Valruzia

[Aethan]

Nowikmanía: from politics to the big media

The younger members of the Nowik family are steering clear of politics and making a name for themselves in modeling and on the big screen

January 5718

Brothers Wincenty and Lech Nowik (top) and their cousin Nadia Nowik

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Far from the political arena, the newest generation of the Nowik family have received the 5718  with a refreshing and glamorous twist to one of the most talked-about lineages in modern Valruzian history. The grandchildren of former Chancellor of Valruzia Iwan Nowik are steering clear of the stuffy halls of politics and are instead making a massive name for themselves under the blinding flashes of the modeling and big screen worlds. Forget about lengthy legislative debates and tight diplomatic protocols; the only protocol these three care about is how to look absolutely flawless when the flashbulbs start popping!

It seems like just yesterday the Nowik name was synonymous with the highest political levels of our country — and still now, their uncle Józef is the current mayor of Nowogard and their uncle Anton shares the same fate as mayor of Szlas —, but brothers Wincenty and Lech Nowik, alongside their cousin Nadia, have staged a full-blown coup on the fashion industry. Lech, 23, and Wincenty, 25, are already being hailed as the next great face of their generation, wiith their sharp features and effortless charisma proving that the family’s legendary persuasiveness works just as well on a camera lens as it does on a voter base. This year alone, both brothers have appeared in no less than three films, being nominated for next year's national awards in different categories. Different as day and night, as they often like to describe themselves, their acting capacities have been largely praised by the media, with critics often calling it "effortless" and "inspiring". In fact, Wincenty has already been tainted to appear in the third season of the internationally acclaimed series "The 200" with a yet unknown main role, and not only that but has also been rumoured to be in some kind of relationship with a member of a foreign royal family, although these rumors have not yet been addressed by himself. In contrast, Lech Nowik has been recently casted for the latest film of Valruzian director Zyzen Polach, three-time winner of the Valruzian National film award.

But they are not the only members of the Nowik family making headlines in the media press. Their cousin Nadia, at just 18, has officially conquered the iconic Nowogard runway, leaving the fashion elite breathless. With a double face of model and influencer, she regularly updates his millions of social media followers about her daily life, which often includes sport training in her favorite sport, swimming, along with her modelling role. With her characteristic flaming red hair, she is set to appear in no less than six different fashion shows around the world just this year, having become the face of varied international fashion companies such as TeDDy and Swarzski. 

With some already calling this the new "Nowikmanía" far from the times when it was associated with the charismatic figure of Szymon Nowik, the three of them often address the labels placed on them about "nepotism" and being called "nepobabies". they handle it with a grace that seems almost inherited. In a recent interview from their family estate in the fields of Gryfit, Wincenty was the first to speak out, noting that while their last name might open some doors, it certainly doesn't "memorize a script" for them. "We are incredibly proud of our family legacy and the work our family continue to do in places such as Nowogard and Szlas" he explained with a relaxed smile, "but the camera cares about your own talent". When asked about politics, they often refuse to position themselves, but it is no secret that they often take part in protests and civil rights demands nationally and abroad. "While we don't like to get involved in politics like other members of our family do, we do think it is important to stand up against injustices and speak up for those who are not able to do so".

Lech, the more reserved of the brothers, echoed this sentiment, pointing out also that the pressure to succeed is actually doubled when you carry a name that is already etched into the history books. For him, every role he takes "is a chance to prove to belong in the frame" because of his own talent and not his birth name. Meanwhile Nadia, the most outspoken of the three, doesn’t shy away from the heat. While her brothers might choose a more diplomatic stance, Nadia has become a firebrand for social change on her platforms. "Being a Nowik used to mean being careful about what you say so you don't lose votes or you don't make your own family lose them" she remarks. "But for me, it’s actually the opposite. If I have ten million eyes on me, I’m going to make sure they see the things that matter, whether that’s climate action or the rights of the marginalized in Valruzia or abroad." She’s often seen at the forefront of grassroots movements, and this "rebel with a cause" persona has only fueled the public's fascination and her popularity, turning her into a symbol of a new Valruzian youth. When critics call her a "nepobaby", she’s quick to clap back: "My name got me the voice, but that voice is my own. If you’re offended that I’m using my privilege to demand justice, then you’re perhaps part of the problem too".

These three represent a Valruzia that is young, aesthetic and globally connected, with their faces spreading not only all over Valruzia but travelling abroad, whether it’s Wincenty’s rumored royal romance heating up the tabloids and his appearance in an internationally acclaimed series,  Lech's skyrocketing acting career or Nadia’s face plastered across a Swarzski billboard around Seleya and Artania.