by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Alina Fatieieva was working on her selfie skills before she began her fashion journey in earnest.
“I started as a photographer,” said the fashion model with global credentials in an email interview. “I learned how to operate a camera using myself as a subject.”
“I noticed I was getting pretty good photos,” said Alina.
Those photograph attracted the attention of other people.
“People often asked if I was a model, so I decided to give it a try,” said Alina.
Alina’s first gig as a model was working runway at Northern Vogue gala in her home state of Minnesota.
“It felt very inspiring and empowering,” said Alina of that first runway event. “I felt like I was in the right place doing what I was supposed to.”
Alina has done work on runway ever since, as well as modeled of fashion photographers.
“Runway is a performance in the moment,” said Alina. “I love that I get to express how the clothing that I’m wearing is making me feel.”
“(Posing for) photos is story creation,” said Alina. “It takes more thought and effort, because one has to know and feel their body to be able to create that one memorable shot.”
As a model, Alina said, “I’ve represented many designers from the USA as well as other parts of the world.”
“One of the most memorable moments (as a model was) representing Team Australia in Aveda Congress,” said Alina.
“It was my first huge show,” said Alina. “I loved the look that I had and the people who worked with me to make it happen. It was also very empowering experience.”
Additionally, as fashion model, Alina said, “I get to work with clothing brands and boutiques.”
Alina said her favorite designer was the late Alexander McQueen. “He was an absolute genius and I am very sad I didn’t get to work with him.”
As a model, she said, “I was very inspired by Gia Carangi.”
Carangi was a huge model in the 1970s and 1980s. She was considered one of the world’s first supermodels. But, her star quickly burned out and she died in 1986 at age 26 from AIDS-related complications. Eventually, a film was made by HBO about her life starring Angelina Jolie.
“She was one of the first models I really admired,” said Alina, who also turns to Christy Turlington, Irina Shayk, and Coco Rocha for inspiration.
Alina comes to America from Ukraine where she said the style scene “is mostly high fashion, editorial and beauty.”
“It’s very European,” said Alina.
The scene in Ukraine also is competitive and a tough one to get into, said Alina.
It’s a scene, however, Alina did not participate in when she lived there.
“I never considered modeling there,” said Alina.
“I began considering modeling in the U.S. because my best friend was interested, so I started to learn more from her and from tagging along to castings,” said Alina.
Eventually, Alina wants to be active as a model in Europe and Asia. When she is wrapped up her career as a model, she said, “(I want to) use my knowledge and skills to continue working in the industry in other creative and administrative roles.”
“I am interested in using my skills to create big shows that combine different artistic mediums,” said Alina.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
Alina Fatieieva poses in Washington D.C.