On June 11, Alla Kostromichova, one of the brightest stars of the Ukrainian modeling business, a TV presenter, mentor, and a woman who turned her own name into a recognizable brand, celebrates her 40th anniversary. Her path is a story about how beauty, intelligence, perseverance, and iron discipline can conquer the world's catwalks.
Alexander McQueen fall-winter 2010/11
Advertising.
Alla was born in Sevastopol and, according to her, never dreamed of a modeling career. She studied seriously at the Sevastopol National Technical University, where she received a diploma in “Medical Electronics”. However, fate had other plans. The fashion world noticed her quite late by model standards – at the age of 22. But this start became her advantage: Kostromichova came to the industry mature, educated and ready to work. Her rise was rapid. Alla signed a contract with the Women Management agency and became the star of shows for Christian Dior, Hermès, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy. Her expressive appearance, tall stature and signature, structured gait made her a favorite of the world's leading designers.
Christian Dior fall-winter 2011/12
One of the most significant moments in her career was the Ukrainian model's participation in the Alexander McQueen fall-winter 2010/11 show. This collection went down in history: it was the last one that Lee Alexander McQueen worked on personally. After the designer's death in February 2010, it was presented in Paris for a narrow circle of guests – without a traditional loud show, in a chamber and very emotional atmosphere. The collection, which McQueen almost completed himself, was prepared for the show by his closest associate Sarah Burton. Alla, with her elegant, almost aristocratic and at the same time Gothic beauty, became a natural part of this story – a collection inspired by Byzantine art, religious painting of the Middle Ages and the works of old masters. In honor of the model's birthday, we recall this and other catwalk appearances by Alla Kostromichova – from the first fashion shows in the mid-2000s to the large-scale Gucci Cruise 2027 show.
Photo: Getty Images