MOEVIR Magazine August Issue 2025

[ Sanela Jolic Ella ]

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3129357

Model: Sanela Jolic Ella @ellashx

Photographer: Adrian Braem @adrianbraem_portraits

Makeup & Hair: Melek Atalay @idole_makeup_kosmetik

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Sanela Jolic Ella is a fashion model with over 15 years of passion for fashion, viewing it as a language of identity and personal power. Originally from Slovenia and now based in Switzerland, she blends her roots with a global perspective that goes beyond beauty, embracing authenticity and sustainability. With experience on international runways and in fashion retail and styling, Sanela combines elegance, discipline, and deep self-awareness. She believes true fashion is not just a trend, but an expression of the soul, guided by freedom and confidence.

How has your personal definition of fashion evolved over time?

In the beginning, fashion was a dream—something beautiful, distant, and inspiring. It was about style and elegance. But as I grew and immersed myself more deeply in the industry, fashion became something more personal and meaningful. Today, it is my language—how I express who I am without needing words. I see fashion as movement, as energy that reflects identity, courage, and thought. It’s a mirror of our inner world. It’s no longer just about surface beauty, but about being present and aware—conscious of what I wear, why I wear it, and how it speaks to others.

How did each stage of your journey shape your approach to fashion and beauty?

Each stage of my journey has taught me something valuable. In Slovenia, I learned humility, discipline, and where I come from—those roots ground me to this day. As I began traveling and working internationally, I encountered different perspectives, which gave me wings. With every new place, person, and project, I gained a deeper understanding of fashion and beauty as cultural, emotional, and spiritual. This journey shaped not just my career, but also my respect—for myself, for others in the industry, and for the creative process behind everything we present on stage or in photos.

What drew you to high fashion and runway modeling?

High fashion has always fascinated me because it goes beyond clothes—it’s wearable art. What drew me most was the runway: that single, powerful moment when you walk out and become the physical embodiment of someone’s creative vision. You are not just showing a garment; you are telling a story, channeling emotion, and becoming both the creation and the interpreter. It’s an intense, beautiful experience that lives in movement, energy, and presence. There’s a kind of magic in high fashion that pushes you to be bold, expressive, and fully alive in that one unforgettable moment.

What have been the most defining editorial shoots in your career, and why?

Shooting for Harper’s Bazaar Philippines and ELLE were truly defining moments in my career. These were not only important platforms in terms of exposure and recognition, but they also allowed me to be seen in a new light—as an artist, not just a model. In those shoots, I felt truly understood. The creative direction, the energy on set, and the way I was invited to bring more of myself into the images changed how I approached editorials. It wasn’t about just looking good—it was about emotion, depth, and presence captured in a still frame.

How do you adapt your style to different fashion cultures and markets?

Adapting to different fashion cultures starts with listening. I always take time to observe the nuances of each environment—what people value, how they express themselves, what the unspoken codes are. Fashion is a universal language, but every place has its own accent. I connect with each culture respectfully, always making sure to honor its essence while still bringing my own authenticity. It’s about finding balance—adjusting without losing yourself. Whether I’m in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, I stay open, humble, and curious. That openness helps me remain relevant, adaptable, and creatively engaged in every market I work in.

What are the key elements you focus on when walking the runway?

Presence is everything. When I walk the runway, I focus on being completely present in the moment. Every step tells a story—not just about the garment, but about emotion, confidence, and connection. I remind myself that each piece I wear is the result of someone’s vision and countless hours of work, and I treat it with the respect it deserves. I aim to channel the energy of the designer’s world through my body, using movement and expression. It’s not just walking—it’s performing, feeling, and translating something invisible into something unforgettable for the audience.

What does being “fashionable” mean to you in a world saturated with trends?

To me, being fashionable isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about knowing who you are and expressing that with clarity and confidence. In a world where styles change weekly, staying grounded in your own identity is what truly stands out. Trends come and go, often without lasting impact, but personal style has longevity. It’s about wearing pieces that speak to your essence, not just your image. When you are true to yourself, you don’t follow the trend—you become the inspiration. Fashionable, to me, means being timeless, intentional, and unapologetically yourself.

How has working behind the scenes in fashion changed your perspective as a model?

Working behind the scenes gave me a completely new appreciation for the fashion process. It’s one thing to walk the runway or pose for the camera, but seeing the dedication of designers, stylists, makeup artists, and sales teams brought me deeper respect for the craft. I started noticing the details—the careful selection of fabric, the pressure before a show, the smiles given to customers on the sales floor. It humbled me. It reminded me that modeling is just one part of a much larger picture, and every element deserves gratitude and attention.

How do you balance the glamour of fashion with the discipline your work demands?

The truth is, most of my days are more about discipline than glamour. Behind the images and runway lights is a routine built on focus and care. I start early, practice Pilates to stay connected to my body, stay hydrated, and cultivate a sense of calm. These foundations are what allow me to show up fully when the camera turns on or the lights hit the runway. The glamour is beautiful, but it’s the result of quiet, consistent preparation. That balance—between groundedness and elegance—is where my strength lies.

How do you mentally and emotionally prepare for beauty-face shoots?

For beauty-face shoots, my preparation begins internally. I intentionally slow down, creating a space of silence—both around me and within. It’s important for me to disconnect from noise, pressure, and external expectations. I see these shoots not as performances, but as intimate moments of presence. Instead of thinking about how I look, I focus on how I feel. I allow emotion to rise naturally—whether it’s softness, strength, vulnerability, or serenity—and I let that guide my expression.  

The face, especially the eyes, reveals so much more than we often realize. You can’t fake sincerity in a close-up. The camera captures everything—not just your features, but your inner state. That’s why I make space for stillness before each session. I breathe, I ground myself, and I return to who I am beneath the roles and images.

When I’m centered and fully in tune with myself, my expression becomes honest. That honesty is what makes the image resonate. It’s not about the perfect pose, but about the authenticity behind the gaze. That’s the moment when the lens doesn’t just capture a face—it captures a feeling. That’s what I aim for every time.

How do you stay true to yourself in an industry that molds people into trends?

Authenticity is my anchor. In an industry that often offers ready-made images and roles, I always pause and ask: is this really me? If it’s not, I don’t wear it—literally or metaphorically. I don’t believe in performing someone else’s version of who I should be. Over time, I’ve learned that staying true to my values and instincts not only protects my identity but also allows me to connect more deeply with the audience and collaborators. Being yourself in this industry is a quiet rebellion—but it’s the most powerful one.

What is the most misunderstood aspect of being a model today?

That it’s all perfect and effortless. But the truth is—it’s a profession. It takes work. Sacrifice. And endless learning.

How has Pilates and a balanced lifestyle influenced your modeling career?

Pilates has been transformative for me. It helps me stay physically strong, mentally clear, and emotionally grounded. Modeling demands constant movement, travel, and adaptability—and without balance, it’s easy to lose yourself in that pace. Pilates centers me. It connects breath, body, and awareness in a way that prepares me not just for the physicality of the job, but also for its emotional and psychological demands. My balanced lifestyle gives me stamina, clarity, and grace—qualities that make me better not just in front of the camera, but in life.

What were the biggest challenges transitioning into fashion retail and styling?

Shifting from “muse” to “advisor” was a challenge of ego. I had to learn to truly listen to others—and in that, I found a new strength.

If you could collaborate with any designer in the world, who would it be?

If I could collaborate with any designer in the world, it would be Zuhair Murad. His creations are the embodiment of fantasy and craftsmanship—each piece feels like poetry sewn into fabric. There’s a majestic, almost regal quality to his work, yet it never loses its sense of delicacy and softness. I admire how he balances boldness with femininity, structure with fluidity. Wearing one of his designs feels like stepping into a story where beauty and strength coexist. At the same time, I carry deep admiration for Coco Chanel—not just for her aesthetic, but for what she represented. She didn’t follow fashion.

She transformed it. She gave women the freedom to express themselves with confidence and simplicity, without sacrificing elegance. Her influence is timeless, and her values resonate with me on a personal level.

In a way, these two creative worlds—Murad’s opulent storytelling and Chanel’s liberated minimalism—represent the two sides of my own artistic identity. One is dramatic and emotive, the other is refined and intentional. If I could live in the intersection of these two visions, I believe it would create something extraordinary: a space where dreams are grounded in meaning, and where style becomes both statement and soul. That, to me, is the essence of the perfect collaboration. 

What role does fashion play in shaping cultural identity?

Fashion is the visual language of culture. Living abroad, I’ve learned that clothing can speak louder than a thousand words—even without translation.

How do you approach sustainable fashion in your own life?

I buy less, but more consciously. Working in retail opened my eyes to how much we truly consume—and how little we need to express so much.

What advice would you give to young models from smaller countries?

Believe in yourself before anyone else does. Where you start doesn’t matter—where you’re headed does.

What are some of the most valuable lessons fashion has taught you?

That talent isn’t enough—character makes the difference. And that strength comes when you can say “no” without losing respect.

What are your goals within the fashion industry moving forward?

I see myself as a creator of stories—perhaps curating fashion that connects people, authenticity, and soul. Fashion with meaning—that’s my future.