Kristina Shapranova is an editorial and fashion model with a Russian background, who currently lives and works in Brisbane, Australia. Kristina is our latest Spotlight Interview competition winner and we were delighted when she completed an interview with Urbanity Chic. Read the in-depth interview below to find out who inspires Kristina, what fashion means to her and what motivates her to do what she does.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Beyonce - Heat
Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?
The first time when I got into modelling was because of my mum’s encouragements. I was only fourteen and modelling was something new for me, a world to discover. I went to do modelling courses and ended up in getting into the best modelling agency in Romania.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
This was one of the most important years in my life. Seven years ago my family moved from Russia to Romania and 2010 was the year when my family took the decision of emigrating to Australia. It was the time when we were full of emotions; we waited for our visa to be accepted. I had to quit modelling for a while right before a huge chance of winning a competition because we were going to leave the country. After my arrival in Australia I received an e-mail saying that I won Miss Romania competition. I was so happy but I couldn’t do anything. It was a year full of changes.
Q: Who inspires you?
Everything that is around me is an inspiration. There are so many people who inspire me. I love Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista for their confidence. Those are the women who found themselves, they found what they’re the best at.
I like the writer Jane Austen for her incredible talent of describing every single emotion with so much detail and complexity. Her understanding of human psychology is just unbelievable. I still love to take the old book “Pride and Prejudice” and reread some parts of it. I’ve done it so many times now and I never get sick of it.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
D&G
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
John Galliano is one of my favourite fashion designers. His creativity is just inspiring. From him I can always expect something surprisingly glamorous. I also admire Alex Perry and Stella McCartney.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I have no preference. I enjoy doing both location and studio photo shoots because each of them has particular advantages.
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
For a fashion show or a photo shoot I make sure that I have a good rest the night before, that I am relaxed and natural. I always spend some time beforehand to check the location of the shoot or show and I ensure that I know how to get there. I like to be punctual.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Calvin Klein - Beauty
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I had a change to work with great photographers. It is so hard to decide. I really admire Richard Warren’s work, He is one of my favourite photographers.
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
Particularly I would love to work with Alex Perry , George Favios, Stella McCartney and Richard Warren. In rest it would be just awesome to get more work with professional photographers, fashion designers, magazine editors…anyone who works in the fashion industry.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a part of my life. It means different personality aspects represented through various items. It is how you present yourself. It is a style you adapt. I love dressing up, reading fashion magazines and most of all going to fashion shows and photo shoots.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
I have no particular style. It always depends on the way I feel. I love changing my attitude and therefore my style. I am easy adaptable. In the last three months I started to fill up my wardrobe with skirts and dresses . I adapted a romantic fashion style.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Hugo Boss - Femme
Q: Where are you based?
Currently I live in Brisbane, Australia. I am hoping to get to visit America and Asia in the future.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
I was born in a small village, in Russia. It was a great place for my childhood. It was so cold on winter. I remember when I had to go to school and wear 3 layers of tights, warm hats, gloves, scarf, I didn’t enjoy it that much.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
When I was fifteen, it was my first time when I appeared in a TV show. It was the time when I learned how to build up my confidence.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
In 2011 I hope to be way far with my modelling career, to get some more publication/commercial work and travel to other countries.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Ralph Lauren - Wild
Q: What do you do to relax?
In my free time I love playing guitar, drawing, reading books and going for a walk, hanging out with my friends-this is the way I relax.
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
Lullaby-Yiruma
Katy Perry- Firework, teenage Dream
Britney Spears -- Till The World Ends
Tonight -I’m Lovin’ You
Montpelier-Last Boat
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
I love playing guitar because this is an easy way to express the way I feel. It is one of my latest habits. I never hesitate singing a song I like over and over again. My taste in music and my favourite songs-they always change. When I play guitar it feels like I am relieved, I forget about everything for a moment and the only thing I know is just how pleasant is the sound of the music.
One of my oldest passions is art. I like creativity and imagination and I always find time to make an interesting artwork/drawing. I often go to see local art expositions and visit museums because that’s where I get my inspiration from.
Photography is one of my hobbies as well. It has been my passion for around one year now. I like going out in the city, observe people and find the most interesting ways of capturing the subject. People like to keep memories and that is why I am trying to make every single photo I take impressive. A photograph should be like a compressed emotion or thought, so the people feel it as they visualise the image.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Sisley
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new models or aspiring models what would it be?
My advice is: “Girls be confident in everything you do. If it happens to do something wrong, than do it with confidence” Sometimes it happens for the things do not go the way you expected them to but don’t get discouraged and never give up. Follow your dream and remember there is always something better waiting for you.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
Modelling has always been one of my greatest passions. I would love to make fashion not just a part time job but a way to live, a career. For me there is nothing impossible. I believe that when people find themselves they feel happy and they are able to make others happy as well.
I feel that modelling makes me happy and therefore it gives me the opportunity of bringing success to those who I work with. I love meeting new people and I love what they do.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I would thank the readers for the time they took to read the article.
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Kristina Shapranova
Proactiv
Editor’s Note: Krisitna Shapranova is definitely one of Urbanity Chic’s models to watch for 2011. Every photo exudes a timeless and commercial style.
If you’d like to contact Kristina Shapranova follow the link to her facebook profile below:
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kshapranova
About Urbanity Chic
