Via Lemann: Grace Under Fire

A former rhythmic gymnast turned model and actress, Via Lemann has conquered the runways of Paris and Milan as well as the Cannes red carpet, without ever relinquishing the discipline inherited from her sporting career. From movement to image, the Uzbek-born international model has continually reinvented the way she tells stories—and is now preparing to launch her own cosmetics brand. An unfiltered conversation.

Set: Yoland Fashion House,

Earrings: Graff.

Spécial Madame Figaro: When did you know you wanted to become a model? How were you discovered, or how did you take your first steps into fashion?

Via Lemann: My journey is quite unconventional. As a child, I dreamed of becoming an actress, as my entire youth was devoted to rhythmic gymnastics. The transition happened naturally at the end of my sporting career. Agencies had already approached me, but it was only then that I felt ready to translate my understanding of movement into a new form of art.

How did your beginnings as a professional athlete serve you once you became a model?

Rhythmic gymnastics requires immense dedication. It left me with iron discipline, endurance, and a deep awareness of my body in space. On a set or on a runway, you are essentially telling a story through physical form. Thanks to that athletic foundation, the demands of the profession—the long hours of shooting, the art of holding a perfect pose—felt completely natural to me.

What obstacles or challenges have you encountered in this profession?

The constant flights between cities such as Dubai and Paris, as exciting as they can be, can be exhausting for both body and mind. The greatest challenge was staying grounded internally while my surroundings changed every two or three days. You have to learn to carry a sense of home within you, as well as your own routine.

Earrings: Graff.

Your recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival alongside Kevin Spacey generated a lot of attention. Tell us about the experience.

It was an absolutely surreal and beautiful experience. Cannes has an undeniable magic to it—a true celebration of cinema at the highest level. What an honour and an inspiration it was to walk the red carpet surrounded by legendary figures, especially as I myself am increasingly moving towards acting.

What did you expect from the Cannes Film Festival?

I expected to immerse myself fully in the business side of cinema, but the reality exceeded all my expectations. Beyond the glamour, there were deep conversations with directors and actors, an opportunity to feel the pulse of global cinema and sense where it is heading.

Let’s return to fashion. How has your perspective on the business side of the industry evolved since you began?

At the beginning, you are simply a blank canvas. But over the years, by working closely with my team and my producer Vladimir, I have learned to embrace the ecosystem as a whole. This journey led me to the idea of creating my own cosmetics and skincare brand. I want to move from being an element within someone else’s vision to becoming the creator of my own.

On set, how do you embody different characters or emotions in front of the camera?

I draw heavily on literature, both classical and contemporary. I have always been fascinated by the psychological studies found in the works of authors such as Lermontov and the Brontë sisters. Whether I am doing a magazine shoot or preparing for a role, I try to understand the intimate psychology of the woman I am portraying.

Dress: Georges Hobeika.

Do you have a ritual that helps you get into the right mindset before a runway show or fashion shoot?

I rely heavily on movement and self-awareness. A short Pilates or yoga session helps recenter the body, while carefully preparing my skin with some of my favourite brands, such as Biologique Recherche and La Prairie, becomes a meditative ritual that sends a signal to the mind: it is time to get to work.

You have walked the runways of numerous Fashion Weeks, from Paris to Milan. What is your best memory? And your worst?

One of my best memories is my recent participation in Paris Haute Couture Week, particularly the Phan Huy show, where the artistry and craftsmanship were simply breathtaking. The worst moments are usually the invisible logistical nightmares: delayed flights, lost luggage, or having to battle traffic just minutes before showtime.

Fashion is a fast-paced and unpredictable world. How do you remain confident and grounded?

My inner circle keeps me grounded—my best friends, Macha and Sacha, who always remind me of who I am outside the industry. I also rely on my wellness rituals: tracking my recovery, yoga, and boxing help me maintain my balance, both physically and mentally.

Dress: Georges Hobeika.

Earrings: Graff.

How would you describe your style? How has it evolved over the years?

I would define it as timeless elegance enhanced by contemporary accents. In my early twenties, I experimented more; today, I gravitate towards a stronger aesthetic awareness: well-tailored pieces, sumptuous fabrics, and silhouettes that radiate quiet confidence.

Which designers do you admire?

I deeply admire heritage houses such as Chanel and Dior for their timeless grace, but I also appreciate the intricate and poetic work of younger couture designers such as Schiaparelli.

What are your major influences in fashion?

It is primarily strong, nuanced women who inspire me, both in cinema and in life. Women who combine profound intelligence with natural grace.

Dress: Georges Hobeika.

Earrings: Graff.

What impact does fashion have on young people, particularly young women? What advice would you give them?

Its influence is immense, which is precisely why having good guidance and the support of others matters so much. My advice is: do not let the image on a screen dictate your self-worth. Cultivate your mind, support other women and remember that true beauty is a reflection of character.

What gives you energy?

I draw my energy from a combination of intense physical activity, such as boxing, and deep intellectual rest, such as getting lost in a beautiful novel. Relaxing trips, like my recent stay in Mauritius, are also a wonderful way to reset.

Dress: Kamilia Purshie

Earrings: Graff.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I cherish moments of silence. I love immersing myself in a great book, spending time with my cat, Chloé, or simply being alone with my thoughts.

What would you say is your greatest quality?

I believe my greatest quality is empathy. It allows me to deeply connect with the people I work with, understand the characters I portray in front of the camera, and be a reliable source of support for those I love.

What are your best skincare, wellness, fitness and beauty tips?

Consistency is everything. My first piece of advice is to make sleep and recovery a priority—I even monitor my performance with a Whoop band. When it comes to training, a combination of Pilates for stretching and boxing for cardio is ideal. In beauty, invest in quality treatments suited to your needs, and never underestimate the importance of deep hydration.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

I would tell her: “Trust everything that happens to you.” When I ended my gymnastics career, I had no idea what the future held. But every step—from sport to modelling and then to cinema—prepared me perfectly for the next chapter.

Do you have any upcoming projects or passions you are currently dedicating yourself to?

I am incredibly excited about the months ahead! I am currently filming a crime thriller. At the same time, I am pouring my heart and soul into the launch of my own cosmetics and skincare brand.