MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile professor and Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva composed the music for a new documentary, “Muse of Dior,” about Alla Ilchun, the world’s first supermodel from Kazakhstan. The documentary explores the life of Ilchun, who was considered the inspiration for French fashion designer Christian Dior.
Illchun and Onalbayeva are both of Kazakh origin. Onalbayeva wrote the song “Alla” for the documentary.
“I was excited to get to be a part of this documentary because of my connection with the fashion industry and the fact that Alla made the move to Paris as an immigrant with a dream. I came to America with the dream to be a musician – I feel connected to Alla and her story,” says Onalbayeva.
She was connected to the producer and director of “Muse of Dior,” Berlin Irisheff, and offered to produce an original composition that is used throughout the film.
“Alla” was produced at the Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio on the University of Mobile campus with Chris Springer, director of the university’s 8Eighty Records.
Onalbayeva’s mother was a fashion designer, so the fashion industry is close to the music professor’s heart, making it even more special for her to be a part of the “Muse of Dior” documentary.
The movie has already premiered in Paris and Kazakhstan. The documentary will premiere in the United States and be available globally in coming months.
Onalbayeva will head to Paris in November and present “Alla” at The American Church in Paris.
View the trailer and hear “Alla” being played in the background here.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.