While the fashion industry is both a Kickstarter for the brightest talents and a rough place to be, one extremely important aspect is that many models start their careers at a very young age. According to the Model Alliance, 93% of professional models begin their journey before turning 21, and more than half – between the ages of 13 and 16. Living in constant competition, under high pressure and strict standards often leads to eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Ukrainian top model Viktoriia Solomentseva, a renowned industry expert who has worked for iconic brands such as Armani and Celine, began her career at 15 and knows first-hand the challenges faced by young models. Having overcome those obstacles herself, and now a mother of three girls, she is passionate about revolutionizing the industry for the better. She believes in a future where young stars have the opportunity for a fulfilling career without sacrificing their childhood and well-being. To make this happen, she plans to open a child modeling school in the US, where industry trends are set and even small changes can have a global impact.
Child modeling carries significant risks for young participants. Strict beauty standards enforced by designers and agencies can damage a child’s self-esteem and confidence. The intense competition and pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals can lead to physical and emotional distress, including problems such as body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Finally, being exposed to an adult environment at a young age can make children vulnerable to exploitation and harm.
Solomentseva’s modeling journey began in Ukraine, where, on her 15th birthday, she was scouted on the street by a modeling agency director. Subsequently invited to a casting, she left a lasting impression and officially stepped into the fashion world. The following year, at the age of 16, she embarked on her first modeling contract, a three-month assignment in China, a significant distance from her home and family. Upon her return, she managed to balance her emerging modeling career with her academic studies in Warsaw.
However, Viktoriia had to return to work and dedicate herself to modeling as her parents could no longer support her. Solomentseva’s persistence paid off as she landed multiple contracts with fashion houses, collaborated with renowned photographers, graced the pages of top glossy publications, and received invitations to prestigious beauty contests. Her talent began to be recognized, and her name became synonymous with success.
In 2017, Solomentseva won the Miss Beauty Spring 2017 national beauty pageant, claimed the Grand Prix at the Miss Perfect Beauty of the Universe international competition, and earned the title of Person of the Year at the Model International Silver Awards. She was also hailed among Ukraine’s most famous and successful people, honored as Top Model 2017 by the Caprice Awards, and named Woman of the Year 2017 by Fashion Life magazine.
Besides competing, this young star also served as a judge at the Miss Beauty Spring 2017 national beauty contest. This event welcomes aspiring models to participate, as well as industry professionals who have made a significant impact on the fashion world to serve as jurors.
Working with major global brands, Solomentseva has made a name for herself. She became the face of Celine’s advertising campaign in 2016, shot for Armani, became an indispensable ambassador of the British skincare brand Ambertan, and has graced the covers of prestigious publications such as Fashion Life Magazine, World of Style, Night Life, Silver Magazine, and Antvan Magazine. Since 2022, she has proudly represented British body cosmetics brand Amber Tan as an ambassador, actively promoting its products through integrated advertising campaigns.
Asked about the factors contributing to her success, Solomentseva cited the unconditional support of her parents and the challenges posed by her peers, who often criticized her appearance and belittled her accomplishments. While such criticism can be demoralizing for a teenage girl, for her, it served as motivation to excel and prove her capabilities.
“My persistence and determination drove me forward. Fearless when confronting risks, I accepted challenges head-on, preferring to tackle them as they arose. If an opportunity presents itself, take it. If it doesn’t pan out, it becomes an exhilarating adventure, and if it does, it means the fulfillment of your dreams,” she revealed to our correspondent.
As a highly sought-after model, Solomentseva effectively balances her career with the responsibilities of motherhood, proudly raising three daughters while remaining active in the fashion industry. In 2020, she was included in the Top 100 Best Models of the World. Alongside her own modeling endeavors, she is in the final stages of writing a book aimed at helping aspiring models who often embark on their careers at a very young age. In this book, she will share her personal tips and observations on how to succeed in the industry while maintaining mental well-being, reflecting her desire to improve the entire industry.
“I have a wealth of experiences to share with the world, and I am particularly eager to offer guidance to aspiring models, many of whom begin their journey at a young age. Through my book, I aim to impart the techniques and insights that have propelled me to significant success in the industry, from overcoming the nerves of an important show to the significance of networking in establishing a thriving modeling career,” Solomentseva explained.
In addition to her continued growth as a model, Solomentseva has plans to influence an entire generation by opening a modeling school for children in the United States, where children’s modeling is widespread. She aims to help young stars succeed in the public eye while fostering their mental well-being and advocating for fair working conditions.
“I want to show how to safely nurture children in the modeling industry, teach them how to present themselves and communicate professionally while still being children. We aim for young models to grow up as healthy individuals, have a good childhood, and develop a successful modeling career by the time they reach adulthood. I’m a successful woman and model. I started my career early, and now I have three beautiful daughters. I want other children to have the chance to become top models while their parents can feel at ease,” Solomentseva concluded.
Presented by Maria Williams
