Model Lyoka Tyagnereva Talks Heels, Mushrooms and Mensa

Lyoka Tyagnereva -- the striking Russian phenom with the fluffiest hair and the fiercest stare -- answers our questions fresh from a Mario Testino D&G pre-Fall 2008 campaign. The botanist-cum-model reveals her fear of heels, her love of mushrooms and disdain for Mensa.

Julia Frakes: When did you first know that you wanted to be a model?
Lyoka Tyagnereva: I never wanted to be a model. I mean, it wasn't my dream or something like that. I liked to take some pictures at home but never thought about [the possible] career of being a model. People said that I should… but I thought that it was a mean business.

JF: Do you ever become homesick while traveling?
LT: Of course, I'm always missing my home and my family!

JF: How were you "discovered"? 

LT: I was shooting my composite card at my agency in St. Petersburg -- my first shoot ever -- when the owner of a Moscow agency came to see another girl. And he liked me and sent me to Paris!

JF: What are your hobbies?
LT: I like ice-skating and ballroom dances. And, of course, reading!

JF: While traveling abroad, how do you explore new cities?
LT: Every time when I have a chance to look around in the new city I do it, because modeling is also a great opportunity to watch the world. I always take a walk and try to visit the most famous sights.

JF: What makes you laugh uncontrollably?

LT: Many things. I like laughing. And I do it very often with my family and my best friends.

JF: How would you describe your personal style?
LT: Emm... Casual.

JF: What are your last thoughts prior to stepping out onto the runway?
LT: OMG! These shoes… gonna fall!!!

JF: What was it like opening and closing the Brian Reyes show?

LT: I don't remember exactly now. But I think it was the first show I opened. It was really exciting, I was really nervous. Actually, I'm always nervous before the shows… it's a big responsibility to open the show. But everything was good.

JF: How did you develop your interest in plants and flowers?
LT: I’ve always loved nature from my childhood. I studied chemistry/biology-orientated classes at school and continued to study botany at university.

JF: What do you value most in others?
LT: Wisdom and honesty.

JF: What do you value most in yourself?
LT: Honesty

JF: Do you believe in luck?
LT: That's quite a philosophical question... I think if you want to do something, you do everything to reach your goal -- and in this case luck will support you. But I think that luck doesn't like lazy people!

JF: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?

LT: Finishing school with all fives and with a medal.

JF: What do you least admire about the fashion industry?
LT: Falseness and hairstylists

JF: Do you prefer doing runway or editorial work?
LT: I like both.

JF: What have you learned about yourself through this challenging industry? 

LT: I can use obscene language when I am pissed off. Normally I don't use it.

JF: How do you keep yourself entertained backstage?
LT: Sometimes backstage is really boring. But taking pictures is a big ‘fun’ for me. Also, I speak and laugh with my friends (if they’re working in the show). But if you have several shows in a day you just don't have time to get bored -- you're late and you’re rushing, when you get to the show the make-up artists and hairstylists immediately start working on you and… you want to have a break to eat something!

JF: What do you consider to be the most widespread misconception about models?

LT: That a model is almost the same as a prostitute. But in the past few years people have started to realize that it's not the truth. And also that all the models are stupid. Some of them really are, but most are not. I can't say they're really clever -- but not stupid!

JF: How do you maintain your radiant complexion? Do you have a specific beauty ritual?
LT: I think you just need to feel happy to look good. If you are in a good mood, joking and laughing, feel love for your family, friends and just people, you look better. Just be an optimist!

JF: What is your favorite food?

LT: I'm crazy about mushrooms!

JF: How would you rate your cooking ability?

LT: I cook quite well, but with the book I can do many things!

JF: Are there any organizations or foundations that are close to your heart?


LT: WWF (World Wildlife Fund)… I don't like Greenpeace -- they're too commercial. Also I wanted to join Mensa but you need to pay for it every month. I don't think that’s nice.

A very special thank you to the gorgeous & witty Lyoka for partaking in this interview and for her candid replies... especially impressive considering English is not her first language!

Artwork by the brilliant Alice Lancaster!