PopImpressKA Journal | Events, Charities, Art, Fashion, Movies

PopImpressKA Journal: Danijela Lazarevic / Model & Humanitarian / Exclusive Interview

by Olga Papkovitch

May 27, 2019

Danijela Lazarevic was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. She did modeling in Sweden, Germany, South Africa, Dubai and USA.

Danijela also worked as a runway model, as well as modeled for various editorials, YV commercials and prints. She was prior published in such magazines as Elle, Dekat, Style, W Magazine, Harper Bazaar, FHM, Maxim, etc.

She is a face of such brands as Revlon, Eucerine, Oley, Coca-Cola, Opel, Land Rover, Samsung, Hennessy, Sony, etc.

Above - COVER STORY Images Credits:

1. Photography: Dimitri from Emma Cleary studio

https://www.instagram.com/emmaclearyphotography/?hl=en

2. Assistant photographer: Lidia from Emma Cleary studio

Instagram: @Lidijalazar

3. MUA & Hair: Shaina E. Cintron

https://www.instagram.com/bl_a_nk_doe/?hl=en

4. Model: Danijela Lazarevic

https://www.instagram.com/danijela_190/?hl=en

5. Shoes: MODES OWN MIU MIU

Jewelry: Regal Fine Jewelry

Dress & Belt: PopImpressKA Art Couture

https://www.instagram.com/popimpresska/

https://popimpresska.com/

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

PopImpressKA Journal: You were born in Belgrade, what is the best memory you have from your childhood?

Danijela Lazarevic: I was born in Belgrade when Serbia was still part of one big country, the former Yugoslavia. As a child at that time, growing up with so many different religions, and dialects, it was just amazing, it was so safe and free. I would spend summers in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the coast of Croatia, and the rest of year in the big city of Belgrade where I attended school. I got to enjoy the best of both - big city life, and still have these amazing getaways to spend time in nature.

PJ: How did it happen that you moved to US and how old you were?

DL: I came here on holiday about 12 years ago, with one of my best friends. Originally it was to going be the five of us travelling all over the US, but in the end only two of us actually made the trip. I immediately fell in love with New York City, and I’m still in love, I can’t get enough! When I arrived, I interviewed with a few modeling agencies and ended up signing with one of them. After a few months of traveling I decided to come back and try it here. Even though I’m constantly traveling for work, I always like to think of New York as my second home base.

PJ: When were you first discovered as a model?

DL: I was invited by my local hairdresser in Serbia to do a hair show at the age of 14. Soon after, I was approached by the first privately owned modeling agency in Belgrade and they asked if I would consider joining them, I said yes, and the rest is history. I spent a few years with them and did some fabulous shows, photo shoots, and commercials. I continued my modeling career in Serbia, Sweden, and South Africa, where I lived for a bit before landing in New York.

PJ: What is the most valuable lesson your parents taught you?

DL: My upbringing was very eastern European – very tough, and strict. I didn’t realize then how important that was in forming my character and making me the person I am today. Their stern upbringing instilled in me my strong core values, the ability to know right from wrong, yet at the same time to be compassionate to others. I am so grateful that they taught me to be kind, to value family and friends, and to understand the importance in giving back and helping someone in need. Thank you Mom and Dad!

PJ: How did you become a humanitarian and what was the very first cause that you have supported?

DL: As my best friend says, charity starts at home. For me, growing up in a war torn country with economic sanctions was very difficult to say the least. I quickly understood that I had to leave home and support myself. I saw my family and friends who were struggling and suffering themselves yet always willing to help others who were in need of shelter. My parents inspired me with their compassion for everyone around them and it has led me to be the humanitarian I am today.

I have been involved with charities in Ethiopia, and traveled there many times to help my good friend and model, Anna Getaneh (Ethiopian Children’s Fund ) in her efforts to educate children that are less fortunate. In the US I work with another dear friend, for the Les Couleurs charity and aid in her efforts to educate children in Haiti and Mexico.

PJ: What is the best principle you live by being in High fashion and have so much challenges in the industry of Fashion?

DL: Be honest to yourself, know your boundaries, be strong and persistent in what you want. Being in the fashion industry can be very tough on a young person, and you have to learn how take rejection but not internalize it, but to grow from it and use it going forward. If something doesn’t work for you, change your path in life, and never let people mold you in to something you are not ….be yourself and trust your instincts!

PJ: What is our favorite time of the year, favorite book, cuisine, holiday?

DL: Summer is my favorite time of the year. I love the ocean, and sun, I can spend hours on the beach tanning, swimming, and reading my current book by Paolo Coelho. I really enjoy all kinds of cuisine, of course my own, Serbian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and Greek. I am always traveling to fun destinations, Europe, Africa, America…the list goes on and on.

My destination wish list is Asia, South Pacific, and Morocco. I haven’t been to those places yet, and there are still so may beautiful places I want to visit.

PI: What are you working on right now

DL: I am currently traveling for work to Europe at end of the month to work on a new ad campaign for a very cool brand and while I’m there I plan to holiday somewhere in the South of France or one of the Greek island.

PJ: What is your best advise to the models that are just starting in the industry?

DL: To have fun and savor every moment. It’s a cliché, I know - but time flies so quickly!

So treasure the experiences, and travels you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. Be happy and positive. Work on yourself, and educate yourself daily with whatever is your passion.

PJ: Being a successful runaway and print model what helped you through the years to become who you are today?

DL: I think modeling is like acting, you are always in a new character role. Sometimes you’re the cute girl next door, other times you are that sexy gorgeous women everyone is in love with. So all these roles kind of help you discover a side of you that you thought you didn’t have, and bring it to life. It’s a great experience working and having to deal with so many different people and personalities. It’s a great way to help mold yourself into who you want to be. I am grateful for everyone that is a part of my life, on both a professional, and personal level.