Monika: And how does the press handle transgender issues in Ukraine?
Anastasia-Eva: The Ukrainian press is still in the early stages of seriously analyzing who transgender people are, what we want to achieve, and how we differ from "straight" people, if we differ at all. Discrimination often stems from ignorance and a fear of change, particularly when it comes to supporting the LGBT community. Therefore, society needs subtle, educational rhetoric from the media and civil society activists. As for the government, they are currently not focused on our issues. However, they shouldn’t actively hinder us through laws or regulations. I can promise you that in the next 5 to 10 years, we will see transgender individuals working as stewardesses, military personnel, athletes, police officers, and even politicians in Ukraine!
Monika: I love your blog about fashion! What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Are there any specific fashion designs, colors, or trends that you gravitate towards?
Anastasia-Eva: My style and perception of my own image have evolved over the past 10 years. In the beginning, I loved wearing flashy, provocative clothes, lingerie, and high heels, sometimes at the cost of comfort. Over the years, I’ve leaned more toward practicality, but I still keep my heels!
Monika: I love your blog about fashion! What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Are there any specific fashion designs, colors, or trends that you gravitate towards?
Anastasia-Eva: My style and perception of my own image have evolved over the past 10 years. In the beginning, I loved wearing flashy, provocative clothes, lingerie, and high heels, sometimes at the cost of comfort. Over the years, I’ve leaned more toward practicality, but I still keep my heels!
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| I'm satisfied. |
At the office, I prefer a formal and simple style: a silk blouse, a blazer, a tapered skirt just above the knee, or a pant suit, paired with tights or thin stockings (in the summer) and mid- to high-heeled shoes. I like to accessorize with jewelry and perfume. I never hide my slim legs and often highlight them, because femininity should always shine through.
For outerwear, I’m open to almost everything, from a mink coat to an elegant, medium-length coat. When it comes to underwear, I prefer delicate materials like silk, satin, viscose, lycra, microfiber, and cotton lace. My panties, shorts, and negligees are always comfortable, elastic, and gently shape my figure. As for brands, I don’t fuss too much about them. My choices are more about "love at first sight," the right size, color, and quality craftsmanship.
I make spontaneous purchases when I’m out shopping, and it often turns out to be a great decision. Over the past 2-3 years, I’ve also started working with private studio masters for custom-made pieces, whether it's a tailored business suit or an elegant coat. I love the creative process, I’m not just the initiator of new designs, but also the creator of my look throughout the entire production process, and eventually, the one who showcases the final result.
Regardless, I get noticed by colleagues, subordinates, acquaintances, friends, and even strangers. I always make sure my appearance fits my status and gender identity. As a transgender woman, I focus on showcasing my best feminine features. Let men admire and be captivated!
Monika: Do you have any favorite models?
Anastasia-Eva: In my country, my favorite is Anna Zayachkivska, Miss Ukraine 2013. I also admire Snejana Onopka, she's the only model who has had the honor of being featured on the cover of Italian Vogue twice. I really like the figure and the face of our current Miss Ukraine, 2015, Khrystyna Stoloka, a 19-year-old student from Kyiv. Other favorites include Anna Andres and Diana Garkusha. They are all beautiful and promising models, with some, like Snejana, being well-known internationally. As for citizenship and patriotic views, Anna Zayachkivska holds the top spot for me.
For outerwear, I’m open to almost everything, from a mink coat to an elegant, medium-length coat. When it comes to underwear, I prefer delicate materials like silk, satin, viscose, lycra, microfiber, and cotton lace. My panties, shorts, and negligees are always comfortable, elastic, and gently shape my figure. As for brands, I don’t fuss too much about them. My choices are more about "love at first sight," the right size, color, and quality craftsmanship.
I make spontaneous purchases when I’m out shopping, and it often turns out to be a great decision. Over the past 2-3 years, I’ve also started working with private studio masters for custom-made pieces, whether it's a tailored business suit or an elegant coat. I love the creative process, I’m not just the initiator of new designs, but also the creator of my look throughout the entire production process, and eventually, the one who showcases the final result.
Regardless, I get noticed by colleagues, subordinates, acquaintances, friends, and even strangers. I always make sure my appearance fits my status and gender identity. As a transgender woman, I focus on showcasing my best feminine features. Let men admire and be captivated!
Monika: Do you have any favorite models?
Anastasia-Eva: In my country, my favorite is Anna Zayachkivska, Miss Ukraine 2013. I also admire Snejana Onopka, she's the only model who has had the honor of being featured on the cover of Italian Vogue twice. I really like the figure and the face of our current Miss Ukraine, 2015, Khrystyna Stoloka, a 19-year-old student from Kyiv. Other favorites include Anna Andres and Diana Garkusha. They are all beautiful and promising models, with some, like Snejana, being well-known internationally. As for citizenship and patriotic views, Anna Zayachkivska holds the top spot for me.
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| Life in pink. |
Monika: The fashion industry is full of beautiful transgender models: Roberta Close in the past, and now you, Lea T, Felipa Tavares, Andreja Pejić, Valentijn de Hingh, and many more. How do you explain the fashion industry's great interest in transgender women?
Anastasia-Eva: I can add to this list Geena Rocero, Hari Nef, actress and model Cassandra Cass, Arisce Wanzer, Ines Rau, Carmen Carrera, Isis King, and May Simon. So why is there such a demand? As always, several factors are at play: the desire of designers to explore new images and the unique, mysterious features of the face. A transgender model brings double the energy; she is capable of achieving significant goals (after all, undergoing sex reassignment surgery says a lot about perseverance!). It’s no wonder that the audience at fashion shows closely observes transgender models, comparing them to "cisgender" star models on the catwalk, who has the most stunning curves, the most exquisite walk, and so on. You might think that transgender models are just a passing trend in the fashion industry, but that's not the case. The rejection of old standards and taboos is evident throughout the cultural space.
Monika: Your wiki says that you're a big admirer of Dita Von Teese. What is it about her that inspires you?
Anastasia-Eva: Dita inspires me deeply. She is not just a woman, but a true lady, she is the goddess of femininity! How can I not admire her taste in lingerie, her choice of shoes, and everything she represents? Dita indirectly sparked my love for garter belts and stockings. I looked through her pictures while studying fashion trends and the pin-up style. She is the queen of flirtation, playfulness, and teasing, she always creates an air of mystery that captivates people, especially men.
Anastasia-Eva: I can add to this list Geena Rocero, Hari Nef, actress and model Cassandra Cass, Arisce Wanzer, Ines Rau, Carmen Carrera, Isis King, and May Simon. So why is there such a demand? As always, several factors are at play: the desire of designers to explore new images and the unique, mysterious features of the face. A transgender model brings double the energy; she is capable of achieving significant goals (after all, undergoing sex reassignment surgery says a lot about perseverance!). It’s no wonder that the audience at fashion shows closely observes transgender models, comparing them to "cisgender" star models on the catwalk, who has the most stunning curves, the most exquisite walk, and so on. You might think that transgender models are just a passing trend in the fashion industry, but that's not the case. The rejection of old standards and taboos is evident throughout the cultural space.
Monika: Your wiki says that you're a big admirer of Dita Von Teese. What is it about her that inspires you?
Anastasia-Eva: Dita inspires me deeply. She is not just a woman, but a true lady, she is the goddess of femininity! How can I not admire her taste in lingerie, her choice of shoes, and everything she represents? Dita indirectly sparked my love for garter belts and stockings. I looked through her pictures while studying fashion trends and the pin-up style. She is the queen of flirtation, playfulness, and teasing, she always creates an air of mystery that captivates people, especially men.
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| Woman's dreams by the window. |
As a passionate burlesque diva, she’s posed in transparent peignoirs, lace sets, stockings, and garters for many years. Her vintage makeup never fails to leave an impression, even on women! How could I not fall in love with Dita? I adore her heartfelt poses during photoshoots, her elegant walk, the color of her lipstick, nail polish, and even her hairstyles. We share similar tastes when it comes to perfume as well. I also do photoshoots in a similar stylistic manner, focusing on fetish fashion: pantyhose, stockings, belts, corsets, shoes, heels, and evening gowns. Without a doubt, women like Dita Von Teese, Christina Aguilera, and Renata Litvinova are true highborn ladies, embodying the elegance of vintage style.
Monika: Have you ever considered working as a fashion designer?
Anastasia-Eva: I’ve actually been working as the designer for my own line of tights and stockings for the past three years. We produce them in Italy and Poland. While it’s not on an industrial scale, I truly enjoy the process of creating these designs under my own brand. I’m proud that my brand’s tights are worn by European female politicians, as well as representatives from the world of show business, sports, and culture. Honestly, I’d love to expand into a full line of clothing and accessories, but that requires capital and additional investors. I’m open to opportunities and collaborations in the business world and am excited about the potential for growth!
Monika: Are you involved in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you believe transgender women can make a difference in politics?
Anastasia-Eva: Even if someone isn’t personally interested in politics, politics still affects them. I was actively involved in the Orange Revolution of 2004 and spent three months on the Maidan during the Revolution of Dignity in 2013-14, supporting democratic, pro-European forces. Ukrainians are striving to build a state that considers their social and economic rights, and that’s at the heart of political struggle.
Monika: Have you ever considered working as a fashion designer?
Anastasia-Eva: I’ve actually been working as the designer for my own line of tights and stockings for the past three years. We produce them in Italy and Poland. While it’s not on an industrial scale, I truly enjoy the process of creating these designs under my own brand. I’m proud that my brand’s tights are worn by European female politicians, as well as representatives from the world of show business, sports, and culture. Honestly, I’d love to expand into a full line of clothing and accessories, but that requires capital and additional investors. I’m open to opportunities and collaborations in the business world and am excited about the potential for growth!
Monika: Are you involved in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you believe transgender women can make a difference in politics?
Anastasia-Eva: Even if someone isn’t personally interested in politics, politics still affects them. I was actively involved in the Orange Revolution of 2004 and spent three months on the Maidan during the Revolution of Dignity in 2013-14, supporting democratic, pro-European forces. Ukrainians are striving to build a state that considers their social and economic rights, and that’s at the heart of political struggle.
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| On the eve of Christmas 2017. |
As far as I know, the vast majority of my friends are transgender people who support Ukraine's European integration and the liberalization of the visa regime. Personally, I will always support the party that upholds democratic values in elections. However, it is almost impossible for transgender people to be members of a political party, this is a special feature of modern times.
I was a member of the Social Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko for ten years. In some EU countries, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the participation of transgender women in political life may initially become a media sensation. But eventually, it will be perceived as a natural event, not outside the bounds of civilized society. The important thing here isn’t whether someone is a transgender politician but how intelligent, wise, and well-versed they are, and how well they can present themselves. For example, if Anastasia-Eva Domani has knowledge in economics and finance, speaks several languages, and looks impeccable, no one will focus on her gender features.
Monika: How important is love in your life?
Anastasia-Eva: Love is the most important feeling for me! Every woman is happy when she loves and is loved by someone, regardless of sexual orientation. In my life, there have been a few men who left a lasting impact. I lived with one of them for three years in a civil marriage, and during that time, I truly felt like the happiest transgender woman in the world. At the moment, I’m not married and am still searching for a young man, a future husband. I dream of having a true romantic wedding and experiencing the joy of being a bride, wearing a wedding dress, white stockings, and sharing love with the man I’ve chosen. What could be more beautiful for a woman? This is my ultimate goal. So, we can say that Anastasia-Eva’s goal is to find the other half of her heart! In the end, love means compromise, peace, warmth, kindness, and joy, everything that’s often missing in our daily lives.
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| Polaroid selfie. |
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants?
Anastasia-Eva: I believe that if there’s no rule against transgender people participating in beauty pageants, then there’s no reason they should be excluded. Even if a trans woman has undergone multiple surgeries to feminize her body, she should still have the opportunity to compete. Beauty pageants should be open to anyone who wants to take part. There is absolutely nothing wrong with transgender people wishing to participate in these events. They've made the choice to change their gender, and they should not face discrimination for that. Transgender people are people, after all. My dream is to participate in a beauty contest, or at the very least, be involved in organizing such events in Ukraine. I have the ambition to win a beauty contest among transgender women, no matter what it takes!
Monika: Many transgender women eventually write memoirs about their journeys. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own life?
Anastasia-Eva: That’s a good question. I’ve thought about it several times. But I believe that before writing a memoir, you need to achieve something meaningful in life, something that benefits the public or your community. A memoir should tell the story of a transgender woman who has fulfilled her dreams and reached significant milestones. Right now, I’m only halfway through my journey toward full womanhood. Maybe in fifteen or twenty years, I’ll be ready to write a proper, well-documented essay about myself. For now, I keep a diary to record everything. As the Scottish writer and philosopher Thomas Carlyle once said, "A well-written biography is as rare as a well-lived life." So I will try to live beautifully and with a sense of purpose.
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| Open to communication and new friends. |
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Anastasia-Eva: Dear ladies, try to shape your life after transitioning in a way that allows you to be mentally and physically ready to live as a woman, 24 hours a day, every day. For some, hormone therapy or changing legal documents might be enough. For others, it may mean undergoing full gender-affirming surgery. Take the time to truly understand what path feels right for you, not for your friends or for a famous transgender model or actress. If the deep desire to live as a woman doesn’t fade over time, and your life circumstances allow it, then it might be the right moment to consult with doctors about surgical transition.
Also, believe in yourself and don’t stay idle. Fill your life with creativity: enjoy dancing, shopping, reading fashion magazines, attending shows and exhibitions that reflect your interests. Go to the gym or try aerobics, become a regular at beauty salons, and explore self-expression through your own photo shoots. Eventually, learn to cook, work on dropping any bad habits (this takes time too!), and when you're ready, you’ll face the final question: are you prepared to complete your transition through GRS?
Monika: Anastasia-Eva, thank you for the interview!
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Anastasia-Eva Kristel Domani.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
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