Following yesterday’s post I’ve decided to dedicated a few stories to Russian top-models because these girls created a completely new era when they became a part of the fashion world back in the 1990s and I really want you to learn more about them.
I remember her vividly. A very young girl featured in a popular morning show that I often watched while getting ready for my univesity lectures. That day a 10-minute interview with Vyacheslav Zaitsev, the most popular Russian fashion designer, was squeezed between an episode of ever-so-popular Twin Peaks and completely pointless beauty advice. After briefly speaking of his collections and perfume, Zaitsev introduced a young model who accompanied him. Her name was Natalia Semanova and she just won the most prestigious contest “Look of the year” hosted by Elite Model Agency.
The designer was particularly proud to announce the news because he was the one who discovered Natalia in 1992 when she came to his fashion house for a casting. Zaitsev saw something special in the 13-year old and she became one of his models. “She was perfect as if created by Botticelli,” – the designer said about Natalia in an interview.
The fashion world quickly fell in love with “Russian Cinderella”. Natalia was known as a true professional, a natural beauty who had grace of a princess, signature walk and was able to change her already unique look completely to suit an editorial.
Designers and photographers adored her. When Gianfranco Ferrè found out that she was too young to be in his fashion show (she was only 14 and legal requirement was 16), he made sure that she sat in a front row next to Sophia Loren. Jean Paul Gaultier gave her one of the most beautiful gowns that he created especially for Natalia’s wedding. Helmut Newton thought of her as one of his favourite models and photographed Natalia for Blumarine campaign. In 1999 she also became a face of Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium and later – Giorgio Armani when she was shot by yet another legend, Peter Lindbergh for one of the most elegant Armani campaigns.
She graced covers of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Jalouse and D and starred in numerous campaigns that included Atelier Versace, Christian Dior, Lanvin, Valentino, George Rech, Biotherm, Guerlain, Swarowski, Saks Fifth Avenue and Galeries Lafayette and modelled for Alberta Ferretti, John Bartlett, Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg, Giorgio Armani, Lolita Lempicka, Moschino, Givenchy, Gaultier, Valentino and John Galliano.
In 2001 Natalia got married. Her husband was a handsome booker from the model agency. They live in Paris. Natalia is represented by Elite Paris.
Photo sources: Elle Russia, Vogue Russia 1999, Vogue Germany June 1995, Blumarine Fall 1999, YSL Opium 1999, Giorgio Armani campaign, Valentino Fall 1998.
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