Bookers of international modeling agencies note that Ukrainian models represent a unique combination of Eastern European appearance, adaptability to different styles and high level of flexibility. Also, the opinion of the editors of the authoritative fashion magazine Vogue is interesting. In 2016, an article was published in which they described Ukraine as a nation with “some of the most beautiful women in the world”, pointing to a “new crop of Slavic beauties” making waves on global runways, from veterans like Irina Kravchenko to emerging stars. Interest in Ukrainian beauties is confirmed by the growth dynamics of the number of international contracts with them in 2010-2015. We will introduce you to the most prominent representatives of Ukraine in the global modeling business.
ALLA KOSTROMICHOVA from Crimea
A professional model who had already begun establishing herself by 2010. Having debuted in 2008 at the Fall Collette Dinnigan show in Paris, she became a sought-after name, walking for designers like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Versace. Between 2010 and 2015, she solidified her status, appearing in campaigns shot by Steven Meisel and maintaining a consistent presence in New York, Paris, and Milan.
SNEJANA ONOPKA from Donetsk
She, arguably, Ukraine’s most successful model of the era, was another major figure. Starting her career in 2004, by 2010 she was at the peak of her influence, known for her collaborations with top-tier brands like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana. Onopka remained a runway staple through the early 2010s, though her intense workload began to taper slightly by 2015.
VALENTYNA ZHYTNYK from Kharkov
Ukrainian model who entered the international fashion scene in 2010, signing a contract with the ESEE modeling agency. It, founded in 2002, is widely recognized as the most influential professional modeling agency in Asia. Due to this Zhytnyk moved to China to develop herself as a model. Her talents ensured her rapid career advancement and increased her personal popularity in the fashion world. Already in 2014, she was invited to work by the international modeling agency Major Models.
NATALIYA GOTSIY from Kiev
She, active since winning a modeling contest in 2004, was also prominent abroad during this period, though transitioning toward a less intensive career by 2010. Between 2010 and 2015, she took on selective jobs with major designers while balancing life in Kyiv. Her earlier controversy in 2006 over underweight allegations had faded, and she maintained a presence in the industry, albeit with a focus on family life by the mid-2010s.
EVELINA MAMBETOVA from Crimea
Evelina, of Crimean-Tatar descent, also made waves internationally. By 2010, she was building an impressive portfolio, and in 2013, she graced the cover of Bootleg Newsprint and appeared in Vogue Ukraine editorials. Living between New York and London, she worked with brands like Mulberry (which named a bag after her) before announcing a shift toward studying law at Oxford in 2012, though she remained active in fashion through 2013.
This is not a complete list of Ukrainian heroines who have appeared on international stages, magazine covers and advertising campaigns for famous brands. Overall, we can conclude that, Ukraine has a reputation as a country where scouting agencies are actively scouting for new talents. International scouts regularly visit Kiev, Odessa and other great places to find promising models. Nowadays, agencies need to rely on the individual components of the model – professionalism, discipline, knowledge of the English language and readiness to compete on the global market.