Mira Vaispapir: Season of changes

From Ukraine to Milan: An Exclusive Interview with Grazia Philippines

Mira, welcome to Grazia Philippines. You are a professional model. Tell us, what is the most interesting and difficult thing about your profession?

The most interesting thing about being a model is meeting new people, traveling, feeling confident, and being uninhibited in front of the camera. The hardest part is the flights and the casting schedule, especially before fashion week. You eat once a day, run from one point of the city to another, and stand in huge casting lines for 2-4 hours. The modeling business is very challenging physically and mentally.

Let’s talk about the beginning of your career. You started modeling at the age of 20 in Europe. Why did you decide to connect your profession with this area?

I have long wanted to try myself in the modeling business. When I lived in Ukraine, I thought too much about the opinions of other people. After moving to Europe, I realized that it was time to start making my dreams come true. I made good snaps and sent them to different mother agencies. I signed my first contract in Poland, but it quickly ended due to the closure of the agency. Then I decided that I needed to take a risk and send new photos to different European countries at once. If you are approved by at least two popular agencies, then finding a mother agency is not a problem. And so it happened, several Italian and German agencies liked me and then, already realizing that I have a future in this field, I found a mother agency. That’s how my career path began.

Tell us about your first contract. What city were you in when you implemented your first projects?

I always wanted my first contract to be in Milan. Many people said it was impossible. Usually, the first trip is China or Turkey. But since Italy was immediately interested in me, my first modeling trip was straight to Milan. That’s where I got my first jobs.

What projects are you collaborating with now?

At the moment, I’m represented as a model in Germany, Milan, and the Netherlands. I have ongoing collaborations and also requests for work from my agencies. This month will be shoots for two skincare products, Allies of Skin and Calecim Professional. Currently, I also have permanent collaborations with Charlotte Tilbury and Charles & Keith.

Do you prefer to shoot for brands yourself or participate in fashion shows and why?

I like both options, but at the moment I’m looking forward to appearing on the podium. This season I plan to come to Milan again.

Share your experience on how to find a good agency for aspiring models?

The most important thing is to make quality snaps. You may even need to contact a photographer to make sure you have excellent photos. And I recommend sending them to different agencies right away. It is very important to find a good mother agency that will be interested in you as number one. It may be a small agency, the main thing is their attitude.

What is your favorite fashion city?

Milan, Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.

How relevant are the model parameters 90-60-90 now? What are the new trends in the figure of a modern model?

I think fashion is moving away from standard parameters. It is more important to be sociable, charismatic, and stand out with your own uniqueness. Perhaps the main standards that still remain, especially for catwalk models, are a height of at least 174 cm and hips no more than 90 cm. But again, everything is very individual.

Is it worth starting a modeling business now? How promising is it?

I think the fashion business is always promising. Nowadays, in parallel with the modeling business, you can combine and be an actress, singer, blogger, influencer, designer, etc. Now you can and should be different.

Tell us about your collaboration with Charlotte Tilbury?

I have long wanted to collaborate with them. I have always liked Charlotte Tilbury cosmetics. Starting a collaboration with them was a dream. I contacted them myself, offered cooperation, to which they gave their consent. So I became part of their ambassador program. Also, my audience can use my referral code and get a discount on any of their products.

What are your current career dreams?

For the next year, I aim to make a debut at fashion week and also go to Paris. Perhaps not only as a model but also as an influencer. In Milan, I really enjoyed combining castings as a model and coming to shows as a guest. It was incredible. I also would like to try myself in Paris. Paris is an incredible city that has sunk into my heart.

How do you usually relax and spend your free time?

I really love to travel and relax at home. If it is not a business trip, any trip is a vacation for me. Also, being at home with your partner, watching movies, and ordering food delivery is the best that can be.

Credits:

Model for cover :
Mira Vaispapir @mir_slava

Photographer Margaret Karpenko @photobymargo
mua Amanda Grelich @amandagrelich_makeup
hairstyle Olga Chornovol @olga__chornovol
assistant & production Liza Rudiak @liza_rudiak
PR: Firebird PR Agency @firebirdpragency