In this chat with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Ukrainian model Inna Gudz opens up about what it really means to be beautiful, and why it has so little to do with the surface. In an industry often obsessed with perfection, she reminds us that grace, strength, and authenticity never go out of style.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): How has your personal definition of beauty evolved over the years, especially in the context of your modeling career?
INNA GUDZ: Real beauty isn’t about appearance at all, and I love that this authenticity is becoming the new classic. In a world so focused on looks, it’s easy to obsess over the external: features, photogenicity, the overall image. But I’ve come to realize that if there’s unresolved emotion inside – anger, stress, tension – it will show. And trust me, the camera will catch it. People feel each other on an energetic level. In modeling and in life, kindness, attentiveness, and emotional presence matter more than perfect features.
HBZVN: Tell us about your stunning photoshoot for this article.
INNA GUDZ: This photoshoot for HBZVN was a true celebration of aesthetics and self-expression for me. We shot in an incredibly atmospheric space. Every element played its part: the lighting, the set design, even the weather that day.
The team was absolutely amazing – stylists, makeup artists, photographer, – each brought their own magic to the process.
I’m grateful I had the chance to bring this idea to life with HBZVN. It’s always about style, depth, and refined taste. I hope readers can feel that energy through the pages of the magazine.
HBZVN: How do you balance staying true to yourself while working in a world of strict industry standards?
INNA GUDZ: For me, authenticity isn’t just a word. It’s a real inner strength. I can change my look a hundred times, experiment, explore different moods, but I always stay grounded in my truth. I never forced myself to fit a mold just to win approval. That said, I deeply respect the people I work with and always listen to the creative team.
HBZVN: What inspired you to step into modeling, and what was it like in the early days?
INNA GUDZ: I chose this path very intentionally. From the start, it felt like home. Everything came naturally – like I was born for this. Every project now is a chance to discover more about myself, and I’m grateful for each step, because the beginning never felt forced. It was all beautifully organic.
HBZVN: Can you recall a moment in your career that really shaped you—either professionally or personally?
INNA GUDZ: Rather than one big moment, it’s been a journey. Shoot by shoot, trip by trip, person by person. Each experience gave me something new: confidence, flexibility, even the chance to see myself from a different perspective. The biggest transformation came from simply being present in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.
HBZVN: Fashion is always changing. How do you keep your personal style intact with all the trends?
INNA GUDZ: Fashion moves fast, but my style is about something deeper. It reflects who I am: feminine, sincere, and simple. Those core elements stay with me, no matter what the current trend may be.
HBZVN: Many talk about the pressure of the modeling world. How do you take care of your mental and emotional health?
INNA GUDZ: Yes, the pressure is real, but it’s often overhyped. I’ve learned how to come back to myself. I never want to lose that little girl Inna, the real me. Time alone and support from loved ones helps keep me grounded.
HBZVN: What does being Ukrainian mean to you, especially as you represent your country on international platforms?
INNA GUDZ: It means everything. Being Ukrainian is a deep part of my identity: full of strength, history, and hope. Especially now, my work becomes a way to share our culture and resilience with the world. It’s a voice for a nation of real heroes.
HBZVN: The role of a model is evolving. What does it mean to be one today?
INNA GUDZ: Today, being a model means having a voice. In a world that’s more socially conscious and digital than ever, we have the power, and the responsibility, to send meaningful messages, to stand for fairness and inclusion. That’s what makes modeling truly matter now.
HBZVN: Are there creatives who’ve influenced you along the way?
INNA GUDZ: Honestly? My biggest influence is my own intuition. I’m all about individuality. I don’t draw inspiration from specific names. I’m inspired by energy. Every creative person I meet brings something unique, and it’s the magic in those encounters that shapes me.
HBZVN: What do you do outside modeling that keeps your creativity alive?
INNA GUDZ: I have a few business ventures going on, but right now I’m diving into a new project that’s especially close to my heart. It’s still in the works, and I’m keeping the details under wraps, but it’s all about fashion and modeling. I can’t wait to share more soon. It’s going to be something truly special.
HBZVN: What advice would you give to young women who dream of becoming models, in Vietnam or anywhere else?
INNA GUDZ: Don’t let anyone make you feel small. If you feel the pull toward modeling, trust it. Take care of your boundaries, respect your dreams, and never trade your values for approval. Those are the things that last long after the camera stops clicking.
Model: Inna Gudz @innagudz.
Photographer: Anton Sofiychenko @sfk911.
Makeup: Anuta Gayliunas @anutagayliunas
PR: Firebird PR Agency
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
