In an age where noise often drowns out truth, Sumi moves differently, with a quiet grace that feels almost transcendent. Her world is built not on urgency, but on intention; not on perfection, but on presence. Through her work and words, she reminds us that empowerment is not always loud or defiant; sometimes, it’s found in silence, in surrender, in the courage to simply be.

 By OTS Magazine | In Honor of International Albinism Awareness Day

On this special day that celebrates visibility, strength, and acceptance for people with albinism across the globe, we are deeply honoured to reconnect with one of our most inspiring past cover stars — the ethereal and courageous Sumi.

I've never been good at taking photos. In person, I'm a really introverted and reclusive person. In 2019–20, the agency saw me on Instagram. I was pictured and published on social media by my roommate from the student lodging, with whom I was living at the time. that's how they found me. and so I began to gradually go into this world.

To every aspiring young model, I offer this counsel: cherish your individuality and have the courage to shine brightly. The essence of success lies in remaining authentic to oneself and curating a style that genuinely reflects your identity. There is no need to tread another's path; your distinctiveness is your most formidable asset. Always keep in mind that fashion is a canvas, and you are the artist, crafting something truly unique and extraordinary.

I can't single out a single one because every collaboration and experience is something special and each one is a new and important achievement. I am really grateful for meeting various people with whom I had wonderful collaborations

To keep up with Sumi's work follow her on Instagram.

_______

My name is Svetlana Šlapak, and my stage name is Sumi (it is a Japanese name). I am 21 years old. I am currently based in Serbia where I was born, However, I am Ukrainian. I am currently studying Tourism and the Japanese language. When I am done I will take up a Chinese language course. I love Asia very much, especially Japan. For me, Japan is another world, another universe. I love Japanese tradition, culture, language, and energy. I love Japanese street fashion, karaoke, and anime. I was born with the ocular type of albinism.

Oh in many ways!. My hair started to turn white from stress and my skin became lighter. At school, the kids were very mean with words like  "you look like a grandmother, a vampire, a ghost, a scoundrel" My childhood was very difficult. Some are still spreading lies about me, saying that I am faking albinism. They say this because I used to have dark blonde hair and darker lashes but it's all white now, my experiences make me think people are either envious or just stupid. Although I don't see how they should be jealous of this because my eyesight is very bad and out of  100%  I have only 2% of my vision for this reason I use a white stick to move around, I try to see the good in people. I deeply believe that everyone can change for the better! When we love ourselves we are able to love others. I definitely suffer from internet violence. However, I know who I am and I will never give up on my dreams. I am a famous model now. I appeared in Vogue magazine in Italy. and I am an ambassador of a fashion agency. That's why I advise people to never give up on their dreams because that is the worst thing that can happen to them.

Haha yes. It was hard and funny. The photographer wanted to photograph my eye up close. In the sun, my eyes run uncontrollably and I can't help myself. He tried to photograph my eye for about 45 minutes. Then I closed my eyes and said “Say three four now and I will open my eyes” we did so many trials but in the end, we succeeded. It was a new experience for me.

The fashion industry was the first to accept my appearance, character, and me as a person. I have made a lot of good friends in the modeling industry that would last me for the rest of my life. I also made a lot of Japanese friends and I am very happy about this like I said I love Japanese Culture. I am happy that modeling connects me with great people. There will always be haters, but it doesn't matter when you have people you truly love. modeling is not just my job it is my life. It connects me with great people and I always gain new experiences.

Everyone is unique in their own way. It is important that we are good people. He who has a pure heart and soul shines with indescribable light and illuminates the universe. Live for your dreams never give up. Because we are the heroes of our lives.

Usually, when models initially get into business, they get carried away with the money. And then nothing else matters to them. I don't know how to describe it. But no matter how many photographers I have worked with, no matter how many styles I changed, I will be drawn to the Asian style over and over again. I guess it's supposed to be me. You should never forget who you are and don't change who you are for anyone.

I would like to remove the height limit because I think everyone deserves to do what they love.

Sometimes it's hard to achieve everything. But there will be challenges if you don't accept those difficult tasks, am I right? Besides, If everything in life is easy- Life would be so boring.

Absolutely nothing. I will just keep trying to be a better version of myself every day.

haha, I don't know how to answer this. I do not know what to say. Maybe I'm too much of a dreamer. I used to live in a world of imagination, in a world I created myself. Because it hurts to watch this world, So I guess I am unique in my own way, especially in my way of thinking.

In my opinion, everyone can do what they want. I don't want to judge anyone. Everyone deserves to live their own life the way it pleases them.

I would like men to respect women more. This reminds me of a quote I love: "Every woman should walk as if three men were walking behind her."-Coco Shanel

I want to show them that everyone can do what they want. There are no boundaries, spread your wings and fly, I want them to always believe in themselves and the beauty of their dreams.

You just have to be who you are. Like when you meet a new person and want to be friends, you have to be authentic all the way.

I just know I’m getting stronger than ever especially when it comes to doing what I love. Every day I am reborn like a phoenix from the ashes. Maybe one of my projects would be song recording, you never know.

I have always looked up to Haruki Murakami. I go for a run at 6 in the morning every day. And my beauty routine is nothing special. I just use everything natural on a daily basis.

I would love to say a huge thank you to OTS MAGAZINE for this lovely interview. I would also love to add to what I have previously said, I believe we are all heroes of our lives. It doesn't matter what others say about us. It really doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what others think of us. What matters is what we think about ourselves and that we know the cosmos. I think we are all a big family to be loved and to spread love always.

My name is Svetlana Šhlapak, and my stage name is Sumi (it is a Japanese name). I am 22 years old. I am currently based in Serbia where I was born, However, I am Ukrainian. I am currently studying Tourism and the Japanese language. When I am done I will take up a Chinese language course. I love Asia very much, especially Japan. For me, Japan is another world, another universe. I love Japanese tradition, culture, language, and energy. I love Japanese street fashion, karaoke, and anime. I was born with the ocular type of albinism.

Credits:

Model @sumialbino