Photographer Gaia Bonanomi – Fashion Editor Janou Monteagud – Model Vicki Baidachna at Prodigy. – Hair by Alexander Markart at Blend Management – Makeup by Francesca Rezzola at Blend Management – Interview by Melania Musci
Bustier e Top Dolce&Gabbana – Jeans Givenchy – Jacket Blauer – Bag Biagini / Total look The Attico
You’ve just wrapped up fashion month by walking in Demna’s first show for Gucci. What was it like?
This fashion week wasn’t very busy for me, but it was one of my favourite and most emotional ones in a long time. This season I was lucky enough to be part of the Gucci show. As they say, expect nothing and it will come to you on its own. I received the fitting confirmation about a month before fashion week started, and when I arrived there, I couldn’t believe that all of this was actually happening to me. After some time I got the final show confirmation and couldn’t hold back my tears. Time flew by and soon it was the day of Demna’s first collection show. That day I felt incredibly excited and fully in the right mindset for the show. The people backstage were so supportive and energising, especially considering that many of my friends were there. I even managed to exchange a few words with Kate Moss. The show lasted around 20 minutes, and I was able to fully step into my character and give all my energy on the runway. I’m incredibly happy and grateful to everyone who supported me and shared this moment with me. And I’m especially grateful to Demna himself for this opportunity and for choosing me.
Who was the first person you told when you found out you were confirmed for the show?
I received the show confirmation from my wonderful manager Yulia, who’s part of the team at my favourite agency in Italy, Prodigy Model Management. At that moment, I was at the airport, and I don’t think I had ever waited for a flight feeling so happy and dreamy.
Bag Biagini / Dress Fendi
Have you always dreamt of becoming a model?
It was never my big dream. More often, I would just joke about it or not take it seriously. People often told me I had the perfect potential for it, but at the time, modelling felt unreal and out of reach. Later, at 14, I signed my first-ever modelling contract after meeting my current mother agency manager at Ego Models.
If you could style your next shoot yourself, what kind of look would you choose?
I genuinely enjoy experimenting with clothes and often try to put together quite interesting looks. I have two completely different outfits in mind that I’d love to shoot on myself. The first look is very feminine and elegant. The key piece is a straight, A-line midi coat that slightly echoes ‘90s Parisian chic, with a black fur collar. I would pair it with oversized rounded sunglasses, sheer black tights, minimal leather ankle boots, and sleek back hair with a side part and soft, cool-toned makeup. The second look has more of a rock ’n’ roll vibe. For this one, I’d add statement pointed-toe cowboy boots with a snake print, low-rise ripped jeans, a fitted leather jacket with a high collar, and any simple top underneath. I think messy hair would work best here, along with makeup focused on the eyes, defined with a black pencil.
Dress Miu Miu – Sneakers Adidas
Do you see modelling as a long-term path, or do you think you might shift to something else soon?
Modelling is an incredibly unstable job and it unfolds differently for every model. I truly love what I do and it inspires me deeply. In many ways, modelling is what allowed me to truly experience life. I’ve learnt so much, seen so much, and been through so many different things. I’ve met a huge number of interesting and inspiring people, and I feel like I’ve found something I’d love to pursue alongside my main work at the moment. I’m passionate about design. After spending so much time on contracts in different countries, working with a wide range of designers, I’ve taken a lot from those experiences. My dream is to create clothes. I often find myself getting lost in vintage stores, searching for unique pieces that I later remake or tailor. At the same time, I absolutely love styling looks, as I mentioned before. The profession of a stylist also really interests me. So right now, I’m in a stage of growth and exploration, but I can confidently say that I already have a clear idea and a goal that I’ll be moving towards.
What do you think about the use of AI in fashion campaigns?
Today, AI is extremely advanced. It’s being used to its full potential wherever possible and relatively often. It has already become a tool on an industry level. But if the question is whether I’m happy about the presence of AI or not, I’d probably choose the latter. It’s becoming so intelligent that it can now fully replace models. On one hand, it’s impressive: AI creates striking illustrations, photos, and videos that truly capture attention and fascinate the eye. But on the other hand, models are often left without work, because with AI, they can essentially become unnecessary. And sometimes, computer-generated images go too far. It’s quite upsetting, because the fashion world is slowly turning into something different, something more distant and detached.
Tank Top and Cardigan Loro Piana – Underwear Falke / Jacket Blauer – Shirt Our Legacy – Skirt and Shoes Boss – Belt Nº21 – Bracelet Miu Miu
Since images and videos can now be created with AI, what aspect of your personality do you think will continue to make you feel real?
It feels like today AI can imitate or replicate almost anything and anyone, but there are still a few things it will never be able to surpass. My real emotions, my energy, my vibe. The way I truly feel things, that can never be recreated 100%. My energy and my presence in real life are more than just an image. What makes you real isn’t the way you look, but the way you live.
Is there a practical activity you love doing to relax?
I have a few. The first is probably sport, specifically Pilates. It’s not so much about physical rest as it is about mental reset. During it, you unload and start to feel alive and full again. The second is reading, and the third is creating something with clothes; altering, adding, reshaping. And all of it has to be accompanied by my favourite tracks.
Bag Biagini / Top and Trousers Louis Vuitton – Trench Celine – Shoes MSGM
Total Look Prada / Total Look Nº21
In what ways would you say modelling has helped you grow?
Since I’ve been modelling from the age of 14, I can say that modelling has raised and shaped me into who I am today. I matured mentally much earlier than my peers and learnt to take responsibility not just for things, but for my own life. Modelling, in my opinion, has shaped me into a very interesting person. Growing up within the fashion world, you don’t even notice how much your perspective expands and evolves. You absorb so much, you go through an incredible number of life experiences, and you gain a huge amount of knowledge. And I’m truly happy it happened this way. I’m inspired by the person I’ve become today.
Are you superstitious? Do you have a ritual before a show or an important shooting day?
Yes, I am superstitious. I believe the saying ‘happiness loves silence’ is true. I don’t like to show off my success or talk in advance about work that hasn’t happened yet. I don’t have any specific rituals. The most important thing for me is starting the day with a strong sense of positive energy and a great mood. That way, I can be sure the rest of my day will go quite successfully.