How top models dress in real life: interview with Irina Nikolaeva

Irina Nikolaeva, the Russian model, is a frequent visitor to the world's runways. She has walked down a runway in Chanel, Stella McCartney, Ulyana Sergeenko shows, she has appeared on the covers of Harper's Bazaar and L'Officiel. Irina, being a “Model of the Year” by Glamour in 2014, looks equally impressive in couture dresses as well as outfits from the 90s. Especially the latter style - as well as grunge and vintage - Irina tends to opt for in everyday life. Irina Nikolaeva tells about her own style, beloved brands and not beyond in an interview for the Vremena Goda Galleries.

Where did your modeling career begin?

I happened to be in the modeling business by chance. When I was in the 9th grade, a girl approached me on the street to ask if I was a model and further invited me to some casting. I didn't go anywhere, however, this idea got stuck in my head. And only later, already studying at the institute, I found by myself an agency and six months later I left for Milan.

What shows you participated do you consider the most iconic ones?

I adore Versace shows - they are always full of energy, drive as well as mischievous spirit of the fashion industry in the 90s. I admire Stella McCartney for the lightness, irony, always gorgeous locations... and definitely for the outfits themselves!

Is there a special "uniform" for a successful casting undergoing?

It’s the uniform of most models that includes basic things in quite colors optimal to show the figure to advantage. I don't like wearing only tight clothes, so I do my best to find a balance: if it's loose jeans, I wear a tight top for contrast, and vice versa. I try to make accents by jewellery or bright shoes because usually at castings everyone looks maximum identically, and from the side, they are merging into a kind of common conglomerate.

What style do you prefer in real life?

I can't imagine my wardrobe without basic T-shirts - black as well as white ones. I love vintage, high-waisted jeans, blazers with broad shoulders, sometimes I like to add to my look a touch of the 90s or even 80s.

What your evening look do you consider the most spectacular?

I remember several official outings at the Glamor magazine awards: a silvery velvet floor-length dress from Alexander Terekhov and a shimmering sequins gown from A la Russe. And at the Lancôme event in Paris, I was wearing an elegant black Ulyana Sergeenko dress. I remember people kept asking me what I was wearing. It’s truly been my pleasure!

What is the most top-priced item in your wardrobe?

I think it’s my favorite Proenza Schouler bag, it was a gift from the brand. Definitely, it’s not about the price. A casual dress or mass-market or second-hand piece of accessory can become a dear and beloved thing for you.

Where do you get inspiration for your looks?

I am inspired by random looks, details, pics from social networks, as well as ordinary people on the streets. When I see a girl at the next table in a cafe super awesome combining casual shorts with a huge sweater or a bandanna tied in an unusual way, I would be eager to do something similar.

Models are believed to be torturing themselves with diets to keep fit. Is it relevant to you?

Absolutely not! And I'll share one secret with you: many models have just been lucky with their metabolism, and they eat everything. I eat whatever I’m willing to, but never run the extremes: I love pasta, vegetables, I adore to cook breakfasts - toasts with spinach and poached eggs or pancakes. I tend to have no sweets at home, except for honey and dark chocolate. I lack a sense of moderation: if I buy a pack of cakes, I will eat them all in one sitting, and it is not healthy. That’s why I always buy a portion for just one time. Everything is good but within reasonable limits!