Celebrating her birthday today is Snejana Onopka. When we hear the phrase “the most successful Ukrainian model” we immediately see Snejana in the works of M&M, Meisel, Roversi, Lagerfeld or another genius of modern fashion. Very recently came out a campaign for Tom Ford Beauty, the face of which is Snejana Onopka.
In December, Snejana covered L’Officiel Ukraine, shot by a young Ukrainian designer, Sonia Plakidyuk. A few days before her birthday, which she plans to spend on a photoshoot with M&M, Snejana told FashionWeek why one shouldn’t start a modeling career before 20, her relationships with Meisel and Emmanuel Alt, why she is not on facebook or instagram, and also, whether she’s ready to help new designers.
Last summer, everyone saw the amazing campaign Tom Ford Beauty. You hadn’t done many shoots prior to it. Excellent come back.
I never went anywhere. Models who have been in the business for so long and still do respectable work can be counted on the fingers of one hand. I do respectable work and maintain a level. To stay in the industry for so long – that’s a victory for me. True, I work less now than I did in the beginning of my career.
How was working with Tom Ford? You said before that he was an idol for you. What did you feel when you ended up near him?
I wouldn’t call him an idol. People like Karl Lagerfeld and Tom Ford I consider legends. And of course I wanted to meet him. Therefore, when I was booked for this job, I was very happy. Tom Ford is a very friendly person, and thus, the job went pleasantly.
Tom Ford personally picked you for the Tom Ford Beauty campaign?
There was a team that worked on the campaign. M&M, perhaps the most famous photographers today, and of course Tom Ford. I think the three of them talked and picked me (laughs).
Did you know Tom Ford prior to shooting the campaign?
No, we met on the shoot.
Which have more drive? Photoshoots or the podium?
I prefer the photoshoots. Runway shows are always accompanied with lots of stress. When you’re no longer 15, all these people who constantly pull at you – it’s tiring. I think I’m pass that age when runways are a drive.
Which models from a previous wave do you respect the most?
I really like Natalia Vodianova, Daria Werbowy, Kate Moss. I like girls who are individuals and not just models. You know as they say, “beauty will save the world.” I respect those models who use their fame to help people. For example, Natalia Vodianova is actively doing charity work, building children’s playgrounds, helps kids. For me, Natalia is first of all an individual and then a model.
What do you plan on doing after your modeling career is over? I know many wish to remain in the fashion industry. For example Alla Kostromichova has already opened a modeling agency. Anja Rubik is publishing a fashion magazine.
I have many plans. But I think life will put everything in its place and I will do what I’m supposed to.
In one of the interviews, you said you wanted to become a psychologist. This profession is still in your plans?
It was in my plans. I even entered a university, but it didn’t happen because of the constant trips for work. But I read a lot of literature, and psychology is more of a hobby for me. I’m not planning to make it my profession. I don’t think I’m ready yet for other people’s problems.
You’ve worked with I&V, Meisel, Lagerfeld, Testino and Tom Ford. What unites all these people in their jobs?
It’s their commitment and ability to work. The drive to be the first and the best. People put a goal before them and they go for it.
And with whom do you have the closest professional relationship?
Emmanuel Alt. For me, she’s a true style icon. Insanely beautiful woman, who’s able to make an extravaganze from any photo. For me, she’s number one.
Your personal style is similar to Emmanuel Alt too.
It’s a pleasure working with her. Everything she does is quality work.
There were models in the 90s whom people knew by name: Linda, Christy, Naomi, Kate. In those days, all models had big personalities. You belong to a group that a subsequent group of models who’re also known by all by their first name: Snejana, Agyness, Sasha, Raquel, Natalia. How is it? Do you value that fame and success that you have?
Of course I value it and it’s a great pleasure that I still caught a period where models were known by their names.
I feel like you’re one of the ones who made up this group, not just caught a time of it.
Of course. I mean that these days, they want to see celebrities in the fashion industry and not models. The golden-days of models were in the 90s along with Naomi and Claudia. But I’m happy with the result that I’ve accomplished, I consider it a real success.
What’s the difference between a model and a supermodel?
Everything with a “super” in front of it is foreign for me, so I can’t answer your question.
Remember that Linda Evangelista phrase that she won’t get out of bed for less than 10000 dollars? Do you have a number like that?
It depends not on the sum of money, but the team of people who will work on the job. There are jobs that I would happily do even for free. There are people with whom I will work always and with whatever demands and I would be very happy. Of course there are jobs that pay good money, but it’s not very interesting for me.
How should a model prepare for a photoshoot?
Get a good night sleep and be in a good mood.
I know that a lot of models say they “become” the role during a shoot – they think of a story in their head, playing a certain character. Do you also do that?
No. I don’t do any of that. I don’t consider any of us actresses, no reason to become a role. There’s a team that will help and it’s not as difficult as for actresses.
Do you do those kind of jobs?
It all depends on my mood and my plans.
Do you like working with new talents? For example, for the December issue of L’Officiel Ukraine, you were shot by a young photographer Sonia Plakidyuk. Sonia is very proud of having worked with you. How do you like the result of the shoot? Happy with the young team?
Young talent is always good. And if there’s an opportunity to help them, I’m always ready. Nevertheless, I can’t lie, working with Meisel or M&M is better and more comfortable.
And what about the result of the photoshoot for L’Officiel?
I like the cover and the editorial. I think Sonia has a bright future. She’s young and talented.
You probably know about the upcoming Vogue Ukraine. The first issue is coming out in March. Was it an honor for you to work with Vogue Ukraine?
I’ve already worked with Vogue Ukraine. I had a shoot. I can’t say that it was an honor for me. In my 8 years in the fashion industry, I’ve earned a certain status and level. I shot a few photographs for Vogue Ukraine – we’ll see what comes of it. But I can’t say that it was my dream or that I’m incredibly happy to be on the pages of this magazine.
You know as soon as they announced Vogue Ukraine, we surveyed fashion insiders about whom they saw on the cover of the first issue and practically all said it was you. Turns out, it won't be you.
When they asked me for this shoot I said no for a long time because I think I do actually deserve to be on the cover of the first issue of Vogue Ukraine. I think I’m a woman who deserves respect and who’s achieved certain heights in the fashion industry.
Do you count how many covers you did in your life?
No, I don’t count. I think there are still heights that I haven’t conquered and that I can still conquer.
Do you collect materials on yourself?
My mom does.
Do you look through them?
When I’m in the mood I might pick up a magazine and flip through it.
Steven Meisel once said “I now go to work and it’s a totally different world. I became a different person and models changed. What can I say to a 16-year old who doesn’t even speak my language?” What changes occurred in the fashion industry between when you started modeling and now?
There are a lot of 15 year old in modeling now. I don’t think it’s right. I wouldn’t send my child into modeling at that age. They’re all such young children and for whom rejection will be very painful. I think models shouldn’t start before 20.
But you also started quite young?
So I can say from my own experience how many unnecessary heartaches it is. Everything comes with time to those who wait. I started working professionally at 18. I think had I started earlier, nothing would’ve worked out. A model is not just a pretty picture, it’s a person first of all. And people like Emmanuel Alt or Steven Meisel value just that. For me, the true models are Natalia Vodianova, Natasha Poly, Anja Rubik – models who have a status and professionalism. People who love what they do.
I recently saw a film “Face of a Supermodel” about cult supermodels about models like Jerry Hall and Isabella Rosselini. They all talk about how difficult it is to portray sex and passion at 14 and 15.
That’s what I’m talking about. How can a girl portray passion or sex when she’s never had a boyfriend. There are unique cases of course, but they’re few.
And how did you get through this?
Steven Meisel is a great creator and a genius. I had my first photoshoot with him. Therefore, my first experience was less painful. He showed me and told me everything.
Do you maintain a relationship with him?
I work with him periodically. This is a man who gives a break through for new faces, gives them a chance. He gave me a start. I will always remember him with aw and gratefulness.
