Ivanovska reveals for "Free Press" how she spends the quarantine with her partner Cobe and their children Vanja and Kira, how she manages motherhood and the profession, which means being at the top of the fashion world, and announces that she still has a lot to do in future.
You are a multitasking mother, maximally committed to children, and at the same time you have a successful international career. How do you manage motherhood and the profession and who helps you with everything about three-year-old Vanja and ten-month-old Kira?
- The discipline I have been living with since I was a child has helped me to introduce a daily routine in my responsibilities with children. In the first 5 months after giving birth, I did not accept engagements and that is a period when I simply did not want to be separated from the children. Honestly and Slobodan (Cobe), my partner, is very actively involved in the upbringing and daily needs of Vanja and Kira.
You have been in a relationship with your partner Cobe for many years. Are you thinking of getting married?
- My decision to be in this type of relationship and family is based on thinking and making a joint decision to be a family of two individuals who, above all, are in love and friendship in a deeply sincere relationship. Home paper is not a priority at the moment. Of course, sometime when we wish, it will happen.
Given the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic, quarantine is difficult to tolerate. How do you spend your quarantine with your children and your partner and what is the hardest thing for them?
- Kira is too small to be aware of the changes, and we had to explain the new circ*mstances to Vanja. We spend a lot of time in nature, and for the children it is, after all, the most fun and the healthiest.
And during the pregnancy you were physically active and had a perfect line. How many extra pounds did you gain during pregnancy and how did you eliminate them?
- I had nothing to eliminate, because I did not have fat deposits and pounds that are above what is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. My genetics was my ally again. Otherwise, I must admit that I was the most gourmet in the first days of pregnancy.
You have done shows and recorded editorials for world famous designers, Valentino, "Dolce & Gabbana", Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, "Dior", Eli Sab… What was crucial for them to choose you for their campaigns and shows?
- You know, when you are lucky in this profession to be selected for work in it, it means that you have something they need. I do not think that only beauty was crucial for them, what everyone noticed was the innate talent for this job and my professional approach. I was lucky to be at that moment what haute couture needs. That would be the complete answer.
What is the average monthly income of a professional model worldwide, and how much in Macedonia?
- The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar business and it is natural for the models and models who sacrifice the most fragile part of their youth to be well paid. But, you must know that with those fees you pay the costs for rents, plane tickets, etc., because this is a business in which you are required to live in a fashion world center. For me it was New York.
Are you still active in the profession, do you have foreign engagements? Do you work in Macedonia as well?
- With reduced intensity, since I started a family, I accept only engagements that are well paid and where exactly I am required to be a model. But, I also shoot in Macedonia with fashion designers whose work I evaluate as top, and their talent worldwide.
How true are the stories about drugs and sex in the fashion world? Is it a cliché that follows this profession or is it partially true?
- The fashion business has not been in its decadent glamorous form for a long time. It is a serious business, which does not tolerate a decadence that would violate the responsibility of the model, and especially not the reputation of the agency. We live in a world where there is no mystique about a profession and today, everything that a model faces, is talked about publicly, and agencies and the fashion press stimulate such a dialogue.
Many celebrities from the fashion world were encouraged to make public the indecent offers and experiences they had during their careers. Have you ever received an indecent offer or had an unpleasant experience? And what pitfalls should be kept in mind in the fashion world?
- It all depends on the standards of the agency that takes care of your career. I was lucky enough to work with top fashion photographers, whose talent left a timeless mark. It is amazing to be part of a fashion fantasy conveyed through fashion photography. I do not know, maybe because of my attitude, no one allowed himself to be rude to me. I do not act naively or fragilely so that someone can afford to offer me an indecent proposal. I am very happy that this is being talked about and that the anomalies related to the abuse of power by any profession are being publicly pointed out. It will make these professions much safer.
What next? We know that modeling is a matter of the moment, but that it is not a life commitment and that in parallel with the modeling career it is necessary to create a basis for the future. What are your plans?
- You are wrong, modeling is a life commitment if your potential is huge. Today we are witnessing many employed models over the age of fifty. What follows is to enjoy the fruits of my labor and to create some activity that will fulfill me. Honestly, philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives for me are the most beautiful part of my public appearance in our country. I am very lucky and I want to be engaged in our country to be a happy, healthy and prosperous society.
