Belarus’ Pioneering Model Galina Chernysheva: Our Work Was a Well-Guarded Secret
Belarus’ Pioneering Model Galina Chernysheva: Our Work Was a Well-Guarded Secret
In September 1963, two 17-year-old girls, Galya and Sveta, hailing from the military town of Uruchye, discovered they had been accepted into the Geography Department at Belarusian State University. They opted for evening classes due to their modest family backgrounds, allowing them to work and study simultaneously. Their exact employment was yet unknown, but fate had a unique path laid out for them.
The Birth of a Career
As they strolled down Sovietskaya Street, they found themselves in front of the House of Models (now the Belarusian Fashion Center). A three-story building where a modest runway was situated on the first floor, and clothing and shoe manufacturing took place on the upper levels. A woman beckoned them from a window, inviting them in. Intrigued, they entered and were offered a chance to meet with the artists and work in the House of Models. Galya, with her background in singing, dancing, and amateur theatrics, was a natural fit for the role of a mannequin.
The Reality of the Job
Contrary to popular belief, the primary role of the House of Models was not to showcase clothing to the public but to develop models for the republic’s clothing and shoe enterprises. The term “models” referred to the clothing and shoe samples produced, not the individuals displaying them. Galya and Sveta had ideal body proportions, but the selection criteria were not as rigid as today’s standards. Galya, standing at 165 cm tall with a clothing size of 42-44, was not the typical model by today’s standards.
Their daily routine involved standing for fittings and monthly presentations to the Artistic Council, comprising chief engineers and designers from Belarus’ clothing factories and representatives from the Ministry of Light Industry. The workdays were long, starting at eleven and ending at four. Galya often showcased teenage clothing and even had the opportunity to present a dress for older schoolgirls to the then-leader of Belarus, Petr Masherov.
A Secret Profession
For the first two months, Galya and Sveta kept their new profession a secret from their families, fearing their reaction. They pretended to go to the library daily. However, when a business trip to Moscow arose, they could no longer hide the truth. Galya’s family, despite initial apprehensions, were supportive. Her younger brother, an artist, was particularly proud of her. Their family was close-knit, built on love and trust.
The Misconceptions and Realities
Society often viewed models as frivolous and promiscuous, but Galya asserts that this was far from the truth. They were politically astute and ideologically sound, as stated in the characteristics of each model traveling abroad. Before being sent to Expo ’70 in Japan, they were under observation for a year. They were nothing like the models portrayed in films, who were often depicted as alcoholics and smokers. In reality, they were more like sports stars, taking pride in representing their country.
The House of Models’ Standing
By 1965 or 1966, they began attending All-Union methodological meetings in Moscow. These meetings, attended by prominent figures like Slava Zaitsev, determined the fashion trends for the upcoming year. The House of Models in Belarus consistently ranked third, after the All-Union and Riga houses. It gradually gained international recognition, showcasing its collections at exhibitions in Bulgaria, Germany, and Yugoslavia.
In conclusion, the life of a model in the Soviet era was far from the glamorous and frivolous image often portrayed. It was a profession that required dedication, hard work, and a deep sense of patriotism. The models were not just pretty faces; they were ambassadors of their country’s fashion industry, playing a crucial role in its development and international recognition.
For more information on the history of fashion, you can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
