Mariya Solodar is a successful marketer, a sought-after media promotion specialist, and an entrepreneur in the USA. She is no stranger to the Cannes Film Festival and this year she even presented her personal brand clients on the red carpet.
Mariya told us about the process of preparing for the event, collaborating with world-class designers, and why attending the festival works for her.
Mariya, this is not your first walk on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Why did you decide to attend the event this year? Please, share your impressions.
Yes, this is my second walk on the red carpet in Cannes in a row. A few years ago, I couldn’t even imagine that I would be at a film festival as an official guest and show off outfits from star designers.
I came here for the second time because I had a lot of beautiful collaborations with brands. Well, and most importantly, this year, I came not alone but with my clients, whom I help promote their personal brands. For them, this event was an excellent opportunity to express themselves, and I was their curator. So this year, the Cannes Film Festival became a real business trip for me, with a busy program and a very busy schedule.
How do you think this year’s film festival was different from the previous one?
Conceptually, the festival was not much different from the previous one – this is the whole charm of the event. But I have changed, and my attitude towards the film festival has changed – that’s what’s valuable. Sometimes, you must visit places you have been before to understand how you have changed. This time, I was already prepared for an official public appearance and shared my experience with those who came to Cannes for the first time.
Given your previous experience, how did you prepare for the opening?
The Cannes Film Festival is about beauty and aesthetics. When everyone is taking pictures of you, and new photos of event participants come out in the media every minute, you want to look beautiful in these photos.
Therefore, I actively dressed up before the event—I played sports, monitored nutrition, got massages, and had beauty and cosmetic procedures. You want to look perfect when you walk along the red carpet, representing a famous fashion house.
Please, tell us about your collaborations with brands. How did you choose a dress for the red carpet and other official appearances?
For the second year in a row, I’m representing the fashion house of Jacob Meyer, a world-class designer. This collaboration brings me great pleasure. This year’s Jacob dress was very daring and sheer (see-through). I was worried whether I would be able to adequately present this image to the public. But he believed in me, and I hope everything worked out for me.
I also chose two dresses from Riccasposa, a Ukrainian wedding brand, for official appearances. It’s interesting that this brand was created by my subscriber, and she already has representative offices in more than 50 countries around the world! So, it was an honor to present these images in Cannes.
At the premiere of the film Parthenope, I wore a luxurious black dress from Aliceandolivia, an American brand. We chose each dress together with the designers, taking into account the event for which I was supposed to appear, the values of the brand and my physical characteristics.
Jacob Mayer, a Designer, dresses many celebrities. How do you manage to collaborate with him for the second year in a row, why do you choose him?
Jacob is currently focusing on collaborating with famous influencers and Instagram bloggers. I’m glad he sees potential in me and chose me for the second year to showcase his work. I also think that we agreed on the basis of common values. He supports countries that are struggling with the political situation, and he is now actively helping Ukraine. This is important to me, and in this, we are similar.
Mariya, you attended several film premieres – which film made the greatest impression on you?
I was amazed by the Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino’s film Parthenope. It is a must-watch—it is very powerful and beautiful!
Is it useful for your professional activity to attend this festival?
Sure. I’m currently focusing on working with and producing influencers, so attending an event of this magnitude is exciting. This is a great opportunity to study the market, watch the “live” development of a personal brand and observe the work of famous personalities—how they behave, what outfits and trends they present, and what fashion houses they represent. It’s also an opportunity to collaborate with famous people because brands and bloggers from all over the world come here.
Your advice to those who are going to the festival next year. What do you need to be prepared for?
The Cannes Film Festival is more than just a pretty picture. Suppose you come here to network as an influencer, for example. In that case, this is primarily a job because the festival attracts much attention, and you need to seize this opportunity. Be prepared for a busy schedule of events; be ready for the fact that you will have little sleep and food. There will be a lot of communication and, of course, beautiful films. I dream of one day visiting the Cannes Film Festival for fun – watching film premieres, appreciating the stars’ outfits and taking many photos. But now I use this event for my professional activities.
What would you like to wish our readers?
Feel free to set global goals for yourself. Believe in yourself, and your dreams will come true. No matter how trite it may sound, do not give up despite the difficulties. Go towards your goals, and they will definitely work.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
