Spotlight Interview – Mariana Chuleva

Mariana Chuleva is a multi-talented model who is currently living and working in London. After checking out some of Mariana’s recent shoots and work for Fashion TV we were really impressed and were delighted, despite her increasingly hectic schedule, when she agreed to be interviewed by Urbanity Chic. Read on to find out about how Mariana became interested in fashion modeling, what she’s currently working on and what she does to relax when not working.

 

 

 

Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?

As a little girl I was very shy and insecure but I have always found something magnificent about being under the spotlight.

While growing up I hated posing for photos even for my mom’s birthday until one summer day after first year in high school. Some of my new friends – already advanced in social media communications – convinced me to pose for some shots. I got home and forgot about it but when they send me the photos I actually liked them. One of them was even good enough so I could also join the popular websites I used to make fun of.

 

 

Not long after a professional photographer contacted me with a proposal for fashion shoot. The second I read it my sarcastic reply was on its way… “Yes, sure…let’s shoot in an abandoned warehouse out of town!!!”. The person replied with their website and portfolio but I still did not take  it.
Anyway, we kept on chatting and after three months I met (in a crowded place) my present MANAGER and we created some amazing shots (still one of my favorite).

 

 

Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?

The last year was really busy and emotional for me. I moved in London last September and started from scratch. I had to work very hard so I can create a good professional network and now I am finally releasing my new website – www.chuleva.co.uk.

 

 

Q: Who inspires you?

If your mind is open inspiration comes from everywhere. I am very positive person and I believe a smile can open every door.

 

 

I love listening to music and going for long walks – this kind of restarts my mind. I still see so many new things in the area I live. I cannot believe how big London is!

 

 

Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?

I am a huge fan of Coco Rocha. She has been my idol ever since I saw her first work. Coco is a great example of successful businesswoman with great approach to the media and society.

 

 

Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?

This is a tough one! Considering the London weather I can never underestimate the comfort of nice studio but on location shoots always present you with the challenge of being creative in a changing environment. Anyway, being in a nice team is what actually makes the photos memorable.

 

 

Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot, or a casting you’d like to share?

Every shoot is different even when you work with people you know. Different style, ideas and different energy. I always get home tired but with so much to tell…

 

 

Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?

Well, I am like a panda – I have to sleep enough so I look and feel good.

 

 

Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?

Not only one!!! My favorite shoot ever is a lingerie project for FashionTV
FashionTV video --

 

 

Q: Who is your favourite photographer?

During my four years experience I have worked with so many great professionals and I have an endless list of names I put with proud in my portfolio. Among all I doubtlessly choose Pavel Badzhakov – nominated for Photographer Of The Year for 2013 at Cannes – www.badzhakov.com.

 

 

Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?

Ever since I am in the UK I want to shoot with Mario Testino. I fall in love with his shoot for V Magazine of Kate Moss and Rihanna and I simply adore the Burberry photos of Cara Delevingne

 

Q: What does fashion mean to you?

I like feeling free in my clothes. I am very punky in my daily life but I cannot live without a note of style even in my tracksuit. I was wondering why and soon a thought came to my mind. In historical plan fashion is something that gave women a lot of power. Wearing trousers is not just a way to feel comfortable during the day but also a sign of equality. I really think this war is far behind us nowadays but for me the pair of jeans or the shirt you choose in the morning while being sleepy is much more than a cover for our birth suit. Fashion is a tool that you should use wisely and show your individuality though it.

 

 

Q: How would you define your personal style?

After so many years working with fashion I cannot define a style for me and that is not a bad thing. I love changes. Today you might see me as a schoolgirl all dressed in pink and tomorrow I will surprise you as a rock diva… This is why I am so happy with my job! As a model and an actress I have no borders – even if I am out of ideas a MUA or a stylist will come and show me something new. You have no idea what can be done with a few hairpins of pieces of fabric.

 

 

Q: Where are you based?

I live and work in London, UK but as a true explorer I love traveling.

 

 

Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

As a kid I was always watching FashionTV and if someone had ever told me I would have four videos aired there I would have never believed them. It is a real-dream-come true for me but I am planning it to be just the beginning.

 

 

Q: What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months?

I am not just hoping, but I will! I am planning to focus my career on acting now as this is something I can really involve myself with. Being a model is more like being someone else while being an actor is more like putting yourself in different situation and it is a great way to experience life surrounded by positive and creative people.

 

 

 

Q: What do you do to relax?

I like doing yoga or running but what really helps me distress is cutting some innocent vegetables and cooking tasty dishes.

 

 

Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?

As a person living in the foggy but lovely London I would say – somewhere sunny! This year I was in Ibiza and it was amazing. I am planning on visiting Spain again not only for the beautiful beaches but also for the amazing jewelry.

 

 

Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?

As I said earlier for me music is life. Sometimes I feel through music. I don’t need to say anything if the song says it all. Mostly I listen to Rock’n’Roll music because my daddy thought me to since a little kid but also like Reggae, Drum&Bass, Soul…. Pretty much everything.

 

 

Q: Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Apart from the acting I like conquering my fears… I love extreme sports, hiking, biking and climbing. I bet I will surprise you but I also love Economy and and I constantly do researches of the market in Fashion, Design, Photography and Media Production.

 

 

Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new or aspiring models what would it be?

Just believe in yourselves and enjoy what you are doing. 

 

 

Q: What motivates you to do what you do? 

Family for me is the one thing that keeps me fighting. My parents have always supported me in what I am doing and I cannot be more grateful for that. They thought me how to dream and how to work for your dreams and  I really want to pay them back for all the love they have given me and my little brother. 

 

 

Editor’s Note: At Urbanity Chic we’re sure that you’ll be seeing a great deal more of Mariana Chuleva, whether on television, films or advertisements, over the coming months. Definitely one of Urbanity Chic’s Ones to Watch!

 

If you’d like to learn more about or get in touch with Mariana Chuleva just follow the links below:

Website: www.chuleva.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarianaChulevaFanPage

Twitter link: https://twitter.com/MarianaChuleva

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/channels/marianachuleva

BAD Models Management: http://badmodelsmanagement.com/#MARIANA_ID=32

 

Many thanks to Pavel Badzhakov -- www.badzhakov.com