NAME :
Valeria Dzhu.
OCCUPATION :
International Top Model.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN :
Bulgaria.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE :
The past three years, I’ve been balancing between the Middle East and Europe.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ASSIGNMENT :
I’m especially drawn to working with haute couture houses, where artistry, precision,
and heritage come together.
This season’s work for Rochas Paris was a standout for me, last week in Kuwait City
I had a trunk show for Burberry with the amazing stylist Hanya, I also enjoyed working for
Brunello Cucinelli with Marco Ferra. There’s something special about witnessing the couture
process, the savoir-faire, hand-finished detailing, and the transformation of the finest materials
into pieces that feel like living art. It’s a reminder of how fashion, at its highest level, is both
craft and emotion.
WHICH MODELS HAVE INSPIRED YOU :
As a perfectionist, I always look up to the
biggest names in the industry. I don’t have idols, but I do find inspiration in Bella Hadid in
terms of appearance, while for work ethics definitely Coco Rocha.
IF YOU COULD WORK WITH ANY PHOTOGRAPHER ALIVE OR DEAD,
WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE :
Definitely Tony Kelly. His bold style has a lot to do with my preferences in photography as a
fine art. We share the same classic taste. I love the way his work gives a playful, edgy vibe,
capturing both the beauty and the rebellious spirit of fashion. My second pick is
Nima Benati, her signature is beautiful.
YOUR FAVOURITE CLOTHING BRAND :
I don’t stick to just one brand. In fact, my favorite would probably be a brand of my own.
It’s been a challenge to find the right balance of quality, comfort, and elegance in one line,
and I see real potential in bringing those elements together through something personal and
thoughtfully made.
HEELS OR SNEAKERS :
100% heels for life. Anyone who knows me knows about my high heel obsession. As my mom
always says, “Valeria, you might have one outfit to wear, but heels, at least ten pairs.”
There’s just nothing that enhances a feminine posture and presence quite like a beautiful
pair of high heels.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS :
Honest, noble, and brave. Called my sister to answer this question, she replies you are love.
I think we all are love and light.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY :
Home, a warm, cozy atmosphere surrounded by my parents and cheerful family gatherings.
My dad was often filming me with a video camera, while my mom captured moments on film.
We used to go to the studio to print the photos, and I still remember the warmth of the paper.
Life felt different back then, slower, more authentic, and full of little joys. I still print photos in
this studio every now and then.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A KID :
Not going to lie, I was pretty executive and responsible as a kid. A calm child overall, barely a
troublemaker. I had zero stage fright, and I’ve been artistic and creative since kindergarten.
Teachers always trusted me with the main roles in plays and projects.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION :
My most treasured possession is a gold necklace from my great-grandmother. It’s handmade
with a tree of life and a butterfly—symbols of love, family, and dreams for the future. It reminds
me of my roots and what I stand for.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE :
I would play the role of myself. My modeling career found me in Nu Boyana Film Studios
in Sofia, Bulgaria, where I had small roles in American and European movies and TV series.
This was a hobby and extra pocket money to me back when I was a student. Fun times.
CHOOSE A SUPERPOWER :
Teleportation, so I could spend more time with the people I love in every free minute possible.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST TRAIT :
My worst trait is perfectionism, which comes from my zodiac sign. I always see the best possible
outcome and want to push just a little more for something even better. My toxic trait is happily
getting myself a gift each time I buy for others.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT :
I hardly compromise my beauty sleep, if I don’t get 8 hours of it I can’t function properly,
nor can anyone around me.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT :
Being found by my agent, Yolanta, which became a close friend of mine, was definitely a turning
point for me. The way she took the lead and created a whole map of my professional growth,
something I’ll be forever grateful for, she believed in my potential before polishing it.
This is big. My personal latest achievement is having a calm nervous system and being in control
of my inner voice. I’ve learned to set boundaries and say no, which took time, but it’s become
the foundation for a better life in every way.
DO YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS :
Yes, absolutely, I love anything that revolves around emotional intelligence, health, and
education. The last three I watched were incredibly inspiring: one with Madlen Algafari,
who specializes in analytical psychotherapy; another with Dr. Angie Kassabie, a renowned
longevity expert; and my favorite—an insightful conversation with Professor Lubomir Stoykov,
a respected Bulgarian cultural scientist, fashion journalist, PR, and media expert.
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE :
Reality shows late at night in bed, The Bachelor, especially! I’ve been following this season since
I was in Milan, and continued in Paris, and now I’m wrapping it up in Kuwait, haha!
But my most toxic guilty pleasure? Chips. Salty, crunchy, totally addictive… and absolutely
worth every workout that comes after.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU EVER STOLE :
Know-how. Skills, insights, little tricks of the trade, I soak them up like a sponge.
It’s the kind of stealing that makes you sharper, not guilty.
YOU ARE HEADING TO THE ISS / INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, CHOOSE
4 PEOPLE TO TAKE A LONG :
To keep the mood light and fun, definitely my sister. To truly enjoy the experience, my parents,
and to complete the picture, my partner so we can laugh about it when we’re old and wrinkled.
WHAT WOULD A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE :
Slow morning, sunlight, breakfast, and espresso in hand. I need a good work session and a solid
workout to feel grounded. End it with dinner by the sea, French wine, Mediterranean cuisine
in a special company. Simple.
IF YOU COULD BE FRIENDS WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER WHO WOULD IT BE :
Prince Akeem of Zamunda. Hilarious.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB :
I get to see the world, and no two days ever look the same. One moment I’m chasing light in a
new city, the next I’m pulling beauty from unexpected places. In a world that can feel heavy,
creating something visually powerful feels like a kind of rebellion—and I love that.
ARE THERE DAYS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO TO WORK :
I always say find a job you love, and it’s worth the headache. Of course, there are days I feel low,
especially when all the travel starts to wear on my immunity. But I’ve learned how to lift myself up,
whether it’s small rituals, a good playlist, or just taking a moment to be grateful.
That mindset shift makes all the difference.
Pro tip, call your mother. Always helps.
PICK YOUR TOP 5 MAGAZINES :
I rarely have time for physical copies, but when I Do pick one up, it’s usually Capital, Vogue,
or National Geographic.
WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ :
Effective business communication by Prof. Lubomir Stoykov.
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE :
LEGO heart.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU :
My pilates instructor, my playlist, and the fact that there is always room for improvement.
Being a good example for my younger sister also put me in a position where turning back is
not an option.
YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
The next one.
YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
Anywhere cold. Jokes aside, it’s never about the place, it’s about the energy,
the company, and the food.
WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST :
I try to live in a way that I don’t postpone dreams, I go for them as they come.
But, giving it a try now, I’d say to learn another foreign language.
DO YOU LIKE BEING INTERVIEWED :
It’s a balancing act between enjoying the moment and staying grounded.
IF YOU HAD A BOAT WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED :
Elisabeth.
YOUR MESSAGE :
Be awake and enjoy the beauty in the small
moments.
