Angelina Senko: Fashion Without Borders
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where elegance meets edgy creativity, Angelina Senko stands out as a beacon of style and sophistication. This international model, with New York as her base, traverses the globe, leaving a trail of stunning visuals and memorable runway moments. Angelina’s portfolio is as diverse as the places she’s graced with her presence, including the USA, Italy, France, Malaysia, China, Turkey, and Lebanon, to name just a few. Her work is a testament to her versatility and ability to adapt to the dynamic demands of the fashion industry across continents.
Follow Angelina @angeluchka
Hi Angelina, please tell us about yourself?
My name is Angelina Stetsenko, my stage name is Angelina Senko. I was born in Moscow, Russia. Right now, I live in New York, USA, and work as a fashion model. I studied neuropsychology at the University of Moscow. Prior to New York, I have been working in such countries as Italy, France, China, Malaysia, Turkey, Lebanon, and so on.
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, goal-oriented, and a cat lover.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far and why?
I think it is my mom. She is truly my role model. She is a doctor and a scientist. Throughout my life, I always took her as an example of honesty, cleverness, and kindness.
How and when did you start modeling?
Once my cousin told me that I could work part time as a model while being a student. So I just sent some pictures to a local model agency and the agent invited me for an interview. The first contract was signed with a fashion modeling agency in Moscow. That agency operated mostly in Moscow and the agent handed the first castings to me shortly after our meeting.
One of my first modeling jobs was Valentin Yudashkin’s show during Moscow Fashion Week. I worked for Valentin Yudashkin for several seasons after that and participated in many of his fashion shows.
Later, I graduated from university, got a degree, and modeling became my full time job. My first international contract was with an Italian agency in Milan. I was very lucky to be cast for Sergio Zambon’s show during Milan Fashion Week.
The most important thing when you are shooting is:
Being in the right mood. It is crucial to sleep enough hours before the shoot day and get a proper breakfast. It helps to maintain the energy level during the shoot, which can be really exhausting.
Can you tell me a few names of the brands you are working with now or have worked with?
I have worked with Elle, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, Vogue, Tatler, Valentin Yudashkin, Sergio Zambon,
What is your advice for young models and influencers?
The best thing aspiring models and influencers can do is to get an experienced agent. This person will guide you through the complex fashion world, which is full of distractions. It is crucial to listen to the advice of your agent and follow the given instructions. The agent can help a model/influencer avoid common mistakes and distractions and make the journey to success smoother and shorter.
Tell us three countries to travel to.
My must visit countries are France, Italy, and the islands of the Philippines.
And which countries or cities are still on your bucket list?
I really want to visit Portugal, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia.
How do you manage your busy schedule with your personal life?
It has always been an issue! It is really difficult to split your time between your professional and personal matters. I have to plan a few months ahead sometimes in order to fit all arrangements. If there is a conflict in my schedule, I have to choose, and this choice is never an easy one.
What place that you visited do you think changed you in a particular way, maybe for motivation, a different reality, etc.?
I can name two countries that I worked in that gave me a lot of insights into the entire region and the fashion industry as a whole.
Firstly, Malaysia showed me how different Asia can be. I arrived in Kuala Lumpur after working in Hangzhou, China. I was pretty busy in China shooting catalogs on a daily basis, not only in Hangzhou but in different cities as well. Working in China is all about posing the same way every day for a different client. It is not a very creative fashion job. However, jobs in Malaysia are totally different. Each shoot or runway show is a unique one. I am sure every shoot/show was planned very carefully before: mood boards were created, inspiration pictures for make-up/hair style were prepared and the location of the shoot/show was chosen for a reason. The outcome of the collaborations with creative professionals was just amazing. I got tons of editorials, campaigns, and lookbooks where I had a chance to try on different styles of clothing, make-up, and hair. It has helped me learn what style of clothing, make-up, or hair suits me better.
Secondly, New York showed me how competitive the fashion market could be. Being 300 something on the casting list for the runway show unbalanced me at first. New York attracts the best of the best professionals. To compete with other models on New York’s market, one should have much more than just a portfolio. It must have an outstanding portfolio with high-fashion editorials, covers, campaigns, etc. The client should have an opportunity to see how model looks in different styles, if she/he really has acting skills, etc.
Another of New York’s specific features is the diversity trend. The casting directors tend to diversify the model list for the show. So the show gets a few European models, a few Slavic models, a few black models and also a few Hispanic and Asian ones. I think it is a really great approach and the fashion show looks much better with so many different models walking on the runway.
What advice would you give to younger self and why?
To be more focused and goal-oriented. Setting the right goal and making small, everyday steps toward it is the best and actually the only way to achieve something in life. Time will pass anyway; the only thing that matters is how you use the time given to you.
What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?
Well, I think it fits the sports training in my schedule. I really love to do sports so it is not actually hard for me to be fit. However, I feel too tired to do a class after a full day of shooting. If I have spare time, I always go to yoga, TRX, or functional training.
Favorite form of cardio?
I am a big fan of biking. During the summer, me and my best friend usually bike on the weekends. We enjoy traveling by bike and visiting small towns and villages.
Where can we follow you?
My Instagram is @angeluchka. My website is angelinasenko.portfoliobox.net
Stay tuned!
Quote: “Never be limited by other people’s imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” (Mae Jemison)
Movie: The 5th element, Game of Thrones.
Travel destination: Amanpulo, Philippines.
Food: Crepes with sour cream or red caviar.
