Fierce & Flawless Belaia Alena

Meet this month’s Playboy Sweden November 2023 cover star Belaia Alena / @belaia_devil

Photographers Olga Novikova / @Olga_Novikova_work

How do you like to begin your day? Usually, my day starts quite early. I head to the gym and have breakfast at a cafe afterward. I really love to lie in and take my time getting ready, but that rarely happens. Ideally, I enjoy waking up around 10 a.m., taking a leisurely shower, doing my hair and makeup, and then heading to my favorite cafe for breakfast.

How did you get started in the modeling industry? What inspired you to become a model? I had dreamed of becoming a model since childhood, but due to my height not meeting the requirements for beauty pageants, I found my place in photography. For me, photography is a form of self-expression.

Best place you have ever been to in the world? There are many such places, but I can highlight two completely opposite destinations. Antarctica, which I visited last winter, and of course, the Maldives. I love escaping to this paradise alone and enjoying nature and meditation at sunset.

What are some of your biggest dreams you hope to achieve? I am one of those people whose dreams eventually come true, but it always happens at the right moment for me. I am a creative person who can't imagine life without organizing parties and shows. So, I dream that my business projects will be realized and bring joy not only to me but also to those around me.

What does freedom of self-expression mean to you? For me, it’s my tattoos. In photos, I may appear quite avant-garde, and my business has a very controversial image, but in life, I am much more modest.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for a photo shoot that will be seen by so many people? Usually, nothing in my routine changes. I maintain a consistent diet and exercise regime, and I often go for massages. Photography is a form of self-expression for me, so preparing for a shoot fills me with excitement and anticipation.

What are your favorite aspects of modeling, and what challenges have you encountered along the way? I love that in photos I can be different. Even if in real life I am more modest and wear conservative clothing, for photography, I enjoy adopting completely different personas. The only challenge is that I become quite attached to the team that works with me, especially the makeup artists and stylists. Sometimes, when I work with new people, I worry about the outcome, fearing that the look might be unfamiliar to me.

Who are some of the models or influencers that you admire and draw inspiration from in your career? I remember the Playboy cover from 2014 with Kate Moss. After that, I fell in love with Playboy, and being featured in that magazine became my dream.

What’s one thing about yourself that your fans might be surprised to learn? I’m not just a model; I am also the manager and founder of a nightclub, one of the largest in our city, and a bar called “The Show Must Go On”. We have premieres every month, and we blend various styles in our performances, from opera to chanson. I came up with the direction and visual elements of the show myself. These projects have been highly successful, and I consider myself an excellent leader.

3 things that you can’t go a day without. Definitely style my hair, taking a walk with my small dog, and of course, enjoying a delicious cup of tea with a piece of chocolate.

If you could choose one word to describe your journey as a model so far, what would it be, and why? “Joy” While photoshoots can be quite demanding, I derive immense pleasure from the preparation process and even from the exhaustion that follows.

What do you believe sets you apart from other models in the industry? Eighty percent of my body is covered in tattoos, and I have eight intimate piercings. For me, this is a form of creativity. Many consider a tattooed look to be vulgar, but my tattoos, featuring unicorns, are quite cute and resemble cartoons.

Can you share any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you’re involved in? Yes, in the near future, I’ll be taking part in a new television project as a host. I also want to try my hand at acting in a new Russian series, alongside well-known actors in our country.

Thanks so much for your time. Where can our readers follow you on social media to stay updated on what you’re up to? Thank you for the questions. You can follow me on Instagram at @belaia_devil.