When you catch the attention of world renowned photographer Steven Meisel, you’re pretty much a guaranteed success in the modeling world. That’s exactly what happened with Ukrainian beauty Snejana Onopka. Known for her tiny frame and signature pout, it didn’t take long for Snejana to become a household name in the fashion industry.

 At a young age, Snejana wanted to be a model so much that she participated in beauty competitions in her hometown.  She quickly caught the eye of a talent scout, later moving to New York for an opportunity with DNA. A random incident when she lost her passport turned into a brilliant chance happening. While getting her passport papers, Steven Meisel’s assistant invited her to a casting. His approval helped her land campaigns for Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, thus sparking a booking frenzy within the fashion world. She landed her first cover of Vogue Italia at 19 and made her first appearance on the runway closing for Marc by Marc Jacobs. Her towering legs became a favorite among designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Karl Lagerfeld, Gucci, Prada, and Miu Miu. 

By late 2005, every designer and editor had Snejana’s name on the tip of their tongue. She garnered editorials from magazines like Elle, Vogue Italia, French Vogue, Vogue US and Harper’s Bazaar. She also picked up a few major campaigns along the way with Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Lanvin, and Louis Vuitton.

Besides her passion for modeling, this 5’8” goddess loves food. Snejana lists her favorite dishes as Risotto at Parisian L’Avenue and a waffle cake with milk. But most of all she adores Ukranian dishes, especially her Momma’s cooking!

In recent years, Snejana’s modeling career continued to blossom, as she walked in shows for Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, Armani, Carolina Herrera and Elie Saab. Although Snejana earned her stripes in the modeling field, she wants to go beyond the runway. In 2010, she expressed her plans to start a charity in Ukraine to help fight against drug addiction, with hopes to expand the foundation to an international level. She also wants to try her hand at producing and directing as she already has a couple of projects underway in Ukraine. 

Snejana is a constant presence in the modeling world. Her success knows no bounds as she continues to land editorials and campaigns. Don’t expect Snejana Onopka to retire anytime soon; it looks like this model wants to move up to supermodel status.