Russian beauty Valentina Zelyaeva
Russian beauty Valentina Zelyaeva
Born on October 11th, 1982 in a Siberian town Ulan-Ude, Valentina’s father was an army officer. And her mother graduated from a pedagogical college to become a teacher. When Valentina was 7, her parents moved to Moscow. Valentina never thought of a modeling career. All happened by chance – on her way to the University an agent came up to the beautiful 16-year-old Valentina and asked her if she wanted to be a model. She didn’t took him seriously. Two years later Valentina heard about Elite Model Look contest on a radio. Valentina’s friends encouraged her to try a chance. Tall, slim and beautiful blonde Valentina was chosen among thousands of girls, she was invited to Tokyo for a couple of months. The intention to stay in Japan for 2 month turned into 2 years.
Valentina was shot for local catalogs, worked with Japanese clients. She learned English and made enough money to support her family and herself. Working in Tokyo, she had already known what she wanted to be – a professional model and New York was the place for her to go next. It was her dream to live in New York, so she packed her bags and left Japan for good.
New York was her love at first sight, here she felt like home. The big breakthrough came to her when she went to see Ralph Lauren fashion show in 2003. Valentina ended up with opening the show, following up with a gorgeous campaign. After that she had signed an exclusive long term contract and has been the face of Ralph Lauren ever since.
Currently Valentina Zelyaeva lives in New York. She travels the world sharing her experience with others on her blog. She gives beauty tips, healthy vegetarian recipes. Her motto – “Value who you are. Enjoy your uniqueness and don’t compare yourself with others and never put yourself down. Love is everywhere!”
Russian model Valentina Zelyaeva has appeared on the cover of Spanish, Chinese, Greek, and Mexican editions of Vogue. She has been featured in print advertisements for Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Calvin Klein. In addition to her Vogue covers, she has appeared on the covers of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Her runway credits include Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci and Valentino. On the controversial issue of banning underweight models from Milan Fashion Week, she said, “I think it’s discrimination. We are skinny, this is our work. There are lots of overweight people working in offices but I’m not going to say, ‘This girl is fat, she can’t work in an office’.”
Russian beauty Valentina Zelyaeva
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