Natalia Piro Model Country: Ukraine

Biography of Natalia Pirozhkova

Natalia Pirozhkova, a model from Odessa, Ukraine, received a contract as a gift and has been working with Next agency in Paris for several months. She compares the modeling industry in Ukraine and France, highlighting the differences in terms of portfolios, financial support, and opportunities. In Odessa, there are a few reputable agencies, such as Scarlett, owned by two sisters, one residing in Odessa and the other in Paris. Natalia comes from a modest family, and her money was dedicated to education. However, when Art-podium agency in Odessa announced a free casting, Natalia decided to try her luck. Despite her initial insecurities, Natalia was selected and began her modeling journey.

Mastering the walk was one of the most challenging aspects for Natalia. She had a hunched posture, and she was constantly reprimanded for it. However, she persevered because she had always dreamed of being a model. Natalia also underwent training on interacting with clients, maintaining a healthy diet, and dancing. Due to her limited financial resources, Natalia struggled to afford professional photos for her portfolio. Luckily, her director, who was friends with Stas Yankovsky, the director of the prestigious Kiev agency, El-Models, offered her the opportunity to have a photoshoot and create a proper portfolio. Although the experience was intimidating, Natalia's photos turned out well, and she was invited to a modeling competition in Kiev. Winning the competition meant securing a contract with the international agency, Next. However, Natalia felt disappointed as she had expected a crown and a beautiful dress instead of a simple contract. Moreover, she had to apply for an American visa to go to New York, a city she had never visited before. Concerned about leaving her husband behind, Natalia returned home instead of pursuing the opportunity.

However, Natalia's modeling career did not stop there. She was invited to appear in a music video for the band Zveri, despite not knowing who they were at the time. The video became popular, and Natalia received numerous congratulations, which made her reconsider her decision to quit modeling. Soon after, she received her visa, and she left for New York. Initially, the experience was overwhelming, as Natalia had never been on a plane before and her Ukrainian photoshoot did not meet the Western standards. However, she quickly adapted and earned money by doing catalog shoots, which was the most financially rewarding work. With her debts cleared, Natalia was granted a work visa. Her growing portfolio, including an Elle magazine cover, caught the attention of Next agency in Paris, and she was transferred there.

In Paris, Natalia faced the challenge of reshooting her portfolio once again. However, she had already become accustomed to the process. She has been working in Paris for a year and a half without any issues. Despite being away from her husband, they have an understanding that Natalia pursues her passion, and if there were any problems, she would return home. Natalia's husband takes pride in having a wife who is a model in Paris. She occasionally visits him instead of inviting him to Paris because she knows that if he joined her, she would not have time for him due to her demanding schedule.

During fashion week, Natalia's schedule is filled with castings and fittings for various collections. The number of appearances in a collection varies, but typically she has three to four. Natalia's agency, Next, has branches worldwide, and her photos are constantly featured on their website. Moving between New York, London, Milan, and Paris is necessary to increase exposure and opportunities. Natalia has also learned to speak English fluently due to her modeling career and the friends she has made in the industry. The flexibility and diversity of modeling are what Natalia enjoys the most - one day she can be sitting in a café in Milan, and the next day she can be on a runway in Tokyo.

Clients, such as stylists and photographers, decide whether to hire a model based on their appearance and portfolio. Natalia's versatility and ability to portray various looks have made her popular among clients. Maintaining a good relationship with her booker, who is responsible for managing her career, is crucial, as they play a significant role in securing jobs. The modeling industry in Russia and the West differs in terms of style and competition. In Russia, models tend to dress more extravagantly for castings, while in the West, a more casual and natural appearance is preferred. Natalia believes the modeling industry in Paris suits her best because it reminds her of her hometown, Odessa.

Living in Paris has been a fulfilling experience for Natalia, and she sees it as a second home.