Antonina Kharina, a famous model and fashion blogger, has built a remarkable career, proving to thousands of young girls that dreams can come true. Originally from a small town in the Urals, Antonina mastered the intricacies of the modeling profession, participating in the most prestigious Fashion Weeks around the world and working on photoshoots for major brands and international projects. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and dedicating herself to self-development.
I started actively developing my career in modeling about a year and a half ago. After going through numerous shows, projects, events, and photoshoots, I see that I am in demand and that people want to collaborate with me. And that inspires me! Now I can say that yes, I am a professional model, and I have succeeded. By the way, this was not my childhood dream. I didn't even think that it was possible. I had typical dreams that were not related to modeling. I wanted to be an athlete and thought I would dedicate my life to sports. Modeling didn't cross my mind at all.
I am from a small town called Verkhnyaya Salda, located in the Sverdlovsk region. Initially, I participated in various school and city events. I was very active, enjoyed interacting with people, and showcasing myself and my talents. My mom's profession as a hairdresser influenced me. I always had trendy hairstyles, and many people would come up to me and ask for a haircut like "Tony's" (laughs). Additionally, my aunt is a seamstress-designer, so I always went out with stylish haircuts and fashionable clothes. However, our town didn't offer any modeling courses. After some time, my mom and I found an advertisement for auditions for a modeling school in a neighboring city. Without much thought, we decided to give it a try! I am tall, and people always told me I could become a model. So my mom and I applied to the modeling school in Nizhny Tagil, where I began my training. During the training, I met new people from the fashion world and learned more about this industry. I realized that I loved it and wanted to continue developing in this direction.
I always felt immense support from my family. My grandmother, a creative person, supported me greatly in the beginning of my journey and continues to do so. She has a great sense of style and fashion, making the fashion industry close to her heart. My grandmother always supports me, especially during moments when I feel mentally and physically exhausted, and I feel like giving up. Her support is crucial to me and plays a significant role in my life. Other than that, since I am close to my family, it was important for me to receive support from them. In my hometown, some people saw my interest as something unserious, while some friends and acquaintances even disapproved. It's not surprising that the support of loved ones played a crucial role and gave me additional strength (smiles).
I vividly remember my first works when I was still studying at the modeling school. At that time, I didn't understand what was expected of me, and I did things in a funny and awkward way, receiving a lot of criticism. It was then that I realized that being a model is very difficult! It's not enough to have a beautiful face and a good figure; you need to acquire fundamental knowledge and understanding of this profession. One of my early photoshoots stands out in my memory, where I had to portray a child with toys. I couldn't do it. I looked so silly that at some point, I even thought it wasn't for me! And that was when I realized that being a model is far from easy.
I believe that a model should have a pleasant appearance and a good physical shape. However, that's only half of the job because beauty alone is not enough. You need to be a well-rounded individual: read a lot, be able to transform, and know foreign languages. Additionally, being charismatic is essential to create a positive impression on others and present oneself effectively.
The most important thing is to develop the right attitude towards oneself and others. You need to be able to see your strengths and feel your power. It's also helpful to have the skill of facing any difficult situation and learn from it. But the most crucial aspect is to love yourself, see beauty in everything, value your loved ones, and, of course, have your family proud of you.
I have been fortunate to participate in various Fashion Weeks both in Russia and abroad. The organization of these events was top-notch everywhere. I particularly remember my participation in the Fashion Week in Sochi! I was amazed by the scale, coherence, and precision of the event. It was a pleasure to work with designers, stylists, and makeup artists. I want to emphasize that in terms of organization, Russian Fashion Weeks are not inferior to the international ones. I find it more enjoyable and interesting to participate in domestic Fashion Weeks than in Western projects. I believe that Russian fashion designers have reached a global level now.
I love all the designers I have worked with. Each collection was incredibly beautiful, and I found something that resonated with me in every lineup. Therefore, I can't highlight any specific designers.
I particularly enjoy participating in dynamic and daring projects. For example, I participated in a leather collection show where there was rhythmic music playing, making me want not only to walk but also to dance (laughs). Everything was so fun and energetic, and I had a lot of fun! I realized that every project is special to me. I am proud that I have already had the opportunity to participate in many wonderful projects, and there are even more exciting events ahead. So, my biggest pride is myself!
There is indeed a lot of attention, both from men and women. People often come up to me on the street, give compliments, which is very pleasant! Sometimes, of course, excessive attention can become a little annoying. But I genuinely enjoy showcasing my beauty!
It is essential to take care of oneself, one's diet, skin, and lifestyle. I believe the most important thing is to love yourself, radiate goodness, confidence, and be in harmony with yourself. When everything is good internally, in your mind, you will look wonderful externally. And, of course, don't forget about a positive attitude!
Indeed, modeling is hard work. Especially when fashion shows go on all-day from eight in the morning until late at night. When I come home, I don't want to do anything anymore... The best rest for me is to sleep well, eat delicious food, and spend time with my loved ones. It is necessary to listen to your body and not overstrain yourself! It is essential to allocate one or two days for rest after long photoshoots or projects to take care of yourself and your body.
I love to travel, and I have already been to many cities and countries. But Yekaterinburg is forever in my heart because I consider this city the beginning of my life. My great-grandfather fought in the war and was awarded the Order of the Red Star and the medal "For the Defense of Moscow." Another great-grandfather worked at a metallurgical plant from the age of sixteen until retirement. My mother has owned a beauty salon for more than thirty-five years, making people beautiful and, therefore, happy. I am very proud of all of them. Wherever I go, I always strive to live in a way that I constantly feel warmth and tenderness as well as radiate kindness. In Yekaterinburg, I find all of these things.
Never stop believing in yourself! Keep pursuing your goals no matter what! And most importantly, have the desire. When you have the desire, you will find the opportunity. I can advise them to pursue their passion, listen to their hearts, and not the opinions of others. And everything will work out!
