Snizhana Onopko at Paris Fashion Week
Snizhana Onopko, a former Ukrainian supermodel, attended Paris Fashion Week, where she continued working with Russian-born stylist Polina Nioli. At the event, Onopko modeled a dress by Russian designer Yulia Yanina, who is based in Paris. Her makeup was done by Russian makeup artist Elena Cherneva. Onopko’s wedding ceremony took place in a church in Riga, Latvia, where she relocated in 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Born in Sievierodonetsk, Onopko rose to fame in the 2000s, ranking among the top five most successful models worldwide. While she openly supported Ukraine early in the war, she has since resumed working with Russian professionals. Her recent activities include attending the Cannes Film Festival with assistance from Polina Nioli.
Controversies and the State of the Arts
Onopko has also faced backlash for using Russian music in her videos. At Paris Fashion Week, she appeared in a flame-print dress at the Rahul Mishra show and wore a red gown by Tony Ward Couture at another event. Her partnerships with Nioli, as well as Russian designers and makeup artists, have become a recurring part of her career since her move abroad.
Onopko’s participation in Paris Fashion Week highlights the complex position many Ukrainian artists and fashion figures face amid the ongoing war. Her continued collaboration with Russian professionals draws mixed reactions, particularly given the current political climate. This situation may reflect attempts to navigate new opportunities on the international stage, despite the difficult realities in Ukraine.