NYC for some events, but unfortunately I can’t do it often enough.
Valeria: Well to be honest, in my opinion, I think that Washington DC is not the best place to build a fashion career. I know a lot of talented designers in this area, but a lot of the fashion events are not well organized. Also a lot of times it’s hard to receive compensation for your work. That sometimes show in the final result, as inexperienced models and artists work for free, just to get their foot in the door in this industry. Anyway, I am hoping that people who represent Washington DC’s fashion industry will improve their status and style of work.
New York is another story, there are a lot more opportunities and chances for you to grow as a professional model. Of course, you still need to have patience, talent, look and be ready to work very hard and that will definitely take you somewhere. Sometimes I do travel to NYC for some events, but unfortunately I can’t do it often enough.
Copa: What is your personal philosophy to fashion and style and how would you describe your special look?
Valeria: I think that every person should try to find their own style, that fits with their figure, personality and mood. Try to avoid copying someone else, because if something looks good on somebody, doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on you. Everybody has their advantages and disadvantages in certain areas, so I try to underline my advantages and I have my own style and preferences in clothing. I like slim fit garments that compliment my figure, I usually wear something in which I feel confident and comfortable at the same time. And I have to say that I love shiny elements on clothes, Swarovski is my weakness. I like to add to my classy look, a little bit of sparkle, to make it look modern and elegant at the same time
Valeria: I think that every person should try to find their own style, that fits with their figure, personality and mood. Try to avoid copying someone else, because if something looks good on somebody, doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on you. Everybody has their advantages and disadvantages in certain areas, so I try to underline my advantages and I have my own style and preferences in clothing. I like slim fit garments that compliment my figure, I usually wear something in which I feel confident and comfortable at the same time. And I have to say that I love shiny elements on clothes, Swarovski is my weakness. I like to add to my classy look, a little bit of sparkle, to make it look modern and elegant at the same time
Copa: Please tell us a bit about your makeup, is there a special look you wish to maintain, or are there time you feel adventurous?
Valeria: I have my style which I love it emphasizes my features, and perfectly fits to my face. I’m trying to keep it and change just some little details from time to time. If I have to compare it, it would closer resemble Victoria’s Secret style.
If I accentuate my eyes, then lips should be more clear/nude. If I made an accent on my lips, then the eyes should not look aggressive. I love to do my make up myself, because who better than me knows my face and colors that will look good on me?! That’s why sometimes I feel a little bit nervous and not comfortable when make-up artists are doing my make up for the shows. They usually do the standard style for everyone and it doesn’t always looks good on me. When I have a chance, I prefer to do it myself, so I’ll know that the final result will satisfy me for sure.
Valeria: I have my style which I love it emphasizes my features, and perfectly fits to my face. I’m trying to keep it and change just some little details from time to time. If I have to compare it, it would closer resemble Victoria’s Secret style.
If I accentuate my eyes, then lips should be more clear/nude. If I made an accent on my lips, then the eyes should not look aggressive. I love to do my make up myself, because who better than me knows my face and colors that will look good on me?! That’s why sometimes I feel a little bit nervous and not comfortable when make-up artists are doing my make up for the shows. They usually do the standard style for everyone and it doesn’t always looks good on me. When I have a chance, I prefer to do it myself, so I’ll know that the final result will satisfy me for sure.
Copa: Who are your favorite designers of garments and shoes?
Valeria: From the dresses designs, I like ‘Jovani’, ‘Sherri Hill’, ‘Elie Saab’ styles. They make stunning gowns with sparkling accents and slim fit look and as I mentioned before, that sort of style I prefer. If I were a designer, I would do something similar to that.
Shoes - I’m in love with them! But I don’t actually have a specific brand that I prefer, they just should look gorgeous!
Valeria: From the dresses designs, I like ‘Jovani’, ‘Sherri Hill’, ‘Elie Saab’ styles. They make stunning gowns with sparkling accents and slim fit look and as I mentioned before, that sort of style I prefer. If I were a designer, I would do something similar to that.
Shoes - I’m in love with them! But I don’t actually have a specific brand that I prefer, they just should look gorgeous!
~PORTFOLIO~
Copa: What models impress you the most and why?
Valeria: That's a difficult question because I'm not a fan of anyone in particular, and I don't actually have a favorite model. A lot of them are beautiful of course, but it's hard to tell anything else. Although I can point out to one of my favorite actress, model, singer and fashion designer Natalia Oreiro. She's fabulous and constantly looks young, is talented and maintains a great heart. For me she's a great example of a person who has natural beauty, talent and a great personality, that's very important!
Valeria: That's a difficult question because I'm not a fan of anyone in particular, and I don't actually have a favorite model. A lot of them are beautiful of course, but it's hard to tell anything else. Although I can point out to one of my favorite actress, model, singer and fashion designer Natalia Oreiro. She's fabulous and constantly looks young, is talented and maintains a great heart. For me she's a great example of a person who has natural beauty, talent and a great personality, that's very important!
Copa: What does the future hold for Valeria Volynkina?
Valeria: There are so many things that I have in my mind that I wish to achieve! I hope God will help me handle it all of that:) I just need to organize my time properly, except my main work. I'm planning to continue my pursue modeling and acting opportunities. Also since my childhood I've always had a passion for Art, and recently I started to draw again. It's really relaxing and helps me express my thoughts on a piece of paper. I have a lot of creative ideas that I already started to work on, and who knows, maybe one day I will add something new and unique to the world of fashion. And of course, number one for me is my family! Family brings me the biggest happiness and they are the most important thing in my life.
Valeria: There are so many things that I have in my mind that I wish to achieve! I hope God will help me handle it all of that:) I just need to organize my time properly, except my main work. I'm planning to continue my pursue modeling and acting opportunities. Also since my childhood I've always had a passion for Art, and recently I started to draw again. It's really relaxing and helps me express my thoughts on a piece of paper. I have a lot of creative ideas that I already started to work on, and who knows, maybe one day I will add something new and unique to the world of fashion. And of course, number one for me is my family! Family brings me the biggest happiness and they are the most important thing in my life.
~Copa