Meet Irene Stepanenko, a thriving international top model from Russia based in New York City. Throughout her modeling career she has appeared in countless editorials for magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle, InStyle, Marie Clair, L’officiel, Tatler, Vogue, and Grazia. Irene’s distinguished look, bright personality and unique talents have gained her tremendous success in the fashion industry.

Irene&rsquo;s work can be seen around the world which all possess her unforgettable look that clients must have. Working with major clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neuman Marcus, Dior, Swarovski, Moschino, Artis, Wella and TSUM have all but secured her a position as a leading and unparalleled high fashion model.
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Tell us, how did you get scouted?
I was discovered at 24 years old on the street in Moscow by my now mother agency scout who then got me my first contract abroad in Tokyo, Japan.&nbsp;
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Did you desire to be a model before you got scouted?
So here is a story. At age 17 I won a beauty contest at my University and was asked to sign with the modeling agency. But I had to reject that proposal because I never saw myself as a model, I wanted to finish my studies and get a diploma. My family is very conservative in that sense too. Basically a model career wasn&rsquo;t an option for me at all. So the time I was discovered again I had a regular job in an office, I was standing on my toes already and just decided to try modeling as a side gig which then became my passion and main source of income.

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What do you find the most challenging about your job?&nbsp;

Dealing with rejection. I used to get very upset when I wasn&rsquo;t chosen for a job. But over the years of experience I learned how to trust the process and feel confident in any situation. Clients choose their model the same way as a model chooses their client. I believe that the client and the model have to match. When that happens it is a magical thing.&nbsp;

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What have been the most memorable moments of your career?&nbsp;

There have been so many! I think one day I have to write a book describing all of those wonderful moments, but here is one of them. I remember one of my first shows at NYFW for the brand called Libertine. On the day of the show the designer decided that I would be closing his show. He put a pirate hat on me which was super big and it was clearly falling and covering my eyes while I was on the runway. So I stopped for a pose and adjusted the hat in a way that made it seem like the adjustment was a part of the show. When I came backstage everybody applauded me and said it was a great move, and the designer team was super happy.

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Would you like to give any advice to young new models on that topic?

Yes, I want to say to them to eat healthy, nutritious foods, drink lots of water, never starve yourself! Find sports or fitness which you like the most and don&rsquo;t be shy to try something new. Give yourself time to meditate, reflect on yourself and the people around you, send gratitude every day.

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Team Credits:

Model: Irene Stepanenko @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iriree" target="_blank">iriree</a> 
Photographer: Ekaterina Belinskaya @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/avine_" target="_blank">avine_</a> 
Wardrobe Stylist: Stasi Berezovskaya @<a href="http://www.instagram.com/stasi.berezovskaya" target="_blank">stasi.berezovskaya</a>

Meet Irene Stepanenko

L'OFFICIEL Latvija #135

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Meet Irene Stepanenko

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