Rising Star: Arina Gordiy

Arina is an upcoming talent in the modelling circuit. Arina, originally from Russia started her modelling career at the age of 10 and has never looked back ever since.

LO: How did you pass your time in Lockdown?

ZM: Well, I had a baby a few months ago so really, I’ve never been busier! Sticking to his schedule is a full time job! Other than that, I’ve tried to keep up with my workouts with my trainer Lee Mullins who owns the Workshop Gymnasium at the Bvlgari Hotels - there’s one in Dubai actually, and it’s amazing!!

LO: What have been your Lockdown essentials?

ZM: MUSIC! I’ve been making lots of Spotify playlists.

SKINCARE! For me it’s all about Dr Barbara Sturm and Estee Lauder skin care products.

WALKS! I’ve been taking my son out in his new Silver Cross x Aston Martin stroller.

LYCRA! I’ve lived in stretchy clothing/Workout gear haha - my favourites are Varley, Adidas and Versace Activewear.

TECH! I don’t know how we could have gone through this without our iPhones and Zoom!

How has social media helped your work?

Social media has been a helpful tool - yet, also detrimental in a way. I’m conflicted because where I understand that it has helped with certain jobs, I feel that sometimes it negates talent because its all about the numbers/likes). However I am also aware that at this moment in time most of us can’t live without it as it has kept us all connected - and has played an incredibly important role in building momentum in the global Black Lives Matter movement.

LO: Can you tell us about your charity partnerships?

ZM: I work with two organisations - Women for Women international & Cash and Rocket:

Women for Women is a charity which has helped over half a million women survivors of war and conflict (across regions including Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Sudan) rebuild their lives.

Cash & Rocket is an annual 4 day car rally across Europe raising funds for charities that help to empower women and children through education - something I am extremely passionate about.

I’ve been an ambassador for both charities for a few years now and it will be something I will continue to work on in the future.

What does the future look like to you?

2020 has been a lot. If this experience has taught me anything is that nothing in life is certain. I still have lots of aspirations for my career - I still want to be in a Fast and the Furious movie (true story), I still want to expand my family, and enjoy life! I’m rolling with the punches, making plans and hoping to get there!