Lera was shot exclusively for MODELS.com by Jun Yasui @ The Jaunties, with styling by Ayami Munakata, hair by Kazuki Fujiwara, and makeup by Mayumi Oda @ Calliste. Special thanks to Julie Murat.

interview

Name:
Lera Soldatova

Agency:
METROPOLITAN / M MANAGEMENT (Paris)
Also with: Grace Models Moscow (mother agency)

Age:
16

Height:
177cm (5’9.5″)

Instagram:
@unicorn_melody

Place of Origin:
Krasnoznamens, Moscow region, Russia

Ethnic Origin:
I can’t say it in proportions but in my family tree I have Ukrainian, Turk, Moldovan and of course Russian.

Birthsign:
Libra

How discovered:
When I was 12 I searched for mother agency in Moscow for myself and scout from one agency invited me for interview. At this time I met very good people who helped me in the future.

Favorite things:
Reading and listening to music because at this time I’m abstracted from the world and I can be my own self.

What are you listening to at the moment?
I fell in love with rock bands like Being as an ocean, Bring Me The Horizon and of course Disturbed (love them so much) etc and if I have special strange mood I can listen some K­POP bands like BIG BANG,BTS. 4Minute. I know that it looks very strange but it’s truth :)

Favorite movie, tv show:
My favorite movie is full­ length anime film Hotarubi no Mori e. When I watch it I cry like a baby.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
I always use fragrance with lemon or verbena. I’m obsessed with these smells. I use L’OREAL Paris beauty product everyday to keep my face skin clean and fresh without it I can’t start the day.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
Before model career I dreamt about job of English teacher but suddenly everything changed so I decided to become a professional translator.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
I collect small things which associated with important events from my life. I keep it in small box in my room (but shhhh it’s my secret)

Favorite modeling experience so far?
The most important work for me it was exclusive for Balenciaga. Many people believed in me so I tried to do my best. It was great experience.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
I miss Russian nature, forests, landscapes of birthplace. When I think about these it give me energy and inspiration for work.

Which brand would you really love to model for?
I love fashion world and I want to work with everyone from this world. Because all people have inimitable individuality and I want to take experience from working with everyone of them. Thanks to them I can open so much new things and knowledge for myself.

Place you would love to visit:
I dreamt about Paris for a very long time. And my dream has became truth so know I want to visit New York and I hope this dream will become truth very soon too.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
If say truth I’m obsessed about my school. Even if I do my homework while I’m staying in Paris I’m still worrying about teacher’s reaction on my work but I hope that they will understand and support me.