Interview with Ilona Dmitrieva
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Bold and beyond interview
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**Personal & Career Journey**
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​Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modelling career?
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I am a PhD-educated economist who has been working in finance since completing my studies. Almost 20 years ago, I moved from Moscow to London to work for a financial company. My modelling career began quite unexpectedly. During a visit to my hometown to see my mum, a friend introduced me to a lady who specializes in staging professional photo shoots. She used to be a model herself and convinced me to do some studio shoots with a professional photographer and stylist. Those photos were a revelation; I did not expect to look like that. Afterwards, I worked with another photographer who introduced me to some fashion magazine publishers who were eager to publish my photos. After initial success, I did more shoots, which were also well received by publishers. This made me believe that I should pursue a modelling career.​
**Industry Experience & Challenges**
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What inspired you to become a model?
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The defining moment was realizing that my photo shoots were very well received by publishers and that 50+ models like me were in demand. I realised that promoting looks and products to the mature female demographic was something I enjoyed and could excel at.
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​What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
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​One of the most exciting shoots I've worked on was one I recently published @ilona_hyde.2024. I presented a blonde lady with strong makeup in a white eco-fur coat, waiting for her train at a railway station. We did this shoot on a sunny but very cold winter day with temperatures 25 degrees below zero. Shortly after we started shooting outside, we realized the weather tested not only us—a team including a photographer, an art director, a stylist, and me—but our camera as well, which “refused” to work properly outside for more than 10-15 minutes. So, during an hour or so of the photo session, we shuttled between the railway platform and the station to grab a cup of hot tea. I must confess that I had to pull myself together to produce the serene smile you see in those photos.
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Have you faced any challenges in the modelling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
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Yes, I have faced challenges in the modelling industry, particularly in terms of age representation. Overcoming these challenges involved persistence and demonstrating that mature women can be attractive, engaging, and appealing to a wide audience. This is exactly what I strive to do with my looks. Another challenge has been staying fit and looking healthy. I overcame this by playing tennis regularly and incorporating regular exercise into my daily routine. Moderation in food and healthy eating also played an important role in maintaining my fitness.​
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​​How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
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Preparation for a big shoot involves a combination of physical and mental readiness. I ensure that I am well-rested, maintain a healthy diet, and engage in regular exercise. Mentally, I focus on staying calm and confident, often using techniques like visualization to prepare for the event. Preparation involves a briefing by the team about the location of the shoot, makeup, and clothes I will wear, and the look I am supposed to present. Above all, I feel confident that the team will do their best to produce memorable images.
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**Personal & Career Journey**
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How would you describe your modelling style?
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I believe my modelling style is associated with elegance, glamour, and "quiet luxury." I love using a palette of colours and different fabrics to create unique and elegant looks. At the same time, I ensure that my style is versatile and adaptable. While bringing a sense of elegance and sophistication to my work, I am keen to convey different emotions and narratives through my poses and expressions.
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​​Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modelling, and why?
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So far, I have done a lot of editorial modelling. Editorial modelling allows for more creative expression and storytelling, which I find incredibly fulfilling. I am looking forward to doing commercial and runway modelling, which I believe will be my next steps in the fashion industry.
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What role do you think storytelling plays in modelling?
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I think storytelling is crucial in modelling, as it allows the audience to connect with the model and the fashion on a deeper level. Sometimes models are perceived as people who do not have problems and for whom everything is easy because they are so nice-looking. However, there is usually a story behind success—a story of persistence, perseverance, and hard work. This kind of story, especially for a mature model, is what makes the connection with the audience genuine and strong. In the end, effective storytelling can make a campaign or shoot more impactful and memorable.
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**Influences & Inspirations**
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​Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
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I am very impressed by Paulina Porizkova, a mature model who reestablished her modelling career at the age of 50. I love her honesty in talking about the challenges and joys of her current career stage and admire her sense of humour and a bit of self-irony. I am a big fan of her Instagram @paulinaporizkov.
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How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
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Staying motivated involves setting new goals and challenges for myself. I continuously seek opportunities to learn and improve, whether through new collaborations, workshops, or personal projects. Surrounding myself with supportive friends and colleagues also helps keep me inspired.
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Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?
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​I would love to collaborate with brands that I love to wear, like Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Diego, and, of course, luxury brands like Prada, D&C, and Gucci, especially when they start putting more effort into capturing the growing audience of women in their 50s who are looking for new styles and unique looks. As for cosmetics and perfume, I love Sensei products, which, in my view, are designed to solve skin issues for mature women, and I would be very keen to collaborate with this brand.
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​​​What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?
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​My advice to aspiring models is to be persistent and resilient, believe in yourself, and stay confident. The industry can be challenging and sometimes unfriendly, but with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals. It's also important to stay true to yourself and embrace your unique qualities. True appreciation of your team is also crucial, as modelling is a collaborative effort. Stay fit, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and continuously learn and adapt to new trends.