Meet the actor, model, filmmaker and fashionista embracing the concept of sustainability and playing her positive part in protecting the planet…
Welcome to MAXIM, Farida. For those who don’t know a lot about you, give us a little more background about yourself and brief life story so far.
I graduated from Beijing Film Academy with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. I am a professional actress and spent the past five years working in the theatre, film and modelling industry in Russia and China. This is what I’m passionate about and I’ve only recently returned to Australia.
Tell us a bit about the actor and filmmaker side of you.
I love classical realism. Theatre-wise, I’ve toured Russia and China performing the works of Chekhov and Shakespeare – you name it! In terms of filmmaking, I have produced, translated and assisted in numerous documentaries. Voice dubbing is also something I really enjoy.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
Probably about my heritage – I was born to a Russian father and Chinese mother and I’m fluent in Russian, Chinese and English.
Nice. How long have you been modelling and what would you do if you were not a model or in the film industry?
I’ve been professionally modelling for the past five years. If I was not in the film or modelling industries I would probably pursue a political career. I have three different world views instilled inside me, to which I understand clearly and can relate to.
Describe the idea behind this MAXIM photo shoot?
The concept of the shoot is about climate change and its effect on mental health. The project is supposed to inspire people to make conscious decisions about their wardrobes and not to give in to “fast fashion”. Hence why all the pieces we chose were either sustainably made, up cycled or Australian owned.
Tell us more.
Sustainable swimwear is created in a way that minimally affects the earth. We live in the age of “fast fashion” which is detrimental to the earth and impacts climate change, causing droughts and storms, which may affect mental health. If we are more conscious about the brands we buy, we will only have a positive impact on climate change and be happier as a society.
Why is climate change and mental health so important to you?
Climate change affects us all. The economic effects of climate change may cause devastating effects on our emotional and mental state. If we learn the concept of sustainability and incorporating it into our everyday lives, such as our clothing, we can really protect our Earth and save it for the next generation.
Heavy topics aside, you look beautiful. When do you feel sexy?
Thank you! I feel sexy when I have a beautiful golden tan and am dressed to perfection.
What is your best asset?
My best asset is my face. I have the best mixture of both worlds. Otherwise, I’m very creative and have a great imagination.
When you’re not on social media or posing for the cameras, what else would we find you doing in your everyday life?
I’m either reading, at the gym or drawing designs for my upcoming business project.
How can a man win his way to your heart?
By being romantic. Men nowadays don’t know about real romance and chivalry.
Describe your ideal date.
My ideal date would be a romantic candle lit dinner followed by a beautiful theatre performance.
What have you learnt about men over the years?
Men are children at heart. They need to feel loved, appreciated for who they are and need to be taken care of just as much as women.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Communication with no boundaries is the key to a woman’s heart and a healthy relationship.
Finally, any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
I am going to be taking on more challenging and exciting projects as well as working on the launch of my fashion business in early 2023. Watch this space! ■
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Farida Rakhmanova
BORN: September 1
HOME TOWN: Sydney NSW
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Spontaneous, passionate, adventurous, creative, tasteful.”
HIDDEN TALENT: “I can play the accordion.”
PHOBIAS: “Spiders!”
GO-TO DRINK: “Champagne or an icy vodka.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Everything or nothing.”
INSTAGRAM: @missefes
Photography by GEORGE AZMY
Hair & make-up by SYDNEY HAIR & MAKEUP CO
Creative direction by WILLY BAGATCHOLON (IG: @iam_friendofsmallstone
Plivati Swimwear and styling by BHAVNINDER SANGHERA (IG: @bhav.xo)
For the full article grab the November 2022 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
