From Russia with love comes our model of the month Viktoria Damaronak. This 5-foot-9-inch charmer was introduced to the fashion world thanks to a model agent-friend of hers who opened a modeling agency in her native Moscow. Damaronak initially tried her luck in the Asian market, successfully landing on the covers of three magazines and several editorials, from Harper's Bazaar to Marie Claire in Singapore and Malaysia. The Russian beauty is now getting ready to take the major fashion capitals by storm, as she is already represented by Ford in New York and Paris, and Elite in Milan. We'll undoubtedly be keeping an eye on her career.
Did you always wanted to be a model, or did you stumble upon it, get discovered etc.? Who or what inspired you to become a model? How did you get started in the modeling business?
My career started unexpectedly. I met a friend in Moscow and a year later she opened up her own agency and she asked me to work with her since I was into fashion apparel designing I decided to give v it a try. I wanted to meet other designers and travel a bit and find out more about modeling. I started in Singapore, I got my first few magazine covers there, after that Japan, then USA and now I am in Europe. I live in the most beautiful city in the world now – Paris.
Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?
New York! It was an amazing experience, though I prefer to work in Europe but the energy of NYC is unforgettable. And I was there together with my best friend we shared the agencies and the model apartment and had so much fun!
Who is your favorite photographer? Why?
There are a lot of talented photographers but I would love to work with Terry Richardson, his photography is very creative and sexy.
What tips and advice do you have for aspiring models just starting out, something you wish someone would have told you?
You have to enjoy modeling and traveling to be a model, it’s a crazy rhythm of life, sometimes I wake up in Paris and go to sleep in Milan and next day work can be in Hamburg. And hours and hours posing in from of the camera it can be very hard but I love my work and enjoy being in front of the camera.
What should a relationship between an agent and model look like?
I think it is important to be friends with your agent, that way keep close contact And make decisions and career choices together.
Best Jean?
Skinny jeans are the best, I love the way they fit, great brands diesel, j brand.
What era would you like to bring back?
I’ve been working in Paris for the past few months and it reminds me of the golden age of Paris of 1920’s, I would love to experience and see that era myself.
Your favorite store?
The best shopping is in US and there’re many great stores but I would say Bloomingdales!
Do you have any beauty / skin care tips or tricks to look fresh and rested for early morning photo shoots?
It’s easy - go to sleep early and don’t party before the shoot.
How much attention do you pay to meditation & exercise, or is it all natural?
How do you stay in shape?
It is natural for me, I don’s exercise much but I love walking, I walk really a lot so that helps me to stay in shape.
What makes you feel sexy?
good music, sexy dress and high heels.
Favorite kind of food:
Frozen yogurt is the best food ever! So yummy! It’s my favorite desert or snack.
When models say they eat healthy, what do they mean by that?
For me healthy can be anything just nothing too spicy or greasy or too heavy. Salads, fish are the best. But I also like pasta just without the heavy cream sauce.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
as I said I love walking so when I have free time I just like to walk around and explore the streets of the cities I visit.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?
I’d like to stay in modeling as long as I can but I also would like to have a family of my own and raise kids.
Favorite quote:
“Your regrets aren't what you did, but what you didn't do.” I think we forget sometimes how great life is and forget to enjoy it and concentrate on the problems too much or afraid to make choices
What’s your favorite fashion magazine? Why?
Of course Vogue – I think it is the most influential magazine in the fashion industry.
People have said I look like ...
I don’t necessarily agree but people told me in some of my pictures I look like Angelina Jolie, but I don’t really see it
Thank you Vika for this great interview!
note: all answers are original and unaltered - Editor:Iva , Theo
-fmd
