1 – VOUS: Nata, how did your journey truly begin, and what do you remember most vividly from those
early years of stepping into the unknown?
NATA SHABO:
My name is Nata Shabo, and at 51, I proudly call myself an age-positive model. I’ve only been in the industry
for two years, but my beginning was intensely emotional—a conscious decision to stop running
from my dreams. I entered a phase of life that filled me with new sensations, perspective, and courage.
The fashion world was intimidating with its strict standards, but I wanted to prove that age isn’t a limitation.
It’s an advantage.
The first test shoots, the search for my image, the internal battles—all of it revealed stronger, braver
versions of myself. I realized beauty is not about numbers on a measuring tape; it’s about eyes that shine
and the willingness to be versatile. And with time, I noticed that my journey inspired other women—
which became my greatest motivation.
2 – VOUS: Your first contract wasn’t with an agency but with a modeling school. What did that early
education give you?
Nata: It gave me foundation and clarity. I learned posing, runway technique, and how to recognize my strongest
angles. It was the first environment where I allowed myself to say, “I belong here.” It shaped my discipline,
my confidence, and the professional attitude I carry to every set today.
3 – VOUS: What were your earliest impressions of the fashion industry?
Nata: I never aimed to fit into its standards—I wanted to expand them. On set, I bring not only my face but
my life experience, emotional depth, and professionalism. I don’t compete with younger models; our paths are
different. I occupy my own niche—a place for women who seek meaning, depth, and authenticity. My only
competition is who I was yesterday.
4 – VOUS: How do you view the industry today, and where do you see yourself within it?
Nata: The shift has been remarkable. Women 45+ are now the faces of global campaigns, representing confidence,
style, and lived wisdom. But while the trend is growing, it hasn’t become the norm yet. I stand proudly
within this transformation, representing modern, active, stylish maturity. I want to normalize seeing strong,
elegant, older women in fashion—not as exceptions, but as a standard.
5 – VOUS: What milestones have shaped your career so far?
Nata: I’ve walked runways, including Paris Fashion Week, collaborated with designers and photographers,
and immersed myself in projects that challenge my creativity. I am constantly learning, pushing myself, and
refining my craft. But I’m still searching for my defining project—the shoot that will embody my mission. My
dream is to become the face of a global campaign celebrating beauty without age limits.
6 – VOUS: If you could change one societal perception about aging, what would it be?
Nata: The toxic belief that aging makes women less valuable or less visible. It is wrong and deeply damaging. A
mature woman is a universe of strength—wise, sensual, stylish, and powerful. If society truly understood that,
we would unlock an enormous amount of female creativity and potential.
7 – VOUS: How do age and life experience contribute to true beauty and confidence?
Nata: They define it. Beauty at 20 is nature’s gift; after 45, it becomes a life philosophy—a reflection of inner
well-being, resilience, and choices. When doubt appears, I remind myself: “I’ve lived through so much. I will
handle this too.” That is the beauty of experience: it becomes your anchor.
8 – VOUS: Tell us about your unforgettable “Fashion Goose” project.
Nata: Oh, that was pure magic! We shot in a busy train station with the most unexpected co-star—a goose.
He arrived freshly bathed, wearing an elegant pendant, and immediately embraced the spotlight. He strutted,
posed, honked proudly, and attracted crowds. He became a star instantly—we called him the “Fashion Goose.”
It was artistic, humorous, chaotic, and unforgettable. A reminder that fashion should also be playful.
9 – VOUS: What continues to motivate you as a model today?
Nata:The women who write to me saying I inspire them to pursue forgotten dreams. Knowing I help shift a
narrative. And knowing my journey proves—every chapter of life has its own beauty.
10 – VOUS: What’s next for Nata Shabo? What future are you shaping for yourself?
Nata: I’m building toward my signature moment—a campaign that reflects my mission of beauty without age
limitations. I want to collaborate with major brands, expand globally, and continue representing the elegance
and confidence of mature women.
But most importantly, I want to keep inspiring women to stop apologizing for growing older—and start celebrating
it.
In a world that often glorifies youth, Nata Shabo stands as powerful evidence that beauty matures,
expands, and deepens with life experience. Her journey embodies courage, evolution, and the refusal to
let dreams expire. With every photo, every runway, and every story she tells, she opens the door wider
for the next generation of women to walk through—fearlessly, unapologetically, and full of life.
FASHION GOOSE
PHOTOGRAPHER: SLAVA POTALAKH
FASHION DESIGNER: ALENA ATSAPKINA
FEMALE MODEL: NATA SHABO
MAKEUP ARTIST: DARYA DYMOVICH
