Ksenia Zubkova is an international Russian model (launched by the reputed Toabh Creative Agency). She is a sports lover and is a master in rhythmic gymnastics, she adores dance and is a complete fitness lover! She loves to explore new places and has a flair for travelling. Ksenia believes in working hard and working professionally, no matter what! According to her philosophy, the Runway is not just about showing fashion, it is about gaining confidence!
How did you start your journey as a model?
Modelling was my hobby since I was 16-years-old. I worked in Russia where I managed modelling along with my study at the university. After graduation I was offered a contract by my Russian mother agency. After signing the contract, a week later I went on my first working trip to Thailand. That’s when my career as a professional model began.
Who is your icon in the fashion world?
I don’t think I have an icon. I’m trying to learn from everyone.
One sweet or interesting memory from the childhood?
When me and my sisters were kids, my grandfather made a handmade toy – wooden owl. Grandma used to put three candies inside the “owl”, one for each granddaughter. So when we came to visit them, Grandma said that the owl knew that you would come and brought you a sweet surprise. We were extremely happy and waited for a meeting with the owl every time we visited our grandparents. Even when we were older and knew that the owl was not real, we still waited for the meeting. But one day when we arrived and did not find the owl in its place, our grandma explained that since we are grown up girls now, the owl flew away to other children to give them sweet gifts. We were very upset! Me and my sisters still remember this owl and thank our grandparents for such sweet memories.
How much is privacy important to you in this age of social media?
I think that personal life should remain “behind the scenes”. Social media is a huge platform for PR, so you shouldn’t believe everything you see on Instagram or news. I believe that the personal should be only personal.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty in the fashion industry for me is completely different from beauty in real life. The fashion industry tries to impose beauty standards on us. In real life, we must understand that each person is absolutely unique and it is impossible for everyone to be like a celebrity on the cover page of a magazine. For me beauty is the ability to show your individuality in the best way and combine it with your rich inner world.
What’s the best and the worst thing about being a model?
It’s not as easy as it looks. Sometimes you have to wear warm clothes in summer and a light dress in the snow, but you have to work professionally no matter what. But the best part is that you get to see new and beautiful places, and also get to travel
around the world, meet the most interesting people and get the best experience.
What advice would you give to 16-year-old you?
Don’t care about what people are saying about you. You’re doing the best now! Enjoy your life experience it’s going to be lot of fun.
Three things you cannot live without?
I can survive anyway!
One beauty product you swear by!
All beauty products are very individual. I love Kiehl’s products offlate. I also recommend “midnight recovery concentrate”. One can notice an immediate difference next morning after using this product.
When you’re on the ramp what goes in your head?
I am counting. Maybe it’s funny, but I need to be sure that my pace is always fine on the ramp!
Your favorite fashion designer?
Karl Lagerfeld. All his collections are awesome. How finely he picks up the details and clearly knows the DNA of each brand he works with. It is awesome. I wish that I had at least a hundredth part of his experience in the fashion industry.
Your favorite makeup artist?
I don’t have a favorite. For me the most important aspect is how professional they are and how creative they can be.
Do you watch TV shows? If yes, which is your favorite one?
I love TV shows. The best from my top list is “the friends”. “Breaking bad” is also good and I love it.
Your advice to young models?
Be confident no matter what and continue to pursue your goals. Do not stop growing. Modelling, like any other profession, requires self-development both professional and internal.