By: Mari Borovenskaya

In a world where society dictates the rules and dreams often drown beneath the noise of other people’s expectations, it becomes vital to hear the stories that rise above – stories that echo like an anthem of freedom, inner strength, and the courage to begin again.

We’ve all known moments when the ground crumbled beneath us – when everything we counted on vanished. But for some, that moment becomes not the end, but the beginning. A turning point. A quiet invitation to transform.

Because what if the moment everything breaks… is actually the moment everything begins? What if falling apart is simply the first step toward becoming whole again? 

This is a story of conflict, displacement, loss, and resilience – a story of how one young woman turned chaos into creation and heartbreak into high fashion. At its center stands Anna Vostretsova, a Ukrainian model whose journey began in conflict but evolved into a glowing testament to reinvention.

Today, Anna walks the runways of American Fashion Weeks, graces the covers of international magazines, and collaborates with world-renowned photographers. But her story is not one of overnight success – it is one of deep transformation, of starting over more than once, and of holding onto a dream even when the world around her collapsed. 

The Beginning: A Small Town, a Big Dream

Anna was born in Donetsk, Ukraine, a city that would later become one of the most fragile frontlines in the war.  From a young age, she was no stranger to ambition. She participated in children’s beauty contests, already drawn to the stage, the lights, and the possibility of something bigger. But dreams often demand sacrifice – and for Anna, that sacrifice came early.

At just 17 years old, as the first signs of conflict began to spread across her hometown, her family made a heartbreaking decision – to send her alone to Kyiv in search of safety and a future untouched by war.

“I didn’t leave because I wanted freedom, I left because war arrived at my door.” Anna reflects. “My parents stayed behind, and I had to build a life in a city where I knew no one.” 

She arrived in the capital with no support system, no familiar faces, and no guarantees. Her parents stayed behind in Donetsk, and Anna had to rebuild her world from scratch – guided only by faith in herself and the fragile, burning spark of her dream.

While studying philology at university, she enrolled in a modeling school, hoping to sharpen her skills. What began as quiet curiosity soon became a calling. Step by step, she began to shape her path – not only surviving, but doing so with elegance and grace.

In Kyiv she collaborated with local designers and Ukrainian photographers, walked in fashion shows, appeared in brand campaigns, and even starred in a music video for a Ukrainian rap artist. These weren’t just career moves – they were lifelines. Each opportunity was another step away from loss… and another step toward something extraordinary.

Breakthrough: International Projects and the Maldives

Photo Courtesy: Fediushin Ruslan

Anna’s international breakthrough came when she was selected for Tilted, a global creative collective uniting photographers, models, and  artists. This opened the door to collaborations across Europe and, most notably, a major campaign in the Maldives, where Anna was one of 14 models chosen worldwide for a luxury shoot.

“That trip was life-changing. I wasn’t just modeling – I was co-creating. It gave me the confidence to think globally.”

The Maldives marked her first major international feature, and her portfolio expanded rapidly as she continued to build bridges with creatives worldwide.

The Miss Ukraine Chapter – And Walking Away for a Bigger Dream

In 2023, Anna was selected as an official contestant for Miss Ukraine – one of the country’s most prestigious titles, with winners heading to Miss World in Dubai, Miss International in Tokyo, and Miss Earth in the Philippines.

But just as her dreams were taking shape, reality struck again.

With the war intensifying, Anna made the painful decision to withdraw from the competition and leave the country.

“I had worked so hard for it. But I had to choose safety over spotlight. Yes, I was removed from the list of contestants. But I have no regrets.  It was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made – and one of the most defining. But I knew I had to choose safety, and choose a new path.”

From Kyiv to London – Then to the U.S.: A Phoenix Story

Anna moved to London, where she resumed her education and continued building her portfolio, now working with international photographers and stylists. But London was a chapter – not a final destination. Drawn by the creative pulse of the U.S., she moved once again – this time to America.

New Roots in America: Runways, Recognition & Reinvention

It was her third time starting over from scratch. She was building her career all over again. Attending casting calls once more. Writing letters once more. But this time – with a different experience and a stronger core within.

In 2025, Anna walked in Miami Fashion Week, modeling for up-and-coming designers and gaining attention for her unique style and elegance. She also launched her own single on Spotify in LA, exploring her musical side.

In June 2025, she appeared on the cover of Playboy Norway, becoming one of the few Ukrainian models to be internationally recognized on such a scale.

“That cover wasn’t just about beauty. It was about visibility – showing that a girl from a war-torn country can make it onto global stages.”

Anna has since worked with dozens of international photographers and is now in talks for several brand campaigns, both in fashion and wellness. Her ability to embody vulnerability and power in front of the camera has made her a muse for many creatives.

Looking Ahead: Lights, Camera, Legacy

Today, Anna lives between New York and Miami, traveling for projects and curating her next chapter. She’s expressed a desire to enter film and television, with her sights set on a Netflix series – a goal she’s actively pursuing through acting classes and networking in the entertainment industry.

She’s also working on launching a creative mentorship platform for young models from Eastern Europe who dream of international careers but lack the resources.

Why Her Story Matters

Anna’s journey isn’t just about modeling – it’s about bravery, resilience, and refusing to give up when life erases your plans. “I want girls from conflict zones to know that they can still be seen. We don’t choose when the world collapses. But we do choose what we do with the ruins,” she says. “I chose to rebuild. And I’m still rebuilding – stronger, wiser, and prouder than ever.” 

Her story is a reminder that beauty isn’t always born in comfort – sometimes, it’s born in survival. And that even when you lose your home, your friend, or your dreams – you can still find yourself.

To follow Anna’s inspiring journey, visit @a.vostretsova on Instagram and stay tuned for her next chapter – in fashion, music, and soon, film.

Model Insta: 

@a.vostretsova https://www.instagram.com/a.vostretsova?igsh=YWo2Y210a2VlYmo=

Photographer:  @maur.agency https://www.instagram.com/maur.agency?igsh=MXd5aWN0amgzNjNoMw==