During the closure of many borders, we started to pay more attention to countries that are ready to accept models. In spite of the complications regarding visas and the exceptional circumstances of vaccines and testing, Milan remains a popular destination. According to Polina Povalyaeva, ma Russkiy blesk, who recently completed a contract with the Italian agency Sophie Models, the city has become inundated as there are so many models there now.
— It was my first trip, says Polina, my first great expectations of the modelling world and I am happy that all my hopes were met. Milan, in my opinion, is a paradise for models. Here you can do photo shoots for renowned magazines or work in famous designers’ shows. I succeeded participating in the Giorgio Armani show. The designer himself chose the models at the casting, followed the rehearsal and corrected the model’s make-up. I was supposed to take part in another show of a different brand line. However, from my understanding I was removed because of the political situation.
— Work in Milan is mainly on look books, catalogues and shows. There are lots of auditions for hairdressing shows. 4-6 models live in an apartment, two girls in each room. We travelled to work by public transport and had enough money for a week. I recall the long queues for casting, especially for major works and you can stand waiting for hours. Nonetheless these things are all trivialities compared to the atmosphere that prevails in Italy. Fashion is all around! In our free time my neighbours and I walked around the Duomo, went shopping and enjoyed a delicious cappuccino in a cafe. I am currently in Greece on another contract and I plan to return to Milan in the near future.
Text by K. Mironova
Photo provided by P. Povalyaeva
