Pillow Talk with Top Model Alena Pronina

Joanna Peyer for Pillow & Pepper: Alena Pronina, you have successfully modelled for around ten years now. Do you remember your first photo shoot?

Alena Pronina: Yes, I do. My first photo shoot took place in a photo studio in Paris, and was for the magazine “Madame Figaro”. I was already 18 at the time, which is kind of late for a model. It scared everyone on the set to death when I said nonchalantly that this was my first shooting. But the results were nothing to be shy about, and assignments kept coming in.

So many young women dream of a modelling career. How did you manage to become a model?

Alena Pronina: I grew up in the mining town of Barnaul in Siberia. It is a region without much of a perspective. It never actually planned to become a model. I had enrolled for a degree in psychology. But my mother encouraged me to go to Paris. So during the long semester break I went to Paris for the summer. For me, Paris was love at first sight. Everything was so colourful, cheerful and glamorous. I also discovered how much I enjoyed the modelling work. The agency was happy with me, and thanks to my mother's support I ended up staying in Paris.

How do you keep fit? What are the things you do to stay in shape?

Alena Pronina: I like spinning, and it is something I practice on a regular basis. It's a great combination of endurance sports, whole-body training, and dancing. The perfect workout for a young mother. Also, I often just walk to places, bringing the stroller.

In addition to being a model and a mom, you also paint. What made you take up painting, of all things?

Alena Pronina: I've loved painting since I was a child. Unfortunately, I was unable to actively pursue it during my childhood because in addition to school I was already more than busy playing the piano and saxophone. But once I moved to New York, I simply had to pick up a brush. The fast-paced city with its countless galleries and museums inspired me. I met many fascinating people from the fashion and art industry in New York who encouraged me to go for it.

What is your current source of inspiration when painting?

Alena Pronina: I find inspiration when I travel, but also in everyday life. A pretty dress, emotions, springtime, and beautiful places.

For professional reasons you travel a lot. Do you have a favourite destination?

Alena Pronina: Due to the nature of my job, I tend to fly from one city to another, and they're rarely nice, sunshiny places. I'm permanently cold during the photo shoots, and love daydreaming about the sun and the seaside. I love Italy, especially Tuscany.

Do you have a favourite hotel in Tuscany?

Alena Pronina: I really like the Borgo Pignano close to Volterra. The view from the infinity pool across the rolling hills of Tuscany is simply breathtaking. And once I can pull myself away from the pool, there are so many things to do with my family – horseback riding, cycling, hiking, baking bread and even painting. If you forgot to bring your own hiking boots, it's good to know that the hotel will simply make a pair available to you. And the resort even has its own painting studio as well as a brand new spa area. So this is a place where I can breathe freely and recharge my batteries.

What is your favourite way of spending your holidays?

Alena Pronina: I love the sun, the sea and the beach. I'm dreaming of having my very own beach cottage. My husband promised me that we will move to the seaside one day, when we get old. Until then, I love spending my vacations in Tuscany.

You are thoroughly infatuated with Tuscany. What should a person not miss when in Tuscany?

Alena Pronina: The cities of Florence and Siena are certainly a must-do, not just for culture and art buffs. But my personal favourites are the two smaller towns of Lucca and Volterra that have preserved their charm and are not bustling with tourists. Lucca with its many jewellery stores is wonderful for shopping.

What should everyone take back home when returning from Tuscany?

Alena Pronina: You should definitely take some of the delicious cold-pressed olive oil, regional cheese specialities, and the handmade lavender soap of Borgo Pignano back home with you.