From mastering the art of movement as a rhythmic gymnast to dominating the world’s most glamorous runways, Vialina Lemann embodies grace, resilience, and growth. Born in Uzbekistan and later shaping her journey in Russia, she transitioned from an elite athlete—holding the esteemed title of Master of Sports—to a sought-after international model. Her striking presence has illuminated the catwalks of Paris Haute Couture Week, Milan Fashion Week among others, earning her recognition as a distinguished figure in the fashion industry. With an effortless blend of athleticism and elegance, she continues to captivate audiences and redefine modern runway aesthetics.
In this exclusive interview with L’Officiel Arabia, Vialina shares her inspiring journey from sports to high fashion, the discipline that continues to drive her success, and her vision for the future as a global icon.
Delna Mistry Anand: Your journey from rhythmic gymnastics to the world of fashion is fascinating. What was the transition like for you and what inspired you to take this path?
Vialina Lemann: The transition was very natural for me, although at first unexpected. Rhythmic gymnastics gave me not only physical training, but also an understanding of aesthetics, grace, the ability to work with the body and feel the rhythm – and all of this became an advantage in modelling. The inspiration came through my love for beauty and art, as well as a desire to keep exploring new facets of myself.
What were your early years in Uzbekistan like, before moving to Russia? And how did the cultural influences affect you - both as a person and as a professional?
The cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is rich in traditions, with a strong sense of family and a respect for our history. I believe that this created a sense of grounding within me, forming a combination of inner confidence and at the same time an openness to the world. Understanding my own culture helped to respect and adapt to different cultures, which has been very helpful in the international fashion industry.
It is a well-known fact that gymnastics requires incredible discipline and mental focus. Can you tell us how your training has helped you navigate the unpredictability of the fashion industry?
The sport has taught me patience, endurance, and the ability to work in a highly competitive environment. In modelling, just like in gymnastics, it is important to control yourself, maintain the pace, stay focused, and cope with stress. So definitely it gave me an advantage as I learned from very early years how to focus on the result and not lose myself in the chaos around me.
Of all the major runway walks you have done - Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and other major catwalks, is there any particular memory that stands out for you?
Every runway walk has been special in its own way, but perhaps the most memorable one for me was my first show in Paris. It was a mix of excitement and elation to know that I was standing on the same stage where legendary models once stood, and started their careers. It was a moment when I realized: yes, I am here and it’s just the beginning.
What advice would you give to those hoping to break into fashion, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and use your uniqueness to your advantage. It’s important not only to fit in, but also to stand out. Be prepared for challenges, but don’t let rejection get you down – fashion requires resilience. And of course, surround yourself with people who believe in you because support is so important.
What’s next for you? Do you have any exciting projects or collaborations you’d like to share with us?
I am always open to new opportunities and am happy to share that I have some interesting projects planned for the near future, not only related to modelling but also to creative collaborations. I am also thinking about bringing something of my own to the industry, perhaps through my own brand or creative initiatives. So stay tuned!
.JPG)
