Brandon Friederich – Maxim
She’s a star, she’s a star, she’s a big, bright, shining star. And Anastasia Bondarenko’s striking, Boogie Nights–themed Maxim photo shoot—lensed by veteran photographer Antoine Verglas at Manhattan nightclub The Palace—is proof that even Dirk Diggler couldn’t deny. Standing at a svelte 5-foot-10 inches tall and donning a blue-eyed gaze reminiscent of Eva Herzigová’s, Bondarenko’s success as a model comes as no surprise. The stunner has graced the pages of numerous glossies and appeared in fashion campaigns for esteemed brands like Hudson Jeans, Bourjois Paris and 7 for All Mankind. But as DJ Ana Boo, her musical alter ego (follow her on IG at @ana_stasia_boo), she has truly unleashed her full star power. Read on to learn more about Bondarenko’s favorite artists, her encounter with soccer legend David Beckham, and more.
How did you get into modeling?
I began my modeling career at the age of 15 when I was discovered in my hometown, Lviv, Ukraine. From there, I started traveling full-time between Milan and Paris and eventually made it to New York, which became my home base.
What made you want to get into DJing?
I got into DJing about five years ago. Growing up playing piano, my love of music has always been strong. My current taste was shaped by exposure to the underground music scene in Europe through my modeling career. While modeling can be incredibly fun, pursuing my passion for music has brought a different sense of fulfillment into my life. Music allows me to express myself creatively in a way that modeling doesn’t.
Have you played any cool gigs recently?
I recently played at a Dolce & Gabbana makeup launch in New York, which was definitely one of my DJ highlights. Another memorable gig was performing at Edge NYC, where I opened for The Martinez Brothers. Playing with the skyline of New York as a backdrop was so special. Coupled with the crowd’s energy, it was truly a magical atmosphere and made for a night I won’t ever forget.
Who are some of your biggest DJ inspirations?
If we’re talking about female DJs, I think Peggy Gou is pretty cool, particularly for her unique style and how she is able to hold the crowd when she performs. I’m also a fan of Carlita’s and Desiree’s music.
