Model: Alyona Osmanova

 

Origin: Alyona was born in Odessa, Ukraine on the 31st of March 1988

About: Alyona Osmanova is a 2000s model that was popular during the Doll Face era. Alyona walked for brands like Prada, Alexander McQueen, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and many more. She walked for Prada for 6 seasons in a row. During the Fall 2007 season she walked 54 shows. During the Spring 2008 season she came third place with most shows walked, walking 72 shows across the 4 fashion capitals. Osmanova has graced the covers of Elle Ukraine and RUSHH Australia.

Start: At the age of 18 a friend scouted Alyona in a subway in Kyiv. He said she has to be a model but Osmanova refused until he showed her step by step how the girls walk the runway and shoot campaigns. She really liked the idea and took the chance.

In Conversation:

How did you get into modeling and at what age?

I started modelling when I was 18. I was discovered by a scout. My first mother agency in Ukraine was L-Models and then I got my first contract to work in New York.

Did your parents agree to let you travel and be in such a risky industry?

My parents trusted my choices and the agency because it was well known in Ukraine.

Did you have any dream job or other plans before getting into modelling?

I didn’t know at the time where I wanted to work. I was studying management of water transport when I was discovered, hoping that I’ll figure out what I really want to do along the way.

Do you remember your first modelling job?

One of the first modeling jobs was in Kyiv. It was a photoshoot where I had to lie in a pool of milk for a long time.

Do you have any favourite designers that you've worked with?

I love working with designers. Among most memorable experiences: Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Jonathan Saunders, Raf Simons & Alber Elbaz.

You are Ukrainian, and Ukrainian models dominated the fashion industry in the 2000s like Snejana Onopka and Nataliya Gotsiy. Are there any Slavic models you look up to?

I’m friends with some Ukrainian models, like Irina Kravchenko & Naty Chabanenko. Im very happy for their success.

What is something you are proud of in your modelling journey?

There was a season in which I walked in 67 shows, in 4 different countries, in 1 month.

And what is something you regret in your modelling journey?

I feel like making more friends and socializing more would’ve been beneficial in the overall journey of modelling and growing up. Being less shy to express myself and discover others.

You were called a plus sized model? Does that bother you?

Im Alyona Osmanova. Sizes do not distinguish or represent who I am.

Special thanks to @sl4vicd0lls

Find more about Alyona on her instagram @alyonaosmanova