Između kamenih terasa Lovrana i beskrajnog plavetnila Jadrana, moda postaje poezija – a utjelovljuje je Vialina Lemann.
U modnom editorijalu snimljenom za novi broj magazina Grazia, dvadesetogodišnja manekenka pokazuje zašto je modno ime o kojem ćemo u godinama koje dolaze sve više slušati.
Rođena u Uzbekistanu, s lakoćom spaja duboko razumijevanje tradicije s hrabrim koracima u zapadnjačkoj modnoj industriji. Razgovarali smo s manekenkom i sportašicom koja oživljava priču – kako na pozadini stoljećima oblikovanih kamenih zidova, tako i na naslovnici nove Grazije.
Imaš iskustva u sportu, plesu i modi. Što povezuje ta tri svijeta i koje ti vještine iz sporta/plesa pomažu u manekenskoj karijeri?
Ta tri svijeta povezuje disciplina, izražajnost i rad s tijelom. U sportu sam naučila kako nadvladati umor i strah, u plesu kako govoriti bez riječi – gestom, pogledom, pokretom. Sve to je neprocjenjivo u manekenskom poslu. Znam kako kontrolirati tijelo, kako nositi imidž i kako slušati redatelja, dok pritom dodajem vlastitu interpretaciju. Moja unutarnja snaga i osjećaj za ritam su mi oslonci na setu.
“Zapad se često fokusira na trendove, dok naše kulture imaju dubinu, simboliku i povijest”
Dolaziš iz regije gdje su tradicije važne. Kako ocjenjuješ razvoj modne industrije u Uzbekistanu, Rusiji i Kazahstanu u usporedbi sa Zapadom?
Te zemlje trenutno aktivno redefiniraju svoj identitet. Sve je više dizajnera koje inspiriraju nacionalni kodovi, ornamenti i zanati, ali ih predstavljaju na suvremen način. Zapad se često fokusira na trendove, dok naše kulture imaju dubinu, simboliku i povijest. Zajedničko je svima traženje autentičnosti. Kad lokalna estetika postane globalni jezik, moda nadilazi odjeću i postaje kulturološki statement.
Vidiš li svoju budućnost više na Zapadu ili sebe vidiš kao globalnu figuru? Kako tvoji korijeni utječu na to?
Sanjam o tome da budem dio globalnog modnog svijeta, ali ne da se u njemu izgubim. Moji korijeni su moja snaga. Želim da ljudi kroz moj put upoznaju kulturu iz koje dolazim. Nije riječ o izboru između „Zapada“ i „doma“, već o sintezi. Nosim sa sobom posebnu viziju, suptilnost i emotivnost koju mi je dala moja zemlja. I vjerujem da svijet sve više traži takvu autentičnost.
“Moj glavni cilj je imati glas i utjecaj”
Na koja si postignuća najponosnija? I koji su tvoji snovi za budućnost?
Ponosna sam što je sve što sam postigla rezultat mog unutarnjeg rada i vjere u sebe. Ponosna sam na povjerenje koje mi pružaju jaki ljudi iz industrije. I što sam ostala vjerna sebi, unatoč pritisku i konkurenciji. Moji snovi za budućnost uključuju suradnju s velikim modnim kućama i snimanja s fotografima koji stvaraju umjetnost, a ne samo slike. No moj glavni cilj je imati glas, utjecaj, inspirirati i pomoći drugim djevojkama da vjeruju u sebe.
Imaš samo 20 godina. Kako održavaš samopouzdanje i što te inspirira? Imaš li uzore?
Ponekad nisam sigurna – i to je normalno. No uvijek se vraćam sebi: zašto sam ovdje i što želim reći svijetu. Inspiriraju me žene koje se ne boje biti složene, žive, kontradiktorne – Frida Kahlo, Natalia Vodianova, Rooney Mara. Od njih učim hrabrost da ne budem savršena, a da ipak zablistam.
Kako izražavaš kreativnost na setu? Što ti je posebno drago u tom procesu
Nikada ne dolazim na set samo da “lijepo stojim”. Čitam reference, razmišljam o atmosferi, stvaram unutarnju priču junakinje. Važno mi je osjetiti emociju koju prenosim. Najviše volim trenutke kada nastupi improvizacija, kada fotograf kaže: “Zaboravi na tehniku, samo osjećaj.” Tada nastaje čarolija.
Kako gledaš na konkurenciju u industriji?
Konkurenciju doživljavam kao test autentičnosti. Tko si ti? Zašto si ovdje? Ako si iskren prema sebi, nikakva konkurencija te ne može srušiti. Ne natječem se s drugima, već težim tome da budem najbolja verzija sebe. I to mi pomaže da ostanem fokusirana i smirena.
U doba filtera i Facetunea – što za tebe znači prava ljepota?
Prava ljepota je u nesavršenosti. U madežu, ožiljku, sjaju u očima. U vremenu kada svi žele odgovarati standardima, biti svoj je čin hrabrosti. Vjerujem u ljepotu koja dira, a ne onu koja nam se samo sviđa. I trudim se i sama nositi upravo takvu vrstu ljepote – živu, ranjivu, stvarnu.
Kako se mijenja percepcija luksuza s pojavom brze mode i masovnih brendova?
Luksuz postaje tiši. Udaljava se od logomanije i razmetljivih cijena, a približava se značenju i kvaliteti. Danas je luksuz u vremenu, ručnom radu, povijesti i jedinstvenosti. Brza moda ne uništava luksuz; ona samo ističe one koji zaista cijene sadašnji trenutak. Vjerujem da pravi luksuz uvijek ima budućnost jer se obraća srcu, a ne trendovima.
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English version
Between the stone terraces of Lovran and the endless blue of the Adriatic, fashion becomes poetry – embodied by Vialina Lemann.
In a fashion editorial shot for the latest issue of Grazia magazine, the twenty-year-old model powerfully demonstrates why she is a name we’ll be hearing much more about in the years to come.
Born in Uzbekistan, she effortlessly blends a deep understanding of tradition with bold steps into the Western fashion industry. We spoke with the model and athlete who brings the story to life – both against the backdrop of centuries-old stone walls and on the cover of the new Grazia.
You have experience in sports, dance and fashion. What unites these three worlds and what skills from sports/dance help you in your modeling career?
These three worlds are united by discipline, expressiveness and body work. In sports I learned to overcome fatigue and fear, in dance to speak without words, through gesture, look, movement. All this is invaluable in modeling work. I understand how to control my body, how to carry an image, and how to listen to the director while adding my own interpretation. My inner strength and sense of rhythm are my pillars on set.
You come from a region where traditions are important. How do you assess the development of the fashion industry in Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan compared to the West?
These countries are currently in the process of actively redefining their identities. We see more and more designers who are inspired by national codes, ornaments, and craftsmanship, but they present it in a modern way. The West often focuses on trends, while our cultures have depth, symbolism, and history. The common ground is the search for authenticity. When local aesthetics become a global language, fashion goes beyond just clothing and becomes a cultural statement.
Do you see your future more in the West, or do you see yourself as a global figure? How do your roots influence this?
I dream of being a part of the global fashion world, but not to dissolve in it. My roots are my strength. I want people to learn about the culture I come from through my path. It’s not about choosing between “the West” and “home”, it’s about synthesis. I carry with me a special vision, subtlety, and emotionality that my land has given me. And I am sure that the world is increasingly in demand for such authenticity.
What achievements are you most proud of? And what are your dreams for the future?
I am proud that everything I have achieved is the result of my inner work and faith in myself. I am proud of the trust that strong people in the industry have in me. And that I have remained true to myself, despite the pressure and competition. My dreams for the future include working with great fashion houses and shooting with photographers who create art rather than just images. But my main goal is to have a voice, an influence, to inspire and help other girls to believe in themselves.
You are only 20 years old. How do you maintain confidence and what inspires you? Are there any role models?
Sometimes I am not sure – and that is normal. But I always go back to myself: to why I am here and what I want to say to the world. I am inspired by women who are not afraid to be complex, alive, contradictory – Frida Kahlo, Natalia Vodianova, Rooney Mara. I learn from them the courage to be not-perfect and still shine.
How do you express creativity on the set? What do you especially like about this process?
I never come to the set just to “stand beautifully”. I read references, think about the mood, create the inner story of the heroine. It’s important for me to feel the emotion that I’m conveying. I especially love the moments when improvisation comes into play, when the photographer says, “Forget about the technique, just feel.” That’s when the magic happens.
How do you feel about competition in the industry?
I see competition as a test of authenticity. Who are you? What are you here for? If you’re honest with yourself, no amount of competition can destroy you. I don’t compete with others, I strive to be the best version of myself. And that’s what helps me stay focused and calm.
In the age of filters and Facetune. What is true beauty to you?
True beauty lies in imperfection. In a mole, a scar, or a sparkle in the eyes. In a time when everyone is trying to conform to a standard, being yourself is an act of courage. I believe in beauty that touches, not just pleases. And I try to be that kind of beauty myself — alive, vulnerable, real.
How is the perception of luxury changing with the advent of fast fashion and mass-market brands?
Luxury is becoming quieter. It is moving away from logomania and ostentatious price tags towards meaning and quality. Today, luxury is about time, handcraft, history, and uniqueness. Fast fashion doesn’t kill luxury; it simply highlights those who truly appreciate the present. I believe that true luxury always has a future because it appeals to the heart, not to trends.
Styling: Anastasiia Kuchukhidze
Model: Vialina Lemann
