Meet Svetlana Šlapak Sumi, an inspiring fashion model based in the culturally rich country of Serbia. Using her unique appearance and her albinism as a source of strength, she is proud to advocate for diversity and representation in the modeling industry. With her striking beauty and elegant style, Sumi aims to uplift and empower young people facing their own challenges.

As an exclusive cover feature for our October Fall/Winter 2024 issue lensed by Jovana Rikalo , the model is also styled in a beautiful dress by LaceMade, we are excited to share our exclusive interview with this groundbreaking model. In her own words, she empowers aspiring models to embrace their individuality and shine brightly.

She offers her advice to aspiring models ; "Keep it real and cultivate a style that truly reflects who you are. There's no need to blindly follow others; your distinctiveness is your most formidable asset - embrace it! For Sumi, fashion is a canvas and she is the artist, blending ethereal elegance with a strong sense of individuality. She draws inspiration from a variety of sources, from nature to art, and loves to play with light and contrast in her looks. For her, beauty is not one-size-fits-all, it's about celebrating the unique beauty in each and every one of us.

Read her insightful interview below.

I am proud to identify as an albino model based in the vibrant and culturally rich country of Serbia, where I go by the stage name Sumi. Embracing my unique appearance, I strive to use my albinism not only as a source of personal strength but also as a powerful tool to inspire and empower young people facing their own challenges. Through my work, I aim to motivate and uplift others, showing them that their differences can be a source of beauty and resilience, and helping them to recognize their inner strength and potential."

My style as a model is a blend of ethereal elegance and strong individuality. I draw inspiration from nature, art, and cultural heritage, and as an albino model, I love to highlight contrasts and light in every look. My goal is to show that beauty can take many forms and that each one is unique in its own way.

of course it was a collaboration with a foreign photographer from Egypt and my first photo shoot. It was stressful because of the stage fright, but also exciting

Albinism has profoundly impacted my life, shaping me both as a person and a model. While it often came with challenges, it has taught me strength and resilience. Through albinism, I learned to embrace my uniqueness and turn it into my strength. I’ve become an advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, and I’m proud to inspire others to embrace their individuality and be bold in expressing their true selves.

Being labeled as 'the albino model' comes with certain challenges, especially due to issues with vision and sensitivity to sunlight, which can complicate some aspects of my work. However, despite these difficulties, I am determined to give my best and not let it hold me back. At the same time, this label has allowed me to showcase the unique beauty of albinism and be part of campaigns that promote diversity and inclusivity. Ultimately, what drives me is the desire to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness, despite any obstacles.

The most attractive trait for a professional model is confidence. Confidence allows models to feel comfortable in front of the camera, express their style and personality, and handle the various challenges the industry may present. Without confidence, it’s difficult to radiate assurance and convey the message that a campaign or fashion brand aims to express. Additionally, confidence helps in building professional relationships and maintaining a positive attitude, which is crucial for success in this industry

The predominance of women in the modeling world can be attributed to a variety of factors rather than just one reason. Historically, fashion and modeling have been more focused on women's clothing, which often includes a wider range of styles, trends, and accessories compared to menswear. This has naturally led to a higher demand for female models. Additionally, marketing and media have traditionally emphasized women's fashion more heavily, which has further influenced the industry dynamics. However, it's important to recognize that the industry is evolving, with increasing opportunities and visibility for male models as well

I am mostly in Japan. I really adore their culture, tradition, and language. I worked there as a model and met some wonderful people and photographers. I got acquainted with a new style of photography that I saw for the first time and how they behave towards models. so I was surprised by the difference between Serbia and Japan in terms of treatment. in Serbia, before the shoot, the models usually don't eat so that the food doesn't bother them, etc. in Japan, when you come to the shoot, they first make you eat because they won't work with you until you eat.

My biggest motivation in life is the desire to make a positive impact and inspire others through my work. Whether it’s by showcasing diversity and inclusivity in fashion or overcoming personal challenges, I am driven by the goal of demonstrating that everyone has unique strengths and qualities. Additionally, the support and encouragement from my loved ones, including my partner, play a crucial role in motivating me to strive for excellence and stay true to my passions

The most important components of my style are uniqueness and attention to detail, with a special focus on Japanese fashion. As an albino model, I use contrasts and light to highlight my features, while drawing inspiration from Japanese style, which includes sophisticated and elegant elements. This style reflects my passion for Japanese culture and art and helps me express myself authentically. I believe it’s important to feel connected to my look and for each element of my style to contribute to the overall story I want to tell.

If I could change one thing about the fashion and modeling industry, it would be to enhance inclusivity and diversity. I would work to ensure that models of all backgrounds, sizes, and abilities are represented and celebrated. This includes not only expanding opportunities for different body types and ethnicities but also creating a more supportive and accessible environment for models facing various challenges. By fostering a more inclusive industry, we can better reflect the diverse world we live in and inspire positive change through fashion because we are beautiful

The biggest challenge in modeling is balancing professional demands with personal needs. Participating in various campaigns and projects can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially when dealing with long hours, travel, and adapting to different conditions. Additionally, maintaining confidence and positivity in an industry that can be very critical can be challenging. However, with the support of loved ones and personal commitment, I strive to maintain balance and continue to grow as a professional

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a model is dealing with negative comments and harassment, including videos that mock me and threats I have received. These situations have significantly impacted my mental health, but I try to focus on the positive aspects and the support I receive from loved ones and fans. I’ve learned how to distance myself from negativity and have found ways to maintain my mental well-being, such as speaking with professionals and practicing self-care. Despite the challenges, I remain dedicated to my work and give my best to inspire others and promote positivity.

If I could change something about myself, I would probably want to improve my resilience to stress and negative comments. Although I strive to handle challenges, it can be difficult to stay completely positive and focused in tough situations. I am working on developing mental resilience and finding ways to maintain my mental health so that I can face obstacles even more successfully.

One of my favorite photographers is Jovana Rikalo. Her fairytale-like images and creative approach to photography always inspire me. Her ability to create magical and emotive portrayals makes working with her an exceptional experience. Her artistry brings a unique atmosphere and depth to every project, which is truly valuable to me as a model.

One of my most memorable shoots was the one themed around Japanese culture. Besides being visually stunning, the shoot held personal significance for me as it allowed me to showcase my passion for Japanese fashion and art. Working with a talented team and creating something that reflected my uniqueness made this session a special experience that I will always remember

I believe that the theory of 'consistency' is very accurate when it comes to modeling. Consistency is crucial for building a successful career in this industry as it helps maintain a professional image and credibility. Continuously working on oneself, upholding high standards, and adapting to new trends and market demands are key for long-term success. Consistency also helps in building trust with clients and collaborators, which can open doors to new opportunities.

One of the brands I would love to model for is Yohji Yamamoto. Their innovative aesthetic and dedication to art and design have always inspired me. I believe that working with them would be incredibly exciting and an opportunity to express my unique vision in line with their creative approach. Additionally, their commitment to diversity and inclusivity in fashion is something I deeply appreciate.

The term 'women empowerment' means the process of enabling women to recognize and realize their full potential in all aspects of life. This includes providing opportunities for education, professional growth, and making decisions that impact their lives. Empowering women helps them gain confidence, develop skills, and become leaders in their communities and industries. Through this process, women can combat injustice, take control of their destinies, and contribute to creating a more balanced and equitable society

I empower women through my work as a model by advocating for diversity and inclusivity in fashion. I strive to represent various styles and looks that reflect the unique qualities of each woman, sending the message that every woman is beautiful and valuable in her own way. Additionally, I use my platform to speak about important issues such as mental health and self-confidence, providing support and inspiration to women facing similar challenges. I believe that through my work, I can contribute to spreading a positive impact and help women feel empowered and valued.

I am currently working on a project for lacemade.jp, which is an extremely exciting experience. 

This project allows me to explore new creative directions and contribute to innovative ideas in fashion. Additionally, I am planning several upcoming collaborations that will further enrich my work and provide new opportunities for growth and development.

When I'm not working, I enjoy drawing and painting, dancing, singing karaoke, and improving my Japanese language skills. I also love taking walks in nature, which helps me relax and find inspiration

My beauty regimen includes regular cleansing and moisturizing of my skin, as well as using products suited to my skin type. I also pay attention to a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to keep my skin healthy. To stay in shape, I exercise regularly, including cardio workouts and yoga. Additionally, I train in kendo, which helps me maintain physical fitness and develop discipline.

I am grateful to be able to enjoy these dream-like moments. My experience as a model has been like a magical journey for me. Every day brings new discoveries and surprises as if I’ve wandered into a dream world. I am deeply thankful to everyone who supports this beautiful adventure. I look forward to continuing to cherish my uniqueness and share more dream-like moments with all of you, thank you so much for having me and for sharing my story with your wonderful audience.