A native of Belarus (formerly a republic constituent of the USSR), Etakarina came to the U.S. via Milan where she got her first big break in modeling. Since then, she has been a familiar face on the catwalk on both sides of the Atlantic.

FW caught up with her after the Juan Carlos Obando show wherein she opened and closed the show.

FW: As a model, what do you think of the Juan Carlos Obando collection?

Ekatarina: It’s beautiful. Juan Carlos Obando is a genius! I love wearing his clothes. They fit very well and make me feel good inside and out.

FW: You currently live in New York. How do you find Los Angeles?

Ekatarina: I love the weather here. In fact, I’m thinking of moving out here because of it. But, I will have to consult my agency first, L.A. Models, before I can make that decision.

FW: You worked in Milan and New York this season. How do you find working here in Los Angeles?

Ekatarina: The three cities have different demands for a model. In Milan, a model has to be polished, refined and sophisticated. In New York, a model has to be simple, with a girl-next-door quality. And here in Los Angeles, a model needs a lot of personality.

Explaining her answer about Los Angeles, Ekatarina related her experience with Sue Wong, wherein she closed the show as an angel bride.

‘At Sue Wong, all the models have to catwalk and dance at the same time,’ Ekatarina said with a smile.

‘It was fun and of course, the clothes are just gorgeous. Being an angel bride was very challenging. The wings are as wide as the catwalk and I have to be careful not to lose my balance. Still, it was an honor to be the angel bride and I’m happy that Sue Wong gave me that chance,’ she added.