By: Olga Amraie
In the world of high fashion and elite social circles, elegance and sophistication are paramount. One woman who embodies these qualities is Irina Sergeeva, Elegance expert, Fashion Model and the Founder of Elite Woman Secrets Club. Originally from Siberia, Russia, Irina’s journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and grace. We sat down with Irina to discuss her career, her aspirations, and her unique insights into elegance and aspirational living, drawing parallels with the Hadid family’s roots and upbringing.
Interviewer: Irina, thank you for joining us. Can you start by telling us about your journey from Siberia to becoming an Elegance expert, Fashion model and Founder of Elite Woman Secrets Club in the United States?
Irina Sergeeva: Thank you for having me. My journey began in Siberia, where I grew up in a strict unglamorous household. Despite a structured upbringing, I excelled academically and was active in high school. Later, I attended the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), studying Management in the fuel and energy complex. MGIMO is known for its influential alumni such as Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Irina Bokova, former General Director of UNESCO, billionaires Alisher Usmanov and etc.and it was a place where I learned the importance of networking and self-presentation.
However, due to the corruption in Russia, I decided to leave everything behind and start anew in the United States. Arriving alone in a foreign land was challenging, but it also presented an opportunity to reinvent myself. I immersed myself in American high society, which opened my eyes to the concept of quiet luxury and old money trends. This experience, combined with my background, laid the foundation for my work as an Elegance expert, Fashion model and Founder of Elite Woman Secrets Club.
Interviewer: How did your upbringing influence your career, and how do you relate to the Hadid family’s story?
Irina Sergeeva: My upbringing in Siberia, much like Yolanda Hadid’s in Holland, was marked by resilience and determination. The 54-year-old former supermodel, who first gained fame as a teenager signed to the Ford agency, is now even more renowned as the mother of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid. Additionally, she has become a familiar face as a star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Yolanda’s story of moving from Holland to the USA with dreams of supporting her family where her mother had to raise 2 kids, living in great poverty, as Yolanda’s dad died in a car accident,resonates with me. Like her, I had to adapt to a new environment and overcome numerous challenges, helping my family remotely. My parents provided me with a life of privilege, but the corruption in Russia forced me to start over in the USA, much like how Yolanda had to navigate her own path in a new country.
Yolanda Hadid’s struggle with Chronic Lyme Disease, which brings symptoms like fatigue, joint, and muscle pain, is a testament to her strength and perseverance. Despite these health challenges, she instilled a strong work ethic and values in her children, Gigi and Bella, which are evident in their success today. Similarly, my parents taught me the importance of perseverance, kindness,tact,nobility, intelligence and confidence,which has been crucial in my journey. Yolanda’s emphasis on humility, kindness, and a strong work ethic deeply resonates with my own values and the principles I teach to the women I mentor.
Interviewer: How did you transition into the fashion industry and eventually start the Elite Woman Secrets Club?
Irina Sergeeva: After moving to the US, I realized the importance of personal branding and elegance in achieving success. I became a certified modeling expert and elegance coach, and I joined the Vogue Club and SAS Angels Club powered by SAS Movie Studio in Los Angeles, which gave me exclusive access to haute couture fashion events and expert advice. I also graduated from Marina Mogilko’s online school “Mmarketing”, where I specialized in personal branding.
Through these experiences, I recognized a gap in the market for a platform that mentors women on elegance, femininity, etiquette, manners,fashion, and aspirational living. This led to the creation of Elite Woman Secrets Club. The club focuses on empowering women to elevate their lives through elegance, from setting boundaries and attracting the right partner to enhancing personal growth and self-esteem.
Interviewer: Can you share some insights into your approach to mentoring women on elegance and aspirational lifestyles?
Irina Sergeeva: Absolutely. The key aspects I focus on are understanding and embodying feminine energy, maintaining a fashion and style routine, and upholding high standards in all areas of life. For instance, elegance isn’t just about appearance; it’s about how you carry yourself and treat others. I teach women to cultivate inner confidence and grace, which naturally enhances their outer beauty.
Setting boundaries and knowing your worth are also crucial. Many women struggle with these aspects, but they are essential for building healthy relationships and achieving personal growth. My approach combines practical advice with psychological insights to help women transform their lives holistically.
Interviewer: You draw inspiration from the Hadid family’s story, particularly Yolanda Hadid’s influence on her children. Can you elaborate on this?
Irina Sergeeva: Yolanda Hadid’s influence on her children, Gigi and Bella, is profound. She instilled values of humility, hard work, class and kindness, which have helped them navigate their high-profile careers while remaining grounded. Yolanda’s teachings emphasized that beauty is more than skin deep; it’s about how you treat others and maintain your integrity.
A perfect example of this influence is Gigi Hadid’s invitation to the Met Gala 2024, one of the most-watched fashion events of the year. Organized by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, this black-tie event is attended by the biggest names in music and entertainment. Each celebrity is chosen to wear a gown by a designer, and all outfits must be pre-approved by Wintour before they step onto the red carpet. Celebrities who break any of the Met Gala’s rules are never invited again, underscoring the event’s exclusivity and strict etiquette.
At the Met Gala, Gigi had the honor of wearing a $2 million dress designed by Thom Browne. The dress was an epitome of craftsmanship, featuring intricate embroidery and over 2.8 million micro bugle beads. It took a team of 70 skilled artisans thousands of hours to create this masterpiece, reflecting the pinnacle of haute couture. Such an opportunity was a testament to Gigi’s status in the fashion industry, which she achieved through the lessons and values instilled by her mother.
Despite initially failing her auditions for Victoria’s Secret, Gigi’s perseverance and the values instilled by her mother helped her secure a place in the iconic fashion show. Yolanda’s advice to her children—such as being the hardest-working and kindest people in the room—was instrumental in Gigi’s success. This ethos helped Gigi navigate the highly competitive world of high fashion with grace and determination as Yolanda Hadid always reminded to her girls: “Listen, there’s going to be a million girls that are more beautiful than you are and deserve success as much as you do, so how are you going to set yourself apart?” and she added: “Beauty doesn’t last, but the way you make people feel is something they will remember forever.”
Interviewer: How do these experiences and lessons influence your teachings in the Elite Woman Secrets Club?
Irina Sergeeva: Much like Yolanda’s approach with her children, I emphasize the importance of humility, nobility,kindness, and a strong work ethic in my teachings. I believe that elegance and success are built on a foundation of strong character and ethical behavior. Just as Yolanda taught her children to be the hardest-working and kindest people in the room, I encourage the women I mentor to embody these principles.
Social etiquette is another crucial aspect. At events like the Met Gala 2024, understanding and adhering to social etiquette rules—such as no phones, no smoking, and respecting the artwork—is essential. These rules ensure that the event maintains its exclusivity and elegance. Knowing and practicing these etiquettes can open doors to high-profile opportunities and help maintain a reputation of grace and sophistication.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about Yolanda Hadid’s approach to happiness and well-being, especially considering her battle with Chronic Lyme Disease?
Irina Sergeeva:Yolanda Hadid, despite managing a multibillion-dollar empire, finds joy in simple things. She once stated, “My happiness is buying a little pony, feeding my cows and my goats, and getting my fresh eggs from my chickens, so that’s really where my joy is.” This connection to nature and simplicity highlights her grounded approach to life.
Now, dealing with Chronic Lyme Disease, Yolanda appreciates the importance of holistic health. She said, “I’m eager to learn every day and try new things. That’s really a big part of my life and that’s the only place I like to spend money.” Her dedication to holistic health and personal growth is something she values more than material possessions, like a Chanel handbag. This philosophy of finding joy in simple, meaningful experiences rather than material wealth is a lesson I also share with the women I mentor.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to women who are starting with nothing but aspire to live an elegant and affluent lifestyle?
Irina Sergeeva: My top 5 insights for starting with nothing and aspiring to an elegant lifestyle are:
Invest in Yourself:Prioritize education and personal development. This could be formal education, like my time at MGIMO university, or informal learning through quality networking,books, courses, and mentors.
Cultivate Inner Confidence: True elegance comes from within. Work on your self-esteem and believe in your worth. This inner confidence will reflect in your external appearance and interactions.
Network Strategically: Build meaningful relationships with people who inspire and support you, who want to see you win. Networking is not just about meeting people but creating lasting, mutually beneficial connections.
Embrace Quality Over Quantity:Focus on quality in every aspect of your life, from your wardrobe to your relationships. Invest in timeless pieces and experiences that enrich your life.
Practice Grace and Etiquette:Good manners and a graceful demeanor go a long way. Whether you’re attending a high-profile event or a casual gathering, how you treat others defines your elegance and class.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about your upcoming online program and how readers can join the waitlist?
Irina Sergeeva:I’m excited to announce my upcoming online program this summer, “Elite Woman Secrets,” which is designed to help women transform themselves and live more refined lives according to their goals and values. The program will cover various aspects of elegance, personal growth,investment strategies, details that tell, spice strategy and aspirational living. Readers can join the waitlist and learn more about the program at elitewomansecrets.com/course
Interviewer: Finally, how can our readers connect with you and follow your journey?
Irina Sergeeva: Readers can visit my website, to learn more about my journey, the services I offer, and the Elite Woman Secrets Club. I also have a YouTube channel, where I empower women to awaken their feminine self-worth and share insights on elegance,femininity,etiquette,style and personal growth.
Irina Sergeeva’s journey from Siberia to the pinnacle of fashion and elegance is a story of determination and grace. Her work continues to inspire women to embrace their inner elegance and strive for a life of quality and fulfillment. For more on her work and philosophy, visit [www.irina-sergeeva.com](http://www.irina-sergeeva.com)
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/irinasergeevaofficial?igsh=MXV4OW5yaGsxdHJldQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009359948151&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@irinasergeevaofficial?_t=8m8zrls5JFb&_r=1
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@IrinaSergeevaOfficial?si=hZunCrDRrCRE1DTW
Published by: Nelly Chavez
