id002: Irena Drezi
Next up in our XYZ iD series, we encounter one of Ireland’s most successful models and influencers, Irena Drezi. Based in the Irish Midlands, this hidden gem has become a regular face of brands such as Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo, Fashion Nova, and has been featured in publications such as Image magazine, Stellar and many more.
Her genuine personality and body confidence have clock up 537k followers on Instagram so far and we are here for every moment! A true inspiration and one to watch!
Age: 26
Height: 5’9
Horoscope: Virgo
Agencies: 1st Option Models
Tell us about your ethnical background. Where do you inherit your unique features from?
I was born in Czech Republic but my family moved to Ireland when I was four. I did an Ancestry DNA test a while ago and I got like eight different ethnicities. My highest one was Greek & South Italian, Central Asian, North-Western European and some Middle Eastern. So I’m like a mix of everything with an Irish accent.
As an influencer what is important to you in terms of messaging to your fans?
When I started Instagram I was the typical ‘morning coffee post’ girl. But when I started to post my outfits I got engagement from women asking me where I got my clothes etc. That’s when I realised I could use my platform for something better. I started posting outfits frequently, outfits that you wouldn’t really see a curvy girl wear like crop tops and fitted clothing.
Women reached out to me saying they were so happy to see someone they could relate to with their own bodies and how their confidence grew just by looking at me. That made me feel amazing and that’s what motivated me to keep trying to inspire women to gain confidence and find self-love.
What does body positivity mean to you?
I’ve struggled with my body image since I was young. I had this image in my head of what I should strive to look like, all the girls in magazines, music videos and in movies. Every front cover of a magazine had something like “How to lose 5kg in a week”. Everything around me was skinny, skinny, skinny. It completely consumed me to a point that I developed an eating disorder and my weight fluctuates up and down like a yo-yo. I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror without being disgusted by my own reflection.
This went on for a few years, until I slowly started to realise I’m striving for something that doesn’t even exist. Perfection. I realised that we are all not meant to look the same, I started to slowly like the fact that I was curvy, I started to see more women online with fuller figures and whenever I looked in the mirror I looked for things I actually liked about my body. I think both men and women have a massive tendency to compare themselves with others and that completely ruins you. I think the road to confidence and self-acceptance is long and hard, but once you get there I promise you the feeling is amazing.
Have you got any tattoos? Are they meaningful to you?
I have six in total, they all have a meaning behind them. My most meaningful ones are probably my parents initials on my hand and a saying in Sanskrit on my side that says “Love now for tomorrow isn’t promised”.
How do you manage with any negative feedback online?
I’m good friends with the block button! If I see anything or anyone that will trigger me I’ll either delete the comment or block the account. I don’t care who you are, if you even disrespect or try bully me online you’re gone sorry. Being in the modelling industry I’ve learned to grow thick skin and not let every negative thing affect me, sometimes it can be hard but 90% of the time I’ll pass no head. It’s something you learn to do over time. One of Instagram’s best features is the comment/messaging filter. I’ve a list of words I don’t want to see. People will act tough through a phone or computer but in reality the chances of you coming up to me and saying something to try and put me down is unlikely. It can happen but my response will speak for itself.
Describe your personal style. Tell us, what’s your favourite item in your wardrobe?
My style is quite eclectic. It ranges from basic structured pieces to baggy tracksuits and tight fitted co-ords. I love anything minimalistic and tonal. I’m not a huge fan of colour but I’ll wear red or green every now and then. My favourite piece has to be an oversized blazer, I have one in black, grey and beige. They pretty much go with anything. I’m all for wearing the same piece with multiple outfits. I’m not big into trends, I like wearing/buying clothes I can wear all the time and will last. I love Hailey Beiber’s style, it’s very similar to mine. Elsa Hosk is another one I adore.
Where has been your favourite destination to travel? You’ve been to some amazing places.
I’ve been to a good few places, but New York will always be my favourite. It holds a special place in my heart for many reasons but mainly because of my Dad. I grew up listening to stories of how he lived there in his twenties. As soon as I made enough money when I was twenty-two I booked a flight and didn’t even want to leave. The energy, the city, the fashion it felt like home.
Tell us about your music. You released music last year, have we new sounds on the way?
I’m currently writing a few songs, hoping to release an EP in 2023. It’s quite hard I’m not going to lie, finding the right beat, melody and story. I like to have songs with meaning, something someone could relate to.
If we could grant you one wish, what would it be?
To turn back time.
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Next up in our iD interview series is the hottest event photographer in town right now, Kodak Dan. His work has been causing a stir as he has been recognised by some of Ireland’s favourite electronic artists and clubs to capture intimate nightlife moments.