You have a very refined, distinct and unique sense of personal style — who are your main inspirations?
Honestly, I don’t look up to anyone in particular these days, the industry feels kind of flat right now. But it feels pretty cool to say this in Playgirl, considering the history behind your name.
How did you get involved in modeling and what led you to creative directing?
I grew up dreaming of becoming a model. Back then, I thought modeling was simple: just look good and pose. But as I entered the industry, I quickly saw how saturated it was, and realized I wanted something more. What truly inspired me was the creative side — shaping vision, mood, identity. Since I launched my Instagram in 2017, I was obsessed with aesthetics. I curated pages for my friends just for fun, not even knowing it could become a career. But the truth is I was a creative director long before I knew the title for it.
What was your process to get so many followers on your social media platforms (1.5M on TikTok, 169K on IG, 50K on X)?
I started doing content back in 2017 and just got super into it visuals, storytelling, all of it. I’ve always handled everything on my own. The numbers came with time, but that was never the goal. Social media became the place where I could shape my world and do things my way, no pressure, no need to chase anything.
What is it about you that you think your fans relate to and/or are most interested in?
Probably the part where I take my clothes off.
You’re also on OnlyFans — though your content is not explicit and it seems like you “push the envelope” of what’s sexy while still always leaving something to the imagination. How does your focus on OF content creation differ from the other platforms?
That platform is very different for me. I don’t really overthink what I post there. I don’t spend time planning it out, most of the shots are just first takes. It’s not something I’m passionate about, but I know some people enjoy it and I appreciate that.
Your path to Los Angeles seems like it was quite a tumultuous journey — traveling to various countries in a very public queer relationship before inevitably coming to America solo. Tell us about how it was to leave everything behind in order to make your new life in the USA.
America was always the dream. But everything shifted when I got into my first relationship. I wasn’t planning to go public, especially while living in Russia where it wasn’t safe. I even had a U.S. SIM card to keep my videos hidden from the local audience.
One night, during a thunderstorm, we were sitting by a fountain on a first date. I set my phone down and recorded the moment, no plan, no script. I posted it, and by morning it had over a million likes. People connected with it, and we kept going.
We talked about moving to the U.S. together, but deep down I knew that dream was mine. I was trying to bring someone into a future they didn’t really want. Eventually, I came here alone. That period was heavy and isolating. Leaving everything behind wasn’t easy, but it gave me clarity. It pushed me to focus on who I am and what kind of life I want to build. And that’s exactly what I’m doing now.
What was the most difficult part of leaving your homeland without knowing how things would turn out here in the USA? Do you ever plan to return to Russia?
Leaving my homeland wasn’t a hard decision — but it was emotionally hollow. It felt like cutting off a part of myself just to survive. It was the safest choice, not the easiest one. In the U.S., I knew I could finally exist without fear – fear for my identity, my freedom, my voice.
As for going back – I can’t. Under the new laws, I’m considered an extremist simply for being gay. If I return, I don’t think I’d be allowed to live freely… or even safely. That door is closed for me. What’s waiting there isn’t a home – it’s a sentence.
What made you choose Los Angeles?
It’s the City of Angels – there was never really any doubt. I’ve been romanticizing LA since I was a kid. To me, it always felt like some kind of paradise. My own version of Los Santos.
June is gay pride month. How does gay pride feel to you here after coming from a country where you were unable to be open about — much less celebrate — your sexuality?
Pride feels like finally exhaling after holding my breath for years. In Russia, I had to hide who I was. Here, I can live openly, speak freely, and feel safe. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a victory. I’m proud of who I am and how far I’ve come.
What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation looking to live openly and escape potential persecution?
Don’t let fear erase who you are. I know how scary it is. I’ve been there. But your truth is worth protecting. Start with small steps: find a trusted friend, connect with online communities, learn your rights. Plan your escape like your future depends on it, because it does. And never forget: you are not alone. Freedom is real. I found it, and you can too.
Are you currently in a relationship?
Yes, I’m in a relationship. It’s actually nice to be with someone you can build something with — especially now, when you finally start to understand what a healthy relationship feels like.
He’s from Ukraine, which always surprises people, but for us, it just feels right.
What’s next for you creatively?
Right now, I’m working on my biggest project yet. it’s going to have everything your readers and my people love. It’s time for me to be fully exposed – creatively and emotionally.
At the same time, I’m collaborating with some artists and celebrities, some of it is under NDA, so I can’t share too much yet. I keep creating, for myself and for others.
Instagram: @uonlad
