A Diamond in the Sky

Breaking the barriers of new age fashion, this 12-year-old Russian born sports star has not just graced the runway but has also been featured on some of the world’s most sought after fashion magazines at this tender age. Read on to find more about this young sensation on the roll.

Discovered at a very young age, Arina Gordiy feels that modelling has helped her in various ways! From getting to know her strengths better, to work on her body movements, to turn more confident in life at whatever she does. Needless to say, at this age Gordiy’s parents have played a vital role in her success story. She’s been encouraged and trained to play outdoor sports like tennis, skating, skiing, football, horse riding, swimming and karate, to say a few. Loves to travel a lot, this young sensation pours all out in this exclusive interview to L’Officiel India. Edited excerpts follow:

L’Officiel India DigitalRead L’Officiel India in the digital libraryEvery issue and every cover story, on TCG Media.Read now

How did you start modeling? Share with us your first big break in the industry?

Almost one and a half years ago, my mother took me to a model agency to attend catwalk classes. Her purpose was to get my back straight. But I think I got so involved that I also started attending photoshoot classes and around four months later, I got the opportunity to participate in the Moscow Fashion Week in the year 2019. And that’s what I believe was my biggest break.

How do you manage to stay fit and healthy?

To be candid, I do not follow any diet chart. But I try to keep a tab on my eating habits like having less sweets, no sugary drinks, chips or hamburgers often. And yes, I do spend a lot of time playing sports almost everyday. And having apple a day and cucumbers go a long way in keeping me fit!

A few words on those behind your success.

Frankly, I can’t thank my mom enough for being there with me from day one - from all my photo shoots to all fashion events till date. She’s one of those with whom I discuss my future looks, poses, photography style, different country, their cultures, and a lot more. And yes, I can’t forget and will always be grateful to my first model coach Anna Nesterovitch who ensured my growth in this industry initially.

What do you do when you are not working?

Well, that’s almost like most teenagers. I like going for a walk with my friends, listening to music, making Tik-Tok and Likee videos, going to theatres and visiting each other at home.

How were you discovered?

Modelling has been one of my hobbies since the beginning. But one day, when me and my mother were returning from the Moscow Fashion Week, the model agent Nesterovitch took a glance at me, and offered me to try myself in professional modelling. After nearly two months of pondering over the offer, eventually, my mother took me for the first snap and photo shoot and rest as they say is history!

What is your go-to outfit for the daytime?

After school, where I am needed to wear a uniform, I prefer street style like jeans, boots, long sleeves, shorts, t-shirt, sports shoes and even a bomber. Anything will do!

Name three things on your bucket list?

First, to make so called “a candle” on my horse (the pose when the horse rises on its back legs); second, to participate in world famous kids’ fashion weeks and last but not least, to improve my math skills!

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I’ll be 21 then and would love to be a well-known model. I’ve a dream to open a fashion school for kids. Besides, hope to be a volunteer to help animals soon. Hope all this comes true!

As a model, how do you feel about being different and having your own style in a world of fast changing fashion?

I do not care about my looks. I mix styles and colours. Modelling has taught me to follow some basic rules and styles. I like to be different at the shootings or on podiums. I prefer the style which is tidy and comfortable.

Has modelling influenced you?

Absolutely, I think modelling has helped me understand myself better, helped me improve my body movements, become more sociable and carry less burden of complexes in life. I have also learned to become more responsible; from being in-time at the studio to controlling my emotions. Since I have lots of friends who are models, we get to meet and spend time with each other at fashion events, photo shoots or modelling school.

Photography: Svetlana Grishina. Model: Arina Gordiy. Stylist: Muah Li Lobanova. Location: Novinki Airport, Russia.

From the November 2020 issue of L’Officiel India.