Anastasiia Koval – the model who can strike a pose and a punch

Anastasiia Koval opens up about the quiet hustle behind the glam, why a black coat is always a good idea, and her life motto.

Anastasiia Koval – the model who can strike a pose and a punch 1

Model: Anastasiia Koval. Photographer: Tom Marvel. Full look, Giorgio Armani.

If you think modeling is all about perfect cheekbones and pouty lips, Anastasiia Koval is here to change your mind – with a left hook.

Born in Odesa, crowned a boxing champ in Ukraine, and now strutting for the likes of Chanel, Dior, and Schiaparelli, Anastasiia is more than just a pretty face. In this fun and unfiltered chat with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Anastasiia opens up about the quiet hustle behind the glam, why a black coat is always a good idea, and her life motto that says it all: Be soft. But hit hard.

Top, Roland Mouret. Earring, Buddha to Buddha at The Crescala Collective.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): Anastasia, from Odesa to Chanel – what was that first “pinch me” moment when you realized, “Okay, this is really happening”?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Hah, I don’t think there was just one “pinch me” moment—it’s more like a quiet realization that builds over time. Even now, years later, every time I see myself on a magazine cover or a billboard, I still get this shy little feeling inside, like, “Wow, girl… you really did that.”

Full look, Giorgio Armani.

But what I’m most proud of isn’t just the image—it’s the work behind it. People often think this industry is just about beauty, but it’s so much more. It’s discipline, resilience, showing up when you’re exhausted, adapting to every new team, location, and vision—and still bringing something real to the frame. It’s not easy. So every cover, every campaign, is a reminder of the journey, the growth, and the woman I’ve become through all of it.

Full look, Giorgio Armani.

HBZVN: Your fashion résumé is dazzling. Do you have a favorite runway moment, or a designer look that made you feel totally unstoppable?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Thank you! I think what truly makes me feel unstoppable is the ability to transform—especially when I’m working on editorials. It’s like stepping into a role, almost like acting. You’re not just modeling clothes, you’re becoming a character, telling a story.

Full look, Zimmermann.

What just came to my mind is the moment I was shooting for Vogue. I wore a couture dress that felt like a masterpiece—every detail was art. The final image looked like a painting – timeless.

Full look, Zimmermann.

HBZVN: How would you describe your off-duty style? Are you more of a sneakers-and-hoodie girl or still giving runway energy at the grocery store?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Love that question!

I spent a big part of my modeling career in Paris and Milan — cities where elegance is in the air. That’s really where I learned how to dress. A black coat, sleek hair… I think at this point, giving a bit of runway energy at the grocery store or airport is just in my DNA. 😅

Full look, Zimmermann.

But New York definitely added its own twist. It taught me how to wear a cap – black cap, black coat… Still chic, just with that effortless edge. So yes, even off-duty, I like to keep it classy.

Dress, Richards Radcliffe. Necklace, Erickson Beamon. All from Showroom Seven.

HBZVN: What’s one beauty secret you swear by? Something in your routine that makes you feel fresh and fabulous no matter how crazy the schedule gets?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Of course, I love a great moisturizer—but honestly, nothing beats good sleep, kindness, and a real smile. That’s what keeps me glowing.

Top, Elif Cigizogli from The Crescala Collective. Skirt, Vince. Necklace, Erickson Beamon from Showroom SEVEN.

HBZVN: You’re not just a model-you act, box, and take photos. How do these passions feed into each other? Or do they ever compete for your time?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Did I just say good sleep? Modeling, acting, boxing, photography… they all feed me in different ways.

Top, Elif Cigizogli from The Crescala Collective.

Acting teaches me emotion and presence, which I bring to editorials. Boxing grounds me—it’s discipline, strength, focus. And photography helps me observe beauty from the other side, which sharpens my instincts in front of the camera too. They don’t compete, they fuel each other.

Top, Des_Phemmes. Skirt, Elif Cigizogli from The Crescala Collective. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik. Earrings, Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven.

HBZVN: Which is harder, to work in front of the camera or the boxing ring?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Try holding a pose after 10 rounds or throwing a punch in heels. Neither is easy!

Coat, Mr Crazy & Lady Sexy. Top, Des_Phemmes. Skirt, Elif Cigizogli from The Crescala Collective. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik. Earrings, Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven.

HBZVN: Do you have a little modeling philosophy? Like a mindset or vibe you bring to every shoot or show?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: My philosophy for every situation is – treat people the way you want to be treated. The greatest lesson my parents taught me.

Full look, Frederick Anderson with CCPR.

HBZVN: Life motto check! Is there a phrase or quote that you keep coming back to when you need a boost (or just a laugh)?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Be soft. But hit hard.Grace on the outside, steel underneath.

HBZVN: When you’re not posing, punching, or performing-what’s your idea of a perfect lazy day? Guilty snacks and all, please?

ANASTASIIA KOVAL: Hahaha… If I’m not posing, punching, or performing, I’m 100% under my blanket – wrapped out like a burrito!

Talent: An Koval @an.koval with The Industry Model Mgmt NY @theindustryny
Photographer/Producer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography

Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro
Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet
Director of Video: Edsta @edsta
Production: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa
Photographer Assistant: Eu Jin Lee @ejlee
Digital Artist: Marilynn Hawkridge
Hair: Keith Carpenter @keithcarpenterhair with Bryan Bantry Agency @bryanbantryagency
using Balmain Hair @balmainhair
Makeup: Grant Karpin @gkarpinmua using Half Magic @halfmagicbeauty
Nails: Casey @caseynails at The Wall Group @thewallgroup
Grip: George Pepe @gspepe
Photo Assistant: Michele Swain @michelewihelminaphotography
Fashion Team: Alaye Alleyne @alayealleyne | Madison Wen Gu @mmmaddddison | Alana Powell @alana powell

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam