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When you think of Ukraine, what comes to mind? Like most people, the first thought comes to mind is the current global news of Ukraine as a conflicted country at war. But there’s much more to Ukraine than what people hear and see about the war. Ukraine is and has been home to some of the most globally talented individuals both in technology, medicine, and fashion. One such individual is top Ukrainian model Anastasiia Vasyk.<\/p>\n
The top fashion model who also holds a masters degree has recently moved to the United States and is sure to become a notable name within the US fashion scene. Anastasiia Vasyk has graced the covers and editorial pages of prestigious fashion magazines like L\u2019Officiel<\/em>, Elle<\/em>, Cosmopolitan<\/em>, and Vogue<\/em>.\u00a0 Further exemplifying her success, she has walked runway shows for top designers ranging from Bvlgari,\u00a0 Van Cleef & Arpels, Vivien Westwood and many more. Also a scholar, she also holds a masters degree in physical education. In this exclusive interview, Anastasiia discusses her story, her views on fashion, beauty, health and how she hopes to bring Ukrainian culture to the American public.<\/p>\n Here’s the interview:<\/p>\n My name is Anastasiia Vasyk, Im a 24-year-old model born in Chernihiv, Ukraine. I have dreamt \u00a0of becoming a model since I was young, and have had the pleasure of living the dream out throughout work for the last nine years. As a person of Ukrainian descent that has lived extensively in Europe, Asia and the Middle East I feel it has given me a unique perspective on the fashion industry and world overall. There are not a lot of Ukrainian models in the United States, so I feel that I, along with my sisters of origin, have a responsibility to represent our culture to the US and help them understand there\u2019s more to it than what\u2019s in the recent media. The majority of Ukrainians never leave the country, so for those like myself that do, I plan to help the US learn what an amazing culture of food, health, and wellness we have to offer.<\/p>\n My modeling journey has luckily been a successful one with a number of positive chapters, \u00a0but the initial start was challenging one having been from a small town where the fashion industry is not as developed. I started modeling at age 15 when by way of social media networks, a Ukrainian modeling agency scouted me. A year later, I got my first international modeling work in Paris, and my career really took off from there.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in the industry, and I\u2019ve learned a lot about myself along the way. I\u2019m grateful for all of the opportunities that I\u2019ve had, and excited to see what the future holds.<\/p>\n Over the years, I\u2019ve worked with several high-profile fashion brands, graced the covers of a number of global magazines and done runway shows and ad campaigns \u00a0for a number of international designers. When I was 17, I got my first magazine pages in Paris while working with Vivienne Westwood. That allowed me to work with high-couture designers like Tony Ward,Van Cleef, Bvlgari, and many \u00a0others.<\/p>\n The fashion industry is ever-changing, and constantly evolving. I think its important \u00a0to keep up with the latest trends in health and styles while finding a balance of being true to the brand one\u2019s built for own image as a model. Its easy to get lost in the industry and chase what\u2019s trending, but if you\u2019re chasing you\u2019re probably too late. \u00a0With the right agency team , one\u2019s own conviction to a vision of their fashion identity and their own voice I think women in fashion can make more of an impact than they realize.<\/p>\n Also social media advancement have allowed the industry to grow in all kinds of new ways. Some for better and some for worse. I think we\u2019re only beginning to see the potential of what the fashion industry can do, perhaps there will be less models on runways, or magazines, but by way of our voice and online influence there\u2019s an opportunity to reach far more people than ever before. On one side there is \u00a0democratization of the industry pushing toward influencers, and on the other side toward celebrities both leaving the traditional model, like myself in the middle to wondering how to thrive. Its there where one can really fold, or rise to the occasion by coming with a style, attitude, and visual voice that gives unique shine.\u00a0 I feel its something only those with a real passion for the history of fashion can portray. Something classic, and elegant but still modern and socially relative.<\/p>\n I feel health, beauty and fashion are linked because they are all about self-expression, but stem from inner confidence . When a woman can feel strong, and healthy inside she\u2019s going to express that in the subtleties of her looks.\u00a0 That awareness and strength of self comes through more powerfully in photos. \u00a0I think now more than ever, the concept of beauty and fashion as a vehicle \u00a0for supporting mental health is shining through brighter than ever before. Sometimes healthy can mean a fit active body, where as some fashion should help portray an image that gives women ease to the\u00a0 mental pressures of society\u2019s traditional beauty expectations. Whether its beauty, health or fashion its all about building confidence that allows one to bring out the best of who they are.<\/p>\n I came to America for love, adventure and a chance to pursue my career in fashion. I\u2019m really looking forward to learning more about the American fashion industry both as it relates to traditional fashion and how it folds into social media, entertainment, and health & wellness. I used to see watch America’s Top Model growing up, and I dreamed of being in the industry someday. I\u2019m grateful for the platform I\u2019ve built internationally, and excited to see what challenges in America will will push me \u00a0to further pursue my dreams. America is the world stage, the biggest platform there is, and I hope whatever I do gets to further inspire young girls with similar dreams.<\/p>\n Also, I really look forward to finding ways to bring Ukrainian culture into the American mainstream society by way of fashion. I want to help develop the visual images of Ukraine at war to something greater. I want people to see that Ukraine is a beautiful country rich in culture, lush nature, and filled with amazing traditions for health, and positive living..<\/p>\n I love the creativity that comes with modeling, working with teams and creating a memorable picture. I love when I can express myself or a particular theme through my work. Being able tell a story with the images isn\u2019t always agenda of a campaign or editorial, but when does it really makes for something special. Fashion as\u00a0 photographic art is something I enjoy most. I also love the travels and adventures that come with modeling. I\u2019ve been fortunate to see some fantastic places and meet incredible people along the way. It is a great way to connect to learn about different cultures.<\/p>\n Although I\u2019ve had many opportunities, I\u2019ve also faced steep challenges. One of the biggest challenges I encountered was in the beginning with language barriers. When I first left Ukraine, to live in Japan I didn\u2019t not speak much English, which even if used minimally will always act as common ground for communication. It was challenging and at that time I was living in Tokyo, on my own, at 16 years old. working with people I was meeting for the first time. However, I was determined to learn English and now being fluent in it and getting to enjoy the ease of communications in the States is something often taken for granted that I\u2019m excited to enjoy.<\/p>\n Another challenge is constantly being away from my family. I miss them dearly, brother, aunts, Mom, grandparents, they are all still in Ukraine. Like many they don\u2019t leave, but I know that they are there, supportive of my career, my life ambitions and my pursuit to bring some positive shine back to our home country. I\u2019m grateful for the sacrifices they\u2019ve made to help me pursue my dreams.<\/p>\n My advice would be to stay focused, work hard, enjoy the adventure as much as the goal you\u2019re perusing. Pursuing a career in modeling is challenging, its competitive, and can be far less glamourous in the beginning than anyone can imagine. However, when it all comes together, with the rights brands, photographers, and creative team it\u2019s really something special to be a part of.<\/p>\n I also really hope inspiring models take care of their personal health. Stay away from the clubs, pick your company wisely, and know your time and presence is valuable. Try yoga, meditate, and seriously visualize what you want from your life and career with your body and mind in sync. Also put in the work to be a proper model, learn how to walk with grace and confidence, shoot, shoot and shoot more. Enjoy the art of photography and try not more than just a model, but a student of fashion. I see a lot of girls trying to model without any experience, and it doesn’t work out. Also, keep active, sports, pilates, follow nutrition routines, and always keep a pair of heels handy cause you never know when your next audition will be.<\/p>\n My vision is to continue working hard and stay focused on my goals. I want to keep \u00a0growing as a model and an entrepreneur. I want to use my platform, and network to help inspire young girls and show them that anything is possible if you have a vision, and understand how to adjust to changing circumstances, trends, and expectations.<\/p>\n I\u2019m excited about some new projects I\u2019m working on. I\u2019m currently collaborating with a Ukrainian brand on the first lab-grown diamond jewelry collection that similar to brands like TOMs helps support Ukraine with every sale. I\u2019m also working on a new athletic fashion line that will be launching soon. I love keeping my future plans on a low profile until they are ready to be revealed. You\u2019ll just have to wait and see what I have in store! Thanks for your time; its been a pleasure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26633,"featured_media":75465,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[],"yoast_head":"\nCan we get to know you better?<\/h4>\n
How has your modeling journey been?<\/h4>\n
Who are your best fashion collabs?<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat are your thoughts on the fashion industry?<\/h4>\n
How do you think health & wellness, beauty and fashion are linked?<\/h4>\n
Why did you come to America?<\/h4>\n
What do you love most about modeling?<\/h4>\n
What challenges have you experienced?<\/h4>\n
Do you have any advice for aspiring models?<\/h4>\n
What is your vision for near future?<\/h4>\n