My translation of the interview with Glamour Russia.
LAUGH, UKRAINIAN (GIRL)
Hundreds of thousands girls dream of becoming a top model. Billions dream to get married successfully. Those who have been able to achieve both by 25 can be counted on your fingers. And so, first finger goes for Snejana Onopka.
Seven years ago, a simple Ukrainian girl ran away from Kyiv and since then walked hundreds kilometers of runway at major fashion shows. Her relatives saw her more often on the covers of Vogue and campaigns for Gucci, Shiseido and YSL. We managed to get a glimpse of her in person – on her way from New York to her childhood city, the model stopped by the opening of a new Marella boutique in Moscow (she’s the new face of the brand) and told us about what awaits her in Ukraine.
Let’s start from the most important: you have a wedding coming up soon. Is it going to be what you always dreamt it would be?
It’s going to be more like the wedding of my mom’s dreams. To be honest with you, I didn’t want big celebrations, veil, white dress, and all these rituals, but my mom said, “Snejana, I am ready to do everything, but I want you to feel like a real bride.” I had to give in; picked a Vera Wang dress, very beautiful and fitting my image. Truthfully speaking, the whole story with the wedding is very spontaneous. Because of work and constant traveling, I couldn’t even settle on a date up until the very last moment. Therefore, there will only be about 30 guests at the wedding, only the closets friends/relatives.
Where do you spend the most amount of time these days?
The last couple of months – in Kyiv. Before that, I spent half a year living in Paris and New York. I realized that it’s more important for me right now to be with my mom, grandma and my little seven-year-old brother, I want to see him grow up. Additionally, over a year ago when I was looking for a place to live in Paris, I met Kolya (husband) and it changed all my plans.
I hope you won’t abandon your modeling career. And besides, how do you select your projects now?
My manager is in charge of it; he selects what’s essential for me and what isn’t. For example, if Steven Meisel invited me for a photo shoot, I’m ready to fly to him even across the whole globe.
Who else from the world of fashion do you hold in high esteem?
Frida Gianni, designer for Gucci – an ideal of a modern woman, I’m in awe from her. She’s so tiny and beautiful but with a strong personality. I also like rapper Kanye West, actually, that’s why I participated in his fashion show.
Can you imagine your life off the runway?
I became a model before I even turned 18, so other than this, I know nothing else. For me, my work is my life. But my mom is convinced I should become an actress. Perhaps I’ll take a risk and come study theater in Russia. Just to try it.
Judging by how well you played Anna Wintour for Vogue, you have the talent. What are your weaknesses?
I’m very emotional; very sensitive to failures – I need everything not just right now, but yesterday.
And your strengths?
Always there to help those close to me, family. Ready to do anything for them. And I’ll also feed a stray dog.