The name Dana Okhanska is synonymous with fashion. She has seamlessly juggled a multi faceted career. As a model and as the director of Fox Model Management, Dana has always been way ahead of the curve. In a detailed interview, she talked about all things fashion and modelling world.
How did you start your journey as a model?
I was at a job interview for some promoter profile for Hyundai zone during UEFA Euro 2012. But instead they asked me to do hostess-modelling. I was surprised, but I agreed of course. After that I decided to start my modeling career. I started to look for photographers online to make a portfolio. I didn’t have money for that, so I found beginners-photographer, who clicked my photos for free.
Who is your fashion icon?
Iris Barrel Apfel. I wish to look as bright as she does in my 90s.
How much is privacy important to you in this age of social media?
I never post pictures with my boyfriend. I will make my private life more open once I will get married.
What made you start your own modelling agency?
Dream and passion. I always wanted to have something on my own. To build and create something important from ‘zero’. And I always liked fashion industry and different fields it has. So I combined my dream and knowledge I had and Fox Model Management was created.
The most treasured item in your closet?
Black hat. It makes a look special and little mysterious.
What does your morning routine includes?
Black tea with lemon and big breakfast. And answering e-mails for 1-2 hours.
One thing you cannot live without?
My agency
What is the best and the worst thing about being a model?
You need to take a lot of care about yourself. Every day’s makeup and hairstyling can influence your skin and hair really bad. But there are a lot of benefits too; financial independence and possibilities to explore the world.
What advice would you give to a 16 year old you?
Don’t care what other people say about you…. Don’t let their opinions affect you!
One beauty product you swear by?
Coconut oil
Three things that are always in your bag?
Wet napkins, credit card and lipstick
If your days had an extra hour, what you would do?
Sleep 1 hour more. I am a sleepyhead
Most memorable modeling moment
The first catwalk at Ukrainian Fashion Week in 2013. I felt very proud of myself as it was my dream since childhood.
Who is your 3 am friend?
Pillow
Do you watch TV shows if yes which is your all time favorite show?
Sometimes I do. ‘Friends’ is my favourite show
As a model travel is a big part of your job. Do you like it?
Yes, I like it very much. And I can manage my modelling agency through my laptop and phone, what gives me a freedom to travel around the world. Traveling makes me think more positive and brings understanding about people of other cultures. That’s magnificent!
What has been the most memorable experience so far?
My 5 months trip alone to Asia. I have been traveling to Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. And I met many interesting people there, who brought some inspiration and made my vision of life kind of different.
Your advice to young models?
Don’t act like a queen. There are many beautiful girls in the world. That’s why it’s not enough to be just beautiful. Keep working on yourself. And not only in a gym. Read more books and always look happy at castings no matter what you feel.
Walk us through your beauty regime?
I don’t have a special beauty regime. Just try to sleep not less than 8 hours every day. I used to be an ‘owl’. But now I sleep around midnight and wake-up at 8-9 a.m. It makes me happy. Also, I never forget to clean my face every evening before sleeping no matter how tired I am.
Quickest beauty fix
Make you face fresh with ice cube and use your favourite black mascara to highlight your eyelashes
Go to red carpet look
Long green dress and high hills
Your Pamper fix
Massages
Favourite Fashion designer
Miucia Prada
Favourite holiday destination
Seyshelles islands and Thailand
Favourite Food
Just dark chocolate with nuts. Can’t live without it
Favourite movie
‘Vanilla Sky’
Favourite Book
‘Shantaram’. The most amazing book I have ever read. Especially the chapter one. There are many wise words and a lot of passion for living a happy life.
(Photo Credit Lisovoy Evgeniy )