Supermodel Lilya Kalkamanova @liliyakalkamanova represented by EMG Models @emg_models, photographed by Shiro Seike @shiloseike, stylist artist by Victoria Vas @victoria.vas, make-up artist by Monica Wu @monicamakeup22, and Hair by Tomoaki Sato @tomoaki_sato using ORIBE, exclusive shoot for Vanity Teen online!
What made you start your modeling career? I started my modeling career after I grew out of my previous job as an immigration lawyer. I have always been a creative person but my work in the legal profession made it difficult to fully express myself. So when the time came to move onward and upwards, my decision was an easy one and I started to search for a modeling agency.
What do you like the most about it and what have you achieved so far professionally? My favorite part about modeling is traveling. Through work, I have lived in Beijing, Singapore, Milan, Hong Kong, Paris, and NYC. In these travels, I’ve loved meeting amazing talented, and interesting people who have constantly inspired me both professionally and spiritually.
In my travels, I’ve also had the fortune of working with amazing brands like Emilio Pucci, Brunello Cucinelli, Armani, Bogner, and others. My work has appeared in Vogue Runway, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Vanity Fair, L’Officiel, and Marie Claire.
What’s it like to work for big fashion houses and publications? How did you achieve that? Working for big fashion houses is such a different experience because the entire team embodies the power and energy of a brand. My favorite brand I’ve ever worked with is Emilio Pucci. They have such a beautiful space in Milan. I feel unbelievably lucky to have been booked for this job. I do feel sometimes it’s better to go to castings earlier to make sure you can make a lasting impression before they see all the other beautiful ladies with who you are competing. My best advice? Always be working on your portfolio!
Besides modeling and fashion, what other hobbies do you like doing? My hobbies are all about spirituality. I started my spiritual path a couple of years ago when I decided to get a yoga teaching certificate. Since then, I’ve even taken courses on tarot readings! My main focus these days is my spiritual jewelry brand called The Dream Tail. I believe in dreams and I believe in people, so I hope my jewelry can help them believe in themselves.
How do you see yourself in the future? I’ve been always told that models finish their career at 25 y.o. I am an example that this is just a stereotype. I can definitely say that in this industry, it’s not about age it’s about passion. That’s why I definitely see myself still modeling at an older age or even with my future kids! I’ve always found it so cute to see moms waking up with their babies on runways like Dolce and Gabbana and Ralph Lauren.
gretes_ Shoes: BLACK SUEDE STUDIO @blacksuedestudio Headpiece: AGATA KAROBKA
@agata.karobka
Model: LILIYA KALKAMANOVA @liliyakalkamanova from EMG MODELS @emg_models
Stylist: VICTORIA VAS @victoria.vas
Makeup: MONICA WU @monicamakeup22
Hair: TOMOAKI SATO using ORIBE @tomoaki_sato
Photographer: SHIRO SEIKE @shiloseike