Interview with an International Model Redefining Passion, Persistence, and Fashion
Aleksandra Dubrovskaya—known to many as Sasha—is a rising force in the global fashion industry. From her early days in the far north of Russia to walking runways in New York, Paris, and beyond, her journey is a story of resilience, ambition, and deep love for the art of modeling. In this exclusive interview, Sasha opens up about her beginnings, her biggest achievements, and her vision for the future of fashion.
Early Life: Growing Up Between Darkness and Light
Q: Tell us about your childhood and where you’re from.
Sasha: I was born in Murmansk, a city in northern Russia where you can see the Northern Lights—but it’s also incredibly cold. I was actually born near the border between Murmansk and Finland because my dad worked in customs there. It’s a very unique place. In the winter, there’s no sun at all, and in the summer, it’s daylight almost 24 hours a day. Winters were very depressing, while in the summer the constant sunlight could even hurt your eyes.
Later, my family moved to Krasnodar, near the Sochi area in southern Russia. It’s a beautiful city, and I still go back to visit my brother and his family.
The Start of a Modeling Career
Q: How did you begin your journey into modeling?
Sasha: It all started when my friend Natalya asked if I wanted to participate in the Miss Krasnodar beauty pageant. Of course, I said yes. That experience opened the door for me, and I began working with an agency called Art Models, which is one of the biggest agencies in southern Russia.
Moving to New York: A Bold Leap
Q: What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Sasha: Moving to New York completely on my own without speaking any English was my biggest achievement. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in myself. Eventually, I signed with Major Model Management, which was a huge milestone in my career. After that, I was able to sponsor my parents to move to the United States, and now they live in Brooklyn. That means everything to me.
Working with Fashion Icons
Q: You’ve worked with some incredible names. Can you tell us about that?
Sasha: Yes, I’ve been very lucky. I’ve worked with Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum, which was an amazing experience. I’ve also been on 22 magazine covers and worked on many commercial projects. Every experience has helped me grow.
Life as a Model: Passion and Challenges
Q: What keeps you motivated in such a competitive industry?
Sasha: My role model is myself. I never say no to modeling jobs—even collaborations—because I truly love what I do. Fashion is my passion. But one of the biggest challenges is holding on to that passion. Sometimes people forget that models are human. We can stand for hours without food or water. I want to make sure that the love I have for fashion never fades.
Future Goals: Acting and Industry Change
Q: What are your goals for the future?
Sasha: I would love for modeling to become more like a unionized profession, similar to acting. Models deserve that structure and protection. I’m also starting to focus more on acting, while continuing my modeling career. I feel like I’ve achieved a lot, but there’s still so much more I want to do.
I also dream of bringing art and fashion even closer together. Fashion is already a form of art, but I want to explore that connection even more.
Fashion Week and Global Travel
Q: What are your plans for the upcoming season?
Sasha: Right now, I’m preparing for September Fashion Week. This summer, I’ll be traveling to Paris, Milan, and London to meet new agencies and get ready for the season. I like to keep my future projects private, but I’m very excited about what’s coming.
Recently, I completed New York Fashion Week and then went to Paris, where I worked on print projects for several magazines.
Giving Back: Helping New Models
Q: You also mentor new models. What advice do you give them?
Sasha: Yes, I love helping new models. I teach runway walking and posing for the camera. My advice is simple: never give up. If one agency says no, it doesn’t mean you’re not amazing. It might just mean they already have someone with a similar look.
Everything in this industry changes—bookers, trends, agencies. If you tried once, try again. Keep going to castings, keep improving yourself, and always pay attention to how you carry yourself. Posture is very important—keep your back straight and carry your energy with confidence. People will notice that light in you.
Family Support: The Strength Behind the Scenes
Q: Who has supported you the most on your journey?
Sasha: My parents. They’ve always believed in me, and I’m so grateful for them. My mom is incredible—she works behind the scenes in filmmaking and has been to many of my shows. All my clients know her and love her.
