Identity Matters - Lera Levinski

L'Officiel Arabia: Lera, you have won the prestigious title MISS NATION UNIVERSE - 2021. Tell us how did it go?

Lera Levinski: Yes, I can safely say that this has been my dream since I was a child, but a competition at this level was hard to imagine. At runways in New York City, I was invited to participate in the state pageant and I was very excited to become MISS NEW YORK US NATION.

According to the contest rules, winners from each state participate in the All-American Beauty Contest and compete for the United States Crown. In November 2020, Florida hosted MISS US NATION and I won the United States Crown! It was incredible, I was overcome with emotions, I can’t tell you how happy I was! Having won the Miss US Nation contest, I was able to participate in the Miss Nation Universe 2021 contest. It also meant that there was no going back, and that was a very important moment in my life. At the MISS NATION UNIVERSE contest there were girls from all over the world, of course due to quarantine some guests like celebrities were present online, but the scale of the contest was still impressive. I’m very grateful to the organizers, especially Nora Marvlli, to my friends and subscribers for their support and, of course, to my family. But winning a contest of this level is not only a global recognition and fame, but also a big responsibility.

L'OA: The MISS NATION UNIVERSE title is a really big responsibility, what do you plan as your next step?

LL: I realize that this year I will be the focus of special press and followers so I decided to support as much as possible young and talented designers from all over the world. Of course, I do not rule out the collaboration of famous brands and contracts with large brands, but for my part I want to help young talent to establish themselves and appear in the media. I pay great attention to the sustainable brands that protect our planet. By the way, I am an Ambassador of the young Ukrainian lingerie brand “Lady Hunter Lingerie”, which creates their products from natural materials and completely recyclable packaging. Also, not long ago I became the face of the world’s first magazine cover with digital dresses that are introduced on the platform dressx.com. These are brands of the future!

L'OA: How did your activity change during the quarantine period?

LL: The market unraveled of course, at first people panicked and then seemed to accept the situation. Naturally, all the big international contracts have ceased and fashion week itself has suffered.

But you know now it’s even bigger because people have gone online. Brands need good publicity, and in Los Angeles the weather allows you to do street-style photoshoots all year round without violating quarantine regulations. In the last six months alone I have been on many covers of top European and American publications. I’ve worked hard with the young American brand FarinazFz who will participate in Project Runway. Their dresses have a special place in my heart. I’ve worked for the Indian brand - Heritage India Fashions, for the beauty brand “Lara Nova Skincare”(cosmetics based on 100% natural ingredients), for the incredible suits brand Elie Balleh (they had one of the brightest runway shows on the Pier 59), for Ears of Buddha, Bodysuitsme, DM Fashion House and others.

L'OA: Tell me, what inspires and energizes you in your work?

LL: I’m most inspired by the people I work with. They’re creative, they’re hard-working, and they’re creating amazing things that become the world’s masterpieces. It’s a pleasure working with people like that. And of course photo shoots in unusual places. When borders were open I was able to see the world thanks to my work.

Now most of the shooting takes place in Los Angeles. For this specific cover me and my team travelled to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a very inspiring environment, magnificent trees, infinite open spaces. It’s breathtaking!

L'OA: I suppose you are often asked how can you manage your life-time balance and what do you do in your spare time, if there is one?

LL: Yeah, there’s a lot of work, but I’m good at planning. In addition, I have a great team that maintains my schedule. In my spare time, I like to walk along the ocean - it calms and energizes me. I also devote my time to self-development: reading books and meditating. I’ve spent the last six months studying Spanish and, of course, practicing sports and self-care.

I also like to travel, to explore new cities and cultures - it’s very emotional! But now it’s impossible, so I enjoy different cultures through fashion.

Thank you so much for the conversation, you are a very bright and inspiring person.